SUBARU INTRODUCES SECOND-GENERATION FORESTER SUV FOR 2003

Other standard safety features include three-point seatbelts for all five seating positions (height-adjustable on the four outboard positions) and headrests for all rear seat positions. The 2003 Forester comes equipped with the LATCH system (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) for securing specially equipped child seats in the rear seat. Like its predecessor, the 2003 Subaru Forester is equipped with 8 km/h impact bumpers. In contrast, the bumpers on some SUVs offer little or no protection in low-speed collisions, contributing to high repair costs.

Packaging Efficiency Improved for Comfort

While retaining its "right size" dimensions, Subaru engineers optimized passenger room and comfort in the new-generation Forester. The front seats feature more supportive bolstering for greater lateral support when cornering. The front seats provide an additional fore/aft adjustment step that adds 13.5 mm to seat travel. The driver?s seat height adjustment now uses a single control knob, and its adjustment range has been increased. The range of the standard tilt-adjustable steering column has been increased as well.

A motorcycle-style instrument gauge panel, shared with the Impreza series, adds a sporty touch while keeping all vital signs easily visible to the driver. The standard digital clock has been relocated to the centre dash panel for better visibility. Forester models equipped with the optional four-speed automatic transmission feature a new gated-style shifter along with a gated-style gear indicator in the gauge panel to help prevent inadvertent selection of the wrong gear, as well as imparting a sporty feel to the driver. Audio systems in both models are set off by a new silver metallic trim bezel.