Class-leading features for new Forester turbo diesel

Subaru's widely-acclaimed new Boxer Diesel engine is now available in the new Forester where it is expected to account for 80 per cent of sales and eventually turn it into Subaru's best-selling model.

First introduced in the Legacy and Outback in May, the 2.0 litre, four-cylinder horizontally-opposed Boxer Diesel engine offers outstanding refinement and throttle-response plus exceptional handling thanks to its light weight and low centre-of gravity.

Meanwhile, the Boxer Diesel Forester's 186 kph top speed and 10.4 second 0-100 kph time makes it one of the swiftest of SUVs while the extra engine torque allows a full 2,000 kg braked towing limit.

Based on the platform of the new Impreza, the Forester features a new multi-link rear suspension, fuel-saving electric power steering and Subaru Vehicle Dynamics Control.

Now closer in size to its less agile SUV competitors, the completely new Forester is 75 mm longer, 45 mm wider and gains 110 mm in height.

Rear legroom grows by 95 mm, the driver's eye-line is 30 mm higher, while the load space is now 450 litres with the rear seat up – 63 litres more than the previous model.

But while the ground clearance is now 10 mm greater at 215 mm, the engine itself sits 10 mm lower. This, coupled with the inherent low centre-of-gravity of the boxer engine, gives exceptionally agile handling.

Equipment And Design

Expected to be a strong seller, the Forester turbo diesel comes with a comprehensive list of standard equipment including four electric windows; 60/40-split rear seats with reclining back-rests; climate-control air-conditioning; front fog lamps; vehicle information display; height and reach-adjustment steering wheel; leather-covered steering wheel, handbrake and gear-lever; heated front seats, mirrors and windscreen wipers, cruise-control, roof-rails,17x 7.0 ins alloy wheels with 225/55 tyres; premium audio system featuring a six-stacker CD-player and seven speakers; roof spoiler; HID headlamps and a large, electrically-powered sun-roof.

Other premium touches include a gas strut-assisted bonnet, flowing fascia design, double-stitched seat cloth, metallic interior decoration and padded armrest cushions.

The instruments are also sporty thanks to their clear design and subtle lighting while the extensive vehicle information display includes a fuel consumption indicator highlighting the new Forester's much improved efficiency.

Now, the new Forester boasts a clean, chiselled appearance with multi-grooved wheel-arches, hawk-eye headlamps and aggressive bumpers. Thought has even been given to the chunky exterior door handles which have deep recesses to allow winter glove-wearers an easier grip.

Boxer Diesel Secrets Explained

• Exceptionally compact, light and strong
• Low friction ‘Boxer' balance cancels out vibration
• Flat four's low centre-of-gravity boosts handling agility
• Punchy throttle response
• Common-rail fuel-injection for greater efficiency
• Solenoid injectors for compactness
• Variable-vane turbocharger mounted under engine for low centre-of-gravity
• Highly efficient, fast-warm catalytic converter also mounted under engine

Dedicated to the horizontally-opposed ‘boxer' engine layout for over 40 years, Subaru engineers were determined to use this format for their first diesel engine.

The reasons were to create a light, compact, strong unit with reduced vibration, noise and internal friction compared to an in-line engine and for an ultra-low centre-of gravity.

This enhances handling agility and roadholding – especially when combined with Subaru's renowned symmetrical all-wheel drive system.

The entire engine and transmission are not only mounted very low down but also within the wheelbase which further boosts chassis dynamics.

And with a minimum 45 kg weight increase over the 2.0 litre petrol engine, the boxer diesel actually lowers the centre-of-gravity.

Cancelled Out Vibration The 2.0 litre Boxer Diesel has a class-leading light weight, with the horizontally-opposed pistons effectively cancelling out the secondary harmonic vibration (vibration with twice the frequencies of the engine speed).

