Subaru Forester gets $1000 price cut

The new price makes the Subaru Forester 2.0i manual at least $1000 cheaper than its key competitors including the Ford Kuga ($31,490), Holden Captiva ($33,990), Kia Sportage ($31,990), Mazda CX-5 ($32,880), Mitsubishi Outlander ($32,890), Nissan X-Trail ($32,890), Renault Koleos ($38,990), Suzuki Grand Vitara ($30,990) and Toyota Rav4 ($34,690).

Powered by a 110kW/198Nm 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, the base model Forester teams a six-speed manual transmission with Subaru's all-wheel-drive technology.

There’s no automatic option for the 2.0i variant, requiring buyers after a self-shifter step up to the 126kW/235Nm Forester 2.5i, which at $32,990, comes with a continuously variable transmission (CVT).

Standard equipment on the Forester 2.oi includes 17-inch steel wheels, roof rails, climate control air conditioning, electric folding rear seats, rear-view camera, multifunction steering wheel and Bluetooth phone and music streaming.

While all Subaru Foresters have a five-star ANCAP safety rating, Subaru is yet to offer capped-price servicing across its range, the exception being the two-door BRZ sports car.