2013 Subaru Forester official images

By Tim Beissmann
November 01st, 2012

FIND DEALS

The first official images of the 2013 Subaru Forester have been released ahead of the all-new medium SUV’s world premiere in Japan on November 13.

Uncovered in September in a series of leaked brochure images, the fourth-generation Forester shares much in common with the recently released Subaru Impreza small car and the high-riding Subaru XV crossover, with which it shares its basic underpinnings.

The all-new Subaru Forester will arrive in Australia in the first quarter of 2013, replacing the outgoing third-generation model, which has been on sale here since March 2008.

Subaru Australia managing director Nick Senior described the new Forester as the most significant generation of the car since the original from 1997.

“There is more change – substantial technical change – and innovation than ever before,” he said.

At 4595mm long, 1796mm wide, 1732mm tall and riding on a 2639mm wheelbase, the new Subaru Forester is 35mm longer, 24mm wider and 1mm taller than the current model, and is 32mm longer between the wheels. Rear-seat legroom and boot space have both increased, while ground clearance remains unchanged at 220mm.

Entry-level Forester variants (pictured above) will carry over the existing car’s 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, which produces 126kW of power and 235Nm of torque. The engine will be available with either a six-speed manual or a continuously variable transmission (CVT).

The high-performance Forester XT (pictured top) scores a new 2.0-litre direct injection turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine, which generates 186kW of power at 5600rpm and 350Nm of torque between 2000-4800rpm (up 17kW/30Nm from the current 2.5-litre turbo). The engine is teamed exclusively with a CVT, which Subaru says features both six-speed and eight-speed manual modes.

A diesel option will also be offered in Australia, although the local division is yet to announce the full details of its powertrain line-up.

Although few consumers in the medium SUV market have serious off-roading ambitions, Senior said the new Forester would be more capable off the beaten track than ever before.

“It’s a vehicle that could have been designed specifically for the Australian lifestyle,” he said. “It’s all-road, all conditions, all seasons and this new one will go further than any previous Forester.”

With a cabin that appears almost identical to the Impreza and XV, the new Forester is set to offer smartphone integration, navigation and a rear-view camera as standard throughout the range.

The Subaru Forester is the Japanese manufacturer’s best-selling vehicle of all time in Australia, with more than 169,000 delivered to the end of October.

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Tex

Disaster, again.

GLOBAL DESIGNER NEEDS THE SACK!
- James
  
  How is it a disaster? I wouldn’t say it’s exactly beautiful, but I would go as far as to call it a disaster.
  - James
    
    *wouldn’t
  - Dave W
    
    I actually kinda liked the XT. It’s got a mean “get out of my way” look to it.
    
    Too bad it’s CVT only though. My brother who just bought the current Manual XT is not going to regret it now. CVT is only good for soccer moms.
  - Dave W
    
    I actually kinda liked the XT. It’s got a mean “get out of my way” look to it.
    
    Too bad it’s CVT only though. My brother who just bought the current Manual XT is not going to regret it now. CVT is only good for soccer moms.
    - supercujo
      
      I have a current model Liberty with the CVT and it is much better than the old auto. It’s not a bad gearbox, manual mode is fun when you want it to be though.
      - Dave W
        
        Oh I’m sure it’s adequate. I just think that DCT would’ve been the better choice given that the XT is a bit sportier and more powerful. I would still prefer manual though, more involving drive.
      - Huwtm
        
        I think it looks like it has some BMW DNA in it’s sides. Woeful.
    - Alpha
      
      350NM through a CVT? Wonder how long that will last!?!
  - Alpha
    
    Just looks like a bigger outback.
Monk

Better looking than the rest of their offerings (except STI Rex)
- Jober As A Sudge
  
  Hatchback STI Rex
  - Monk
    
    Agreed – though the sedan is growing on me a little… right on my left shoulder – a hideous growth!
Benji

Well they’re consitent I’ll give them that.
pixxxels

Looks alright. Unmistakably a Forester, thats for sure. The fog-lights on the XT look oddly low and out of place. Definitely some Rav-4 vibes from the rear.

Hate CVTs, but it’d have to work pretty hard to be worse than the god-awful 4-speed auto it replaces.

