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March 29, 2018

World Premier of All-New 2019 Forester
at New York International Auto Show

― The fifth generation of Subaru's global top-selling model to be unrolled worldwide ―
The latest generation of the Forester will debut the Driver Monitoring System*1, Subaru’s first-ever driver recognition technology, making for a safer and more comfortable driving experience than ever before.
The Subaru Global Platform ensures best-in-class*2 levels of comfort and safety
The newly enhanced direct-injection 2.5-liter horizontally opposed four-cylinder engine offers the perfect balance of excellent driving performance and environmental performance.
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and enhanced X-Mode provides outstanding driving performance and the off-road drivability expected of an SUV.
US models will arrive Subaru retailers in fall 2018

Tokyo, March 29, 2018 ― Subaru Corporation unveiled the all-new 2019 Forester (US Spec) at the 2018 New York International Auto Show on March 28 (local time).

All-new 2019 Forester (US Spec)

As a top-selling model of Subaru’s global sales, the fifth-generation Forester is positioned as a key part of the company’s global strategy. The new model features packaging that allows all passengers to share comfort and enjoyment, balancing easy handling with a spacious interior, and user-friendly features including, for the first time in a Subaru vehicle, the Driver Monitoring System. In line with Subaru’s design philosophy “Dynamic x Solid,” the new design combines the hardiness of an SUV with user-friendly comfort and convenience.

The Subaru Global Platform achieves top-of-its-class collision safety and hazard avoidance, along with handling that responds exactly as the driver intended, and comfortable drivability.

The latest model features Subaru core technologies including EyeSight driver assist system, Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive built around a newly developed 2.5-liter direct-injection engine, and X-Mode for enhanced all-terrain drivability, the latest model features improved performance and an everyday experience of excitement and enjoyment, offering comfort, fun, and adventure.

The new Forester will go on sale in the US market in fall 2018.

Main features of the new Forester (US Spec)
■ Comfortable and functional packaging for ease of use and enjoyment for all passengers

The new model features packaging that balances excellent handling with the roomiest cabin yet, offering comfort and enjoyment for family and friends and easy-to-use features.

The Perfect Size for Easy Handling

Although the wheelbase has been increased for a more comfortable cabin space than ever, the minimum turning radius is just 5.4 m (17.7 feet), ensuring excellent ease of handling.

Excellent Comfort, Seat Accessibility, and Loading Convenience

Enhanced cabin comfort, with more space between passengers and more leg room in the back seats
Optimization of rear door opening angle, opening area, and C-pillar shape, improves back seat accessibility
A maximum trunk opening width of 1,300 mm (51.2 inches), larger than average for a mid-sized SUV, and square cargo storage space, provide a dramatic increase in loading capacity.
The drive unit for power rear gate has been integrated with the gate stay and offers more cargo storage space. It also provides faster opening and closing and a new locking system, incorporated for the first time in a Subaru vehicle, makes automatic closing of the rear gate and vehicle locking with just a touch of a button.

Convenient Features for Comfort in Motion

Three separated pockets in the seat backs provide convenient storage for magazines, smartphones, etc.
USB charger ports (max. output 2.1A) provided for both front and back seat passengers.
New air-conditioning HMI*3, incorporated for the first time in Subaru vehicles, allows exact adjustment of temperature controls, for in-cabin comfort according to the number of passengers.
The debut of the Driver Monitoring System, which can alert the driver to signs of drowsiness or distraction on the road as well as automatically adjusting driver settings for seat position, door mirror angles, and air-conditioning preferences.
Available 8-inch screen navigation and latest infotainment system
Improved connectivity compatible with Apple CarPlay*4 and Android AutoTM*5
Includes telematics system with dramatically improved features including Wi-Fi hotspot and remote engine start

■ New Design Combines SUV Toughness and Functionality

The new model combines the toughness of an SUV with functionality, based on the “Dynamic x Solid” design philosophy common to all Subaru vehicles

Exterior

SUV toughness and dynamism, allied with generous storage space and intuitive functionality that can be understood at a glance
Exterior available in nine colors, including the newly-developed Jasper Green Metallic exclusive to the new Forester
Accent colors, high gloss black, and exclusive aluminum wheels highlight the new model’s SUV robustness and sleek strength.

Interior

In addition to the functional and user-friendly cabin layout, the instrument panel and console have been combined for a more relaxed feeling of freedom in addition to the hardiness you demand from an SUV
Four interior color schemes are available, including a brown leather interior that provides the upper class feeling
In some models with black and gray as the base colors, accent colors in the center console and seat stitching emphasize the dynamism of the interior.