The crankshaft is short and highly rigid, minimising the vibrational noise of many diesel engines. And the superior balance of the horizontally-opposed engine means internal rotational inertia and friction are drastically reduced compared with an in-line engine.

Reduced internal friction means throttle response is exceptionally lively and in keeping with Subaru's sporty heritage.

Even More Compact Thanks to a bore pitch shortened from 113 mm to 98.4 mm, the overall engine block length is only 353.5 mm compared to the petrol's already compact 414.8 mm.

The block is of a rigid semi-closed deck design, while all five main bearings in the alloy cylinder block use metal composite supports for added strength and durability. It also enhances refinement, providing a similar thermal expansion to that of the crankshaft.

Extra water-cooling slits have been added between the cylinder bores, and the high-strength pistons are squirted with oil to enhance cooling. The large big ends of the connecting rods feature an asymmetrical profile for assembly precision and reduced friction.

The high-strength crankshaft has a special surface treatment to withstand the diesel engine's high combustion pressures while the uprated cylinder heads have roller rocker arms. In addition, the cam-drive is via a chain system, that better handles the variations in torque of a diesel engine.

Advanced Fuel-Injection And Turbocharger The new Boxer Diesel uses an advanced common-rail fuel-injection system, with the fuel being pressurised at 180 MPa before being fed into the common rail. This maximises efficiency, both in terms of power, fuel consumption and emissions.

Special, short-length solenoid injectors ensure the engine's width is no greater than that of the 2.0 litre ‘boxer' petrol unit, despite the diesel's longer piston stroke.

The variable nozzle turbocharger ensures the correct boost throughout the engine's rev-range and its low centre-of gravity position under the engine and close to the catalytic converters increases environmental performance.

The Boxer Diesel meets Euro4 emission standards thanks to oxidation catalytic converters and a particulate filter.

A new feature for the Forester is a DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter). This reduces PM (Particulate Matter) – the cause of black smoke – to the minimum.

Class-Challenging Performance. Class-Leading Economy And Emissions The new Boxer Diesel provides class-challenging performance thanks to its 147 PS at an ultra-low 3,600 rpm and a massive 258 lb ft torque at an accessible 1,800 rpm.

With a ‘square' bore and stroke of 86 mm and 16.3:1 compression ratio, the world's first Boxer Turbo Diesel provides effortless performance throughout a wide speed range, avoiding the breathless response of some diesels at high revs.

Top speed and the 0-100 kph times are among the best in the compact SUV class at 186 kph and 10.4 seconds while – even more importantly – in-gear flexibility leaves most competitors trailing thanks to strong mid-range torque and the carefully-chosen ratios of the new six-speed manual gearbox.

New Six-Speed Manual Gearbox The new Boxer Diesel Forester boasts a new six-speed manual gearbox with optimised ratios for quiet, refined high-speed cruising and flexible low-speed manoeuvres.

Symmetrical All-Wheel-Drive Uprated As with previous models, the Forester enjoys Subaru's acclaimed full-time all-wheel drive transmission.

In addition, the new Forester benefits from Subaru Vehicle Dynamics Control as standard.

This advanced system uses sophisticated sensors to detect side-to-side and front-to- rear slip plus sudden steering movements. It controls oversteer/understeer and potential loss of control by braking individual wheels and cutting engine revs – all in milliseconds.

The Forester's quick-thinking full-time AWD system splits power 50/50 front to rear. However, as soon as slip is detected, the centre differential with its viscous-coupling distributes torque to the axle with the most grip. This happens in milliseconds.

Passenger And Pedestrian Safety Boost Both occupants and pedestrians are well protected by the new Forester thanks to a whole series of safety measures aimed at achieving the highest standards of both occupant and pedestrian safety.

Curtain and side airbags are now fitted to all models together with driver and passenger airbags. The front seatbelts have pre-tensioners, anti-whiplash front head restraints are standard and the front seats have energy-absorbing backs.