That is all.
- Zaccy16
  
  agreed, looks better than the korean looking previous gen! CVT is horrible but just better than the 4 speed auto! its a big shame that all these jap companys are going done the CVT path, at least mazda has improved the normal auto and have made one of the best normal torque converter autos, drove one in 3 skyactiv recently and was very impressed!
Simon Toyne

Hyundai Tuscon… especially around the nose and mouth. Not the iX35 but it’s fugly predecessor.
AW

CVT only for XT? Sorry Subaru, after 2 Foresters – I’m going to an Octavia RS Wagon.
- Zaccy16
  
  very good pick, the rs is very underated
- Justin
  
  ”Entry-level Forester variants (pictured above) will carry over the
  existing car’s 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, which produces
  126kW of power and 235Nm of torque. The engine will be available with
  either a six-speed manual or a continuously variable transmission (CVT)”
  - AW
    
    That’s all well and good Justin, but before you begin pointing out things, perhaps read my comment and the selected piece of text again. I am discussing the XT, not the entry level models!
    
    I’ll add the correct text for your benefit:
    
    “The high-performance Forester XT (pictured top) scores a new 2.0-litre
    direct injection turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine, which
    generates 186kW of power at 5600rpm and 350Nm of torque between
    2000-4800rpm (up 17kW/30Nm from the current 2.5-litre turbo). The engine
    is teamed exclusively with a CVT, which Subaru says features both
    six-speed and eight-speed manual modes.”
    - Justin
      
      Awww.. sorry my bad.
3D4

I think it looks ok.. XT especially
3D4

I think it looks ok.. XT especially
Waggaclint

Ive been waiting on this one, Looks alright, good improvment on the interior and hopefully the plastics etc are softer than the current Forester? Pity they have dropped the bonnet scoop on the XT…

“It’s a vehicle that could have been designed specifically for the Australian lifestyle,” he said. “It’s all-road, all conditions, all seasons and this new one will go further than any previous Forester.”

Soundslike the offroad abilty will be better??
- craig
  
  I hope so, this would be a big selling point to me vs a RAV4, Sorento or Santa Fe. I don’t mind the new Forester at all, Subarus are usually a bit quirky even when done well.
auto

I would not recommend a CVT, of any brand, to my worst enemy.
Wile E Coyote

meh
soooooUGLY

looks just OK. too many lines IMHO.
Guest

dafuq. looks like a raised XV
Zaccy16

i wonder if that 2.0 direct injection turbo charged in the XT is going to be in the brz sti?
Showtime

If the top image is the XT turbo does this mean that the top-mount intercooler is no more for Subaru? If that’s the case then that is a damn shame as the hood-scoop is very iconic amongst turbo Subarus
- davie
  
  The new engines (FA20T ??) turbo design may be similar to the current Liberty GT engine (at the front of the engine) which would make a front mount IC the simplest option from a piping and lag minimisation perspective?
  
  I do agree that TM IC are a Subaru Icon which they are silly to throw away.
Dudeface

Why oh why would you limit the sporty version to a god-awful CVT? Who makes these decisions??
- Zaccy16
  
  Someone who doesn’t know the meaning of a ‘sport model’
- davie
  
  I’m guessing that Subaru don’t have a current 6 speed manual gearbox which can handle the torque and also be cheap enough to make?
  
  The old XT and WRX gearbox is a 5 speeder, not good enough from a marketing perspective
  
  The new 6 speeder is a split case design and prone to twisting with too much torque so probably not strong enough for 350 NM
  
  The STI 6 speeder seems to be a heavier stronger unit but probably costs too much to be used at this price point.
  
  Also, Americans (main market) don’t buy many manuals…
  - Dave W
    
    F**k the Americans. Their idea of sports driving is slamming down the accelerator in between traffic lights.
    
    Anyway, shouldn’t manual gearbox be simpler and therefore easier and cheaper to make than something like a CVT or DCT?
Rosco

Looks chunkier than the current version…but not better…& not too happy about the CVT.
Not as many alternatives around when I bought my Forester 4 yrs ago so I’m pretty sure I’ll be switching brands in a few months.
- Nasal Explorer
  
  Switch now. Get that monkey off your back.
JamesB

Foresters always looked dorky, and this is no exception. The XV is a neatly designed car, but deriving a bigger vehicle from it just went wrong. I’m also a bit sceptic on the CVT being able to handle that much torque. A dual-clutch or traditional manual would certainly be better suited.
- 5reasonreviews.com
  