■ SUV Toughness and Driving Enjoyment

Featuring Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive built around the new 2.5-liter four-cylinder horizontally opposed direct injection engine, X-Mode for easier handling in poor driving conditions, and the Subaru Global Platform, the new model ensures a comfortable and enjoyable ride for the driver and all passengers.

Powerful and Comfortable Dynamism

The new model incorporates a newly developed 2.5-liter four-cylinder horizontally opposed direct injection engine. The new engine features around 90 percent new components compared with the previous 2.5-liter engine and introduces direct injection, improving horsepower and torque while also providing a boost to environmental performance through improved fuel efficiency, offering a powerful and enjoyable driving experience.
Enhanced driving enjoyment through new seven speed manual mode of CVT on select trims
SI-Drive control is optimized, and in some models S# (Sports sharp) mode allows the driver to enjoy faster acceleration and direct-feel transmission shift.

Active All-Terrain Toughness

Incorporates Subaru’s exclusive Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system, providing stable driving performance on all surfaces, from snow and mud to wet roads and highways
Optimization of the X-Mode that controls engine, transmission, and brakes on slippery surfaces and in poor driving conditions improves drivability in off-road conditions and on poor surfaces. In some models, a dial allows easy switching between two modes depending on road conditions, improving driver’s confidence and peace of mind.
Minimum ground clearance is 220 mm (8.70 inches), along with the widest possible approach and departure angles and the ramp breakover angle. The new model offers excellent road clearance for a wider range of activities than ever before.

Improved Dynamic Feel

The Subaru Global Platform brings significant improvements to dynamic quality, achieving superior driving capability that engages the emotional senses with smooth performance and pleasant drivability.

■ Overall safety top in its class

The new model offers safe and enjoyable driving for all passengers at all times and in all settings―not just in emergencies―offering safety features that place it at the top of its class, based on Subaru’s philosophy of overall safety.

Outstanding Visibility Recognizable at a Glance as Soon as You Get into the Car―Primary Safety

The excellent high eye-level view and careful optimization of the shape of the pillars has reduced blind spots and provides outstanding visibility
Optimization of the seat shape and cushion materials helps to reduce driver fatigue

Driving performance You Can Depend on in the Unlikely Event of an Incident―Active Safety

Active Torque Vectoring ensures that you are in control of the vehicle exactly as you intended

Comprehensive Advanced Safety Systems―Preventive Safety

Subaru’s exclusive EyeSight driver assist system comes standard in all models
Reverse Automatic Braking helps to avoid collisions when reversing and reduces the damage in case of collision
Subaru Rear Vehicle Detection system detects vehicles approaching from the rear
Steering Responsive Headlights provide clear nighttime vision
High-beam assist improves visibility when driving at night
Subaru’s first-ever Driver Monitoring System provides support for safe driving by providing a warning when it detects signs of distraction or drowsiness at the wheel
New Dual-function X-Mode Driver Monitoring System*1

Class-Leading Protection of Every Passenger―Collision Safety

The Subaru Global Platform ensures class-leading passenger protection
An increase in the amount of high-tensile steel panel materials ensures improved collision safety and a lighter body
A total of seven airbags (SRS airbags in the driver’s seat and passenger seat, SRS knee airbag in the driver’s seat, SRS side airbags, and SRS side curtain airbags) come as standard in all models, providing class-leading levels of passenger protection.

*1: “DriverFocus” for US Spec
*2: Small SUV with length between 4,500 mm and 4,700 mm
*3: Human Machine Interface
*4: Apple CarPlay is a registered trademark of Apple Inc. in the United States and other territories.
*5: Android Auto is a registered trademark of Google Inc. in the United States and other territories.

Main Features of the New Forester (US Spec)

Body size
(Length x width x height)
4,625 × 1,815 × 1,730*1 mm
(182.1 × 71.5 × 68.1*1 in.)
Wheelbase 2,670 mm
(105.1 in.)
Minimum ground
clearance
220 mm
(8.7 in.)
Engine FB25 2.5-liter horizontally opposed four-cylinder DOHC 16 valve
AVCS direct injection engine
 Displacement 2,498 cc
 Bore x stroke 94 × 90 mm
 Horsepower 182 hp / 5,800 rpm
 Torque 176 lb-ft / 4,400 rpm
 Fuel tank capacity 63 L (16.6 gal.)
 Fuel type 87AKI
Transmission Lineartronic*2
Drive system Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive
Tire size 225/60 R17, 225/55 R18
Passenger capacity Five seats
*1 Height not including roof rail: 1,715 mm (67.5 in.)
*2 Lineartronic: Fully electronically controlled automatic continuously variable transmission
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