The brake pedal is energy-absorbing, being designed to snap away under severe impact, protecting the driver's lower limbs. In the rear seat are two ISOFIX-compatible child seat mountings.

The passenger airbag is dual-stage which provides progressive protection matched to the severity of the impact and the standard anti-lock brakes (ABS) come with electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD). This juggles the braking force between front and rear wheels according to load shifts during deceleration. Unlike the previous model, the new Forester has front ventilated disc brakes and solid rear discs.

High tensile steel of varying thickness is used extensively throughout the body, providing good crushability where needed while protecting the passenger area.

Not only does the elimination of the previous Forester's front subframe reduce body weight by 20 kg but the new structure better dissipates front impact forces.

Much careful thought has been given to enhance pedestrian protection. Because the Forester is a higher car, more space has been made between the bonnet and catch, while the bonnet itself has been designed to spread impact load over its entire surface.

The rear of the bonnet compresses easily and the cowl ahead of the windscreen is designed to dissipate collision energy.

A new shock-absorbing plate has been installed ahead of the front bumper beam to reduce pedestrian leg injuries. This new design meets European pedestrian safety regulations while retaining the off-road approach angle expected of an SUV.

Outstanding Ride Plus Driver-Focussed Handling A sophisticated all-wheel drive system coupled with low-friction, long travel four-wheel independent suspension and low-centre of gravity ‘boxer' engines have all contributed to the Forester's reputation for outstanding chassis dynamics – far removed from conventional SUVs.

Now for the new model, Subaru has devised a completely new platform with a 90 mm longer wheelbase, tracks widened by 35 mm front and 45 mm rear and a sophisticated multi-link, double wishbone rear suspension. In addition, to further improve handling and roadholding, the position of the ‘boxer' engine has been dropped by 10 mm, lowering the centre of gravity still further.

Other changes include a new fuel-saving electric power steering system with more rigid mounting and new design of MacPherson strut front suspension.

The result is a highly-absorbent ride with precise geometry control for accurate straight-line running over uneven road surfaces backed by extremely responsive steering and handling.

The rear multi-link, double wishbone suspension liberates more luggage space thanks to its compactness compared to the previous rear strut arrangement.

Because it is attached to a sub frame via bushes, with the mounting section moved to under the floor itself, road noise is reduced.

The rear springs and shock-absorbers are mounted behind the centre-line of the rear wheels, with the wheel stroke itself moving rearwards – all helping ride comfort. A rear anti-roll bar is standard.

Like all previous Foresters, the rear suspension features self-levelling which aids stability when laden and ensures a constant ground clearance – now a substantial 215 mm – 10 mm greater than before.

At the front, the previous sub frame has been eliminated, saving 20 kg in body weight yet a new box-section for the front cross-member provides the same level of rigidity.

The new MacPherson strut and anti-roll bar layout is based on that used by the highly-praised Legacy and new Impreza. It offers high lateral rigidity which improves steering response and cornering stability.

This is further enhanced by an especially rigid mounting for the steering rack and the positioning of the steering gearbox and electric motor below the rack for a more consistent feel. Furthermore, special suspension bushes and attachment points reduce road shock.

The steering gear ratio has been changed for a sportier feel while the rack diameter is increased from 23 to 26 mm. The result is a more linear feel to steering inputs.

The front damping has been firmed up with the steering, to sharpen handling and compensate for the 45 kg increase in engine weight.

Wheel and tyre sizes have been optimised for the new Forester's chassis and anticipated all-terrain use. The new Forester 2.0 Turbo diesel is fitted with 17" alloy wheels and 225/55R17 tyres.

Generous Warranty All models marketed by Subaru Ireland come with the reassurance of a three year or 160,000 kilometres warranty, plus twelve year anti-corrosion cover and three year paintwork warranty.

This is in addition to three year's membership of Subaru Assist – a comprehensive home and roadside repair and recovery package throughout Ireland and Europe administered by Mapfre Asistencia.