  Yep – about as exciting as a yawn
Schn

I think the Foresters are those with better designs. They’ve been careful to not mess with the design too much. It’s been consistent. Now, maybe they should have not messed with the Liberty/Legacy so much… that was a rather handsome car.
F1orce

The Rav4 V6 blows away the Forester Turbo
- Golfmother
  
  HAHAHA now you are away with the faires , might just do it in a straight line in auto form , first corner good night toyota .
  - Jober As A Sudge
    
    Can’t believe it but have to agree with Legnab here. Point a RAV4 at a corner and it’s all over red rover. Foz out points a RAV4 anyday
    - F1orce
      
      Ok I forgot to put that the Rav4 V6 blows away the Forester Turbo in straight line.
      - Waggaclint
        
        Dont think so current Subaru XT 0-100 7.1 Rav4 0-100 7.4 and to ad Subaru Forester S-Edition 0-100 6.5
      - Alpha
        
        The new model will probably be even quicker with more power, torque and less weight.
    - Golfmother
      
      Have a red on me judge .
Unidexter Hopping

Looks horrible… No thanks Subaru.
80′s Robot

Slightly better than the previous model, but still looks like a bucket of sick.
JD

looks uglier each year
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=687966531 Steven Hambleton

Looks like they’ve retained the offset pedals and driving position. I’m sure the same horrible front seats will remain. It’s just not made for taller people.

The paintwork is poor and the panels are made from foil (dent too easily).I’ll be switching out to another brand in the next couple of years.
- Waggaclint
  
  If your Subaru is so Bad why did you buy it??
  - craig
    
    I agree with him. He has obviously found out the hard way, by buying one previously. How else are you supposed to know the paint is poor and the car is a bit tinnier than what you thought? I have had 2 new Subarus before, a 2000 Forester GT (top little car) and a 2004 Liberty GT, and the Forester was better built and felt more solid. The current Forester feels tinnier even though we are 12 years down the track.
    - http://www.facebook.com/ron.kendall.31 Ron Kendall
      
      Tell me what new vehicle has “solid panels” and thick paint in 2013??
      All new vehicles are made from high tensile steel sheet for additional panel strength – thus the “tinny” feel.
      Paint is minimal thickness on every new car built – bean counters run car manufacturing companies, remember?What do you want, the “clunk” of thick mild steel tinwork, such as on early model Holdens? The early model cars that used thick mild steel panels only carry unwanted weight, and they don’t have the crash strength of HT steel.
  - Huwtm
    
    You don’t find out some of those things till you own a car.
super char

Needs a new efficient engine in the standard car to be revolutionary
- Hung Low
  
  Many of these rack up some pretty high mileage out in the country. The simpler engine tech have proven their worth with longevity.
Norm

Now for all you Skoda bashers….THIS is ugly.
whatthe…

Are the crappy Geolander tyres still standard? These tyres have set the car back since its inception.
Tommo617

Don’t know why there are so many CVT bashers out there. Have had a CVT Outback since the model came out. A massive improvement over the clunky 4sp auto of the previous gen (and stillused in the current Forrester) and it works efficiently. There is no real noticable difference from driving a ‘normal’ auto, and if you want to you can override it anyway with the steering wheel paddles or the stick.

Yes, a DCT auto might be ‘sportier’, but it is probably heavier and some pers don’t like how they operate at low speeds. It’s a matter of horses for courses. Of course a manual for the XT would be preferable, but Subaru isn’t a massive company with a bottomless pit of funding for development – hence the use of engines and drivetrains across several models.
- Hung Low
  
  Agree, Cvt boxes are brilliant behind a motor with decent torque like the XT. They do not need to wind up as much, super smooth, efficient and always in the power band and right ratio when overtaking. As a daily driver, they run rings over a clunk o Rama dsg and most conventional autos. Their failure is trying to adapt as a sporty gearbox, where the simulated gears just don’t cut it.
  - JamesB
    
    The CVT is good for normal applications, certainly better than any 4-speed auto. But it isn’t a performance transmission. You want to have real kick in a fast car, so dual-clutch, if not manual, is better suited.
SirRob

Canberra Greenies will be cheering! Oh look, we don’t have to go back to Volvo!! Another crappy handling car we can drive on a dirt road with and do 20 under the limit with our face against the windscreen!!!

