2009 Subaru Forester – 2008 Detroit Auto Show
January 15, 2008 by Alborz Fallah
2009 Subaru Forester – 2008 Detroit Auto Show
The new Subaru Forester has changed shapes, moving away from Subaru’s rather odd styling, the MY09 model now looks like a small-medium SUV than a tall wagon.
According to Subaru the company had no intentions on making the new model bigger than its predecessor but had to compete with Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4 which have both grown in recent years.
The new model is 9omm longer than the current shape while gaining double-wishbone rear suspension.
We will bring you a comprehensive review of the new model when it launches in Australia next month.
Click on images to enlarge.
Print it: 
Hopefully they’ll have a diesel ready for the European launch otherwise they only sell two of this model as well. Heh Heh.
Its not a bad looking thing but its a shame it now looks pretty much indistinguishable from the CRV/Outlander/Rav4 brigade. I loved the old Forester precisely because it didn’t look like the competition. Oh well, I guess this will find a bigger market than the old one.
The profile looks like the old Forrester with the exception of the smoothed sharp edges. And another thing, since whats with that name – “Forrester?” Definately sounds like someone’s lastname.
Doesn’t sound like someone’s last name when it’s spelled correctly. Sounds like a car that’s good to drive in the forest.
Subaru does a mitsubishi. You can make a car bigger while keeping its own unique styling traits. Unfortunately subaru decided its easier just to copy what every one else is doing, and then blame them for getting bigger and fatter. Shame.
the front shape reminds me of Nissan Miurano.
whats with subaru? their styling seems to be getting worse and tasteless. the last model was much visually appealing. compare mitsubishi and mazda which look better and fiercer for their purpose. the interior has little touch up, otherwise looks plastic all round.
check out honda.
i am terribly disappointed with suby. and consider the price tag you pay.
Well Subie designers have nearly completed their demolishion of once was an interesting / individual product range. The only model not buggered up in my opinion is still the Liberty. I wonder when they will complete a total trash that too. Too bad Subie,I reckon you’ve all lost the plot, but you’d probably argue that I’ve lost the plot. Well, you lost 2 sales to me lately, and I thought I was Subie thru and thru. So sad. Boring looking cars now… Tribecca 2/10, Impreza 3/10, Forester 3/10, Outback 6/10, Liberty 9/10. cheers.
While everyone is commenting about the mainstream styling of the new Forester and its increase in size, has anyone noticed it appears that the dual range transmission is no longer available. While it didn’t make the Forester (and Impreza) a rock hopping off roader it certainly was very handy in tricky or steep situations. It was one of the unique features that now seems like another victim of cost cutting. Not only is the styling going mainstream but also the engineering!
Dual range? all the pics ive seen, here and elsewhere have only been of the automatic, which has not had dual range, just like the outback. The current model manuals however are equiped with the dual range box.
Not a bad looking car but subaru has got it wrong with their choice of interior materials..what the hell is that cheap plastic inside the new impreza and new forester?
howdy
just read your comment of the new 09 forester dated 15 jan
and said you would bring a comprehensive review next mth its april 19 and wondering when you going to do that comprehensive soon?
cheers
dan