SUSPENSION
Front	Independent MacPherson strut-type, coil springs, L-shaped transverse link strut, anti-roll bar
Rear	Independent, multi-link, double wishbones, coil springs, anti-roll bar, self-levelling
STEERING
Type	Rack and pinion, electric power assistance with motor and gearbox rigidly mounted below steering system
BRAKES	Dual circuit diagonally split hydraulic system with pressure limiting valve and vacuum servo. Front and rear disc brakes, front ventilated. Standard four-channel, four-sensor ABS plus EBD
WHEELS	17 x 7.0 ins alloy
TYRES	225/55 R17
ELECTRICAL
Battery	12V 52 Ah
Alternator	12V 75 A

Specifications for 09MY Forester Diesel Passenger Car (XS)

Standard Features	2.0 TD XS
Front Fog	S
17" Alloy Wheel	S
Roof Rail	S
Roof Spoiler	S
HID Head Lamp	S
Seat Heater	S
Wiper De-Icer	S
Heated Mirror	S
Cruise Control	S
Side & Curtain Airbag	S
6CD 7 Speaker Audio	S
Steering Wheel Audio Controls	S
Full Auto A/C	S
Leather Steering Wheel	S
Leather Gear Knob	S
Leather Hand Brake	S
VDC	S
Sunroof	S

Performance Data for 09MY Forester Diesel

Displacement cc	1998
Transmission (All Wheel Drive)	6MT
Fuel Injection System	common rail
Turbocharger	variable nozzle turbo
Diesel Particulate Filter System (DPF)	closed
Max. Power (DIN)  kW / rpm	108/3600
PS / rpm	147/3600
Max. Torque (DIN) Nm / rpm	350/1800-2400
kgfm / rpm	35,7/1800-2400
0 - 100 km Acceleration sec.	10.4
Max. Speed km / h	186
Fuel Consumption - urban  L/100 km	7.4
- extra-urban  L/100 km	5.9
- combined      L/100 km	6.4
CO2 Emissions  - urban G/km	195
- extra-urban G/km	156
- combined G/km	170
Annual Road Tax	€ 430
Tax Band	D
Coefficient of Drag (Cd-value)	0.37
Cargo Volume (acc. To VDA method)
V11 (seats up) litre	450
V14 (seats down) litre	1610

Specifications for 09MY Forester Turbo Diesel Commercial

Standard Features	2.0 TD Commercial
Front Fog	S
17" Alloy Wheel	S
Roof Rail	S
Roof Spoiler	S
HID Head Lamp	S
Seat Heater	S
Wiper De-Icer	S
Heated Mirror	S
Cruise Control	S
Side & Curtain Airbag	S
6CD 7 Speaker Audio	S
Steering Wheel Audio Controls	S
Full Auto A/C	S
Leather Steering Wheel	S
Leather Gear Knob	S
Leather Hand Brake	S
VDC	S

Performance Data for 09MY Forester Turbo Diesel Commercial

Displacement cc	1998
Transmission (All Wheel Drive)	6MT
Fuel Injection System	common rail
Turbocharger	variable nozzle turbo
Diesel Particulate Filter System (DPF)	closed
Max. Power (DIN) kW / rpm	108/3600
PS / rpm	147/3600
Max. Torque (DIN) Nm / rpm	350/1800-2400
kgfm / rpm	35,7/1800-2400
0 - 100 km Acceleration sec.	10.4
Max. Speed km / h	186
Fuel Consumption - urban L/100 km	7.4
- extra-urban    L/100 km	5.9
- combined        L/100 km	6.4
CO2 Emissions      - urban G/km	195
- extra-urban G/km	156
- combined G/km	170
Annual Road Tax	€ 277
Tax Band - Category (VRT €51.79)	C
Coefficient of Drag (Cd-value)	0.37
Towing Capacity Braked	2000 KG
GVW	1500 KG