Rant over.
BP

It’s looks may scare children
Raz

Larger, slower, uglier, and to top it up it only comes with a scooter transmission (XT). This is why I have not upgraded to the current version, and it looks like it won’t happen with this one either. The second generation XT was the best Forester they made so far, it was quick, used little fuel and looked the part.

I thought that there are enough large SUVs on the market, so Subaru can go back to the drawing board and make one that I would like to drive. But no, they are going to make just another school bus.
- Blitzkrieg
  
  I guess your not going to please all of the people all of the time
  but Subaru have sold 169000 forresters so far.
  I reckon the new 6 speed manual,more interior room,softer touch plastics
  and more offroad ability is improving the breed.
  I think it will sell well.
Dash8

What the hell is it with cvts these days….does anybody actually like them??
- http://www.facebook.com/ron.kendall.31 Ron Kendall
  
  The Subaru CVT is great transmission, and it makes manual transmissions look like they came out of the Ark. My stepdaughter has a new Outback, I’ve driven it numerous times, up to 300km country trips – and the CVT transmission is fantastic. The Outback only sips fuel with a light foot, but the power is instantaneous when you floor it. The fuel savings alone are worth going with the CVT. There’s no constantly trying to get smooth changes as with manual trannys, the power application is just smooth and steady.
Subeylover

as a forester and liberty owner looking to upgrade i was watching this release keenly but am disspaointed by the stop start system which no one else seems to have picked up on. sure u can turn it off everytime u start the car but what about being able to permanentlly disengage it. stop-start plus cvt would be god awful when trying to make quick moves like lane changes and entering roundabouts – i hope the service folk can switch off the start stop (it only saves a few ml of fuel anyway – what a joke!).
Subeylover

as a forester and liberty owner looking to upgrade i was watching this release keenly but am disspaointed by the stop start system which no one else seems to have picked up on. sure u can turn it off everytime u start the car but what about being able to permanentlly disengage it. stop-start plus cvt would be god awful when trying to make quick moves like lane changes and entering roundabouts – i hope the service folk can switch off the start stop (it only saves a few ml of fuel anyway – what a joke!). i would be keen to hear comments from current impreza owners who have to put up with this awful drivetrain combination….
- http://www.facebook.com/ron.kendall.31 Ron Kendall
  
  The stop-start system only works when you come to halt and it’s designed for stop-start city driving, where it can save a lot of fuel if you’re waiting a minute or two at a time, at several sets of lights that are close together.
  It can be turned off by the driver if the driver so desires. It’s not a hassle, the system works smoothly, and the only downside is the 1 or 2 second delay when you go to move off, as the engine starts again. Perhaps the only downside might be a somewhat shorter starter life.
therob

subaru along with honda have remained stuck in 2002 with their design language where as mazda and suzuki have at least tried to step outside ‘safe’ design and moved forward into what young professionals in 2012 would like to spend their money on (if a japanese car was on their radar).
- Blitzkrieg
  
  the cx5 also has it share of baggers who dislike its shape.
  I haven’t read an SUV release by a manufacturer where people don’t say
  it’s ugly this or ugly that.Whatever shape they make they can’t win.
Nemi

Sabaru needs to hire a new designer. From this pic, it’s horrible from inside to outside.
Sam

Ugly. Makes the Volvo SUV look like a supermodel!
SubaFail

CVT in a ‘performance’ variant = another FAIL for Scoobadoo. No manual for diesel, and this CVT rubbish that keeps on being provided is no wonder dealers are not that keen on being franchised with this lost-the-plot brand.
Nada

I officially hate it, again.
Justin

It has a simple boxy and unpretentious look with a proven track record for outback driving.. it won’t win any beauty contest but IMHO you don’t really drive this car to look good either.
Stefan

Yawn again Subaru.
Redback

Seriously, – just fire the turkey in charge of Subaru’s styling studios and employ a sighted person instead.
- Huwtm
  
  Sub and Honda are getting there staff from the same blind institute
Sam

Woohoo!! My 2012 resale has increased!! Thanks Subaru…
Zippa28

I like the current model better. This one is trying to hard to move up in the SUV market , Forester has its own place and should stay there.
Mohammed Smith

Not a bad looking vehicle. It’s problem is that the sheet metal is more like Alfoil …. dents galore people!
Hyo

Nest to stick with the current XT or the S edition