2011 Subaru Forester

NEW FOR 2011:

• All-new 2.5-litre naturally-aspirated engine
• Revised front grille and new cloth upholstery
• High/low heated seats replace four-level heated seats
• 2.5XConvenience adds ten-way power driver’s seat, Bluetooth connectivity and 16-inch alloy wheels; PZEV becomes an option
• 2.5X Touring adds new 17-inch alloy wheels, advanced audio system, Bluetooth connectivity, media hub for iPod and USB with Bluetooth streaming audio, and auto up/down front passenger window
• 2.5X Limited adds Pioneer navigation/audio system with detachable touch screen, media hub for iPod and USB with Bluetooth streaming audio, Pioneer A-Series speakers, new 17-inch alloy wheels, and auto up/down front passenger window; woodgrain interior trim is deleted and perforated leather upholstery is replaced with non-perforated leather
• 2.5XT Limited adds Pioneer navigation/audio system with detachable touch-screen, media hub for iPod and USB with Bluetooth streaming audio, Pioneer A-Series speakers, auto up/down passenger front window and revised rear spoiler; perforated leather is replaced with non-perforated leather
• Exterior colours: Marine Blue Pearl, Spark Silver Metallic and Paprika Red Pearl added; Newport Blue Pearl and Steel Silver Metallic discontinued

For 2011, the Subaru Forester undergoes numerous changes. A new naturally-aspirated 2.5-litre boxer engine goes into the 2.5X models, featuring a double overhead cam in place of the previous single overhead cam, along with new bore and stroke dimensions. The horsepower is unchanged, although it is available at a lower r.p.m., and torque rises slightly; fuel economy also improves.

All Forester models receive a revised front grille and new cloth upholstery, and the heated seats go from four settings to two. Other changes are in the various trim levels. The PZEV (Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle) low-emissions system is now an option on the 2.5 Convenience Package trim level.

The Forester is offered with two engines. A 2.5-litre horizontally-opposed four-cylinder engine is used in the 2.5X, and a turbocharged and intercooled 2.5-litre four-cylinder in the 2.5XT. The 2.5X is available with a five-speed manual transmission or optional four-speed automatic, depending on the trim line, while the 2.5XT uses the four-speed automatic only. All models feature Subaru’s symmetrical all-wheel drive system.

Features on the 2.5X include 16-inch steel wheels, air conditioning, heated mirrors, CD/MP3 stereo with auxiliary input, tilt and telescopic steering wheel with audio controls, cruise control, heated cloth seats, 60/40 split-folding rear seats and splash guards.

The 2.5X Convenience adds 16-inch alloy wheels, ten-way power driver’s seat and Bluetooth connectivity.

The 2.5X Convenience PZEV adds PZEV emissions equipment, badge and PZEV floor mats.

The 2.5X Touring adds 17-inch alloy wheels, power sunroof, chrome door handles, stainless steel exhaust tips, windshield wiper de-icer, reclining rear seats, cargo area tray, leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, advanced CD/MP3 stereo, media hub for iPod/USB audio integration with Bluetooth streaming audio, Sirius satellite radio, and driver’s auto up/down window.

The 2.5X Limited adds automatic climate control, xenon headlamps, stainless steel rear step pad, leather upholstery, Pioneer A-Series speakers, and Pioneer in-dash navigation/audio system with detachable touch screen and SD card.

The 2.5XT Limited adds raised-profile roof rails, roofline spoiler, privacy glass and aluminum alloy sport pedals.