2004 Subaru Forester

SÚBARÚ INTRODÚCES ALL NEW SECOND-GENERATION FORESTER SÚV FOR 2003
-- Redesign Reflects Essence of Subaru withGreater Refinement, Safety and Comfort--
Subaru of America, Inc. today, in a world debut, introduced the fully redesigned 2003 Forester model at the Chicago Auto Show. The boldly styled 2003 Forester builds upon the 'best of both worlds' crossover SÚV approach established by the previous model while making significant performance enhancements overall in safety, comfort, refinement and driving dynamics. The 2003 Forester arrives in Subaru dealerships this spring.




Subaru designed and equipped the 2003 Forester to compete with a wide array of SÚVs, and establish a new 'standard' within the compact SÚV segment. A stronger yet lighter body structure, new suspension tuning, larger 11.4 inch front brake rotors, Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD) on 2.5 XS models, and new standard 16-inch wheels across the model line add a new level of driving fun and safety while preserving a smooth and quiet ride and trail-driving ability.

Independent organizations recognized the previous Forester for superior safety performance in its segment, and Subaru designed the new-generation Forester to again excel in this area. New safety technology includes a dual-stage deployment passenger front airbag, standard front seat head / chest side impact airbags (SRS), active front head restraints and front seatbelts with pretensioners and force limiters.



Bold New Design
The new-generation Forester makes a bolder design statement than before while retaining its Subaru identity. A larger, more pronounced grill, contoured multi-reflector halogen headlights and a large, contoured bumper cover with integral multi-reflector foglights give the front end a more assertive appearance. The front edges of the aluminum hood have been sculpted to give the driver better sightlines, enhancing maneuverability.

More sharply defined character lines, flared front fenders and 'blister' type rear quarter panels mark the profile of the new-generation Forester. In the rear, the 2003 Forester is newly distinguished by a hexagonal gate framed by large, triangular taillights. A rear gray metallic appearance panel with Subaru and AWD badges provides a strong horizontal element and matches the C-pillar trim, which features an AWD emblem.

The Forester 2.5 X is identified by textured gray lower body cladding and includes standard black foldable exterior mirrors. The exterior of the uplevel Forester 2.5 XS is distinguished by Steel Gray Metallic painted lower body cladding, larger Gray Metallic foldable, heated exterior mirrors and aluminum alloy wheels. The 2003 Forester models benefit from improved aerodynamic performance in the form of a lower coefficient of drag (Cd), now 0.35 compared to 0.389 for the previous base model and 0.405 for the previous uplevel S model. The lower Cd helps reduce wind noise and contributes to the vehicle's excellent fuel efficiency.

Even Better Value for 2003
The previous Forester, with its more 40+ standard features, had been recognized for outstanding value. The new-generation Forester adds a dozen new standard features to provide even greater value than before. Some of the highlights include 16-inch wheels and an 80-Watt AM/FM/weatherband stereo with CD player. In addition, a remote keyless entry system, and variable intermittent windshield wipers are now standard across the model line. The standard air conditioning system on the 2.5 X has been upgraded with a three-dial electronic control panel.

In addition to its distinct exterior trim, the Forester 2.5 XS model adds function and comfort with upgraded upholstery, carpeting and interior trim, plus a black perforated leather-wrapped steering wheel, shifter handle and parking brake handle. To the lengthy standard equipment list of the Forester 2.5 X, the 2.5 XS adds Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD), automatic climate control, an 80-watt AM/FM/weatherband stereo with logic control cassette and in-dash 6 disc CD changer and aluminum alloy wheels. In addition, a standard All-Weather Package on the 2.5 XS includes a viscous limited-slip rear differential, dual-mode heated front seats, heated exterior mirrors and a windshield wiper de-icer.

Subaru Core Technology
The 2003 Forester will compete with a wider array of vehicles than before, including both truck- and car-based SÚVs. Únlike many of these, the Forester comes standard with full-time All-Wheel Drive, an integral part of Subaru Core Technology that also includes a lightweight horizontally opposed engine, a simple, symmetric drivetrain layout and long-travel four-wheel independent suspension. This combination of elements endows the Forester with ride control and handling response unexpected in an SÚV. (See page 6 for more detail on Subaru All-Wheel Drive technology.)

Optimizing the Forester body structure allowed Subaru to add feature content and still reduce overall vehicle weight by about 90 pounds compared to the previous model. Úsing aluminum for parts located far from the center of gravity — including the hood, bumper beams and roof rails — also contributes to more responsive handling due to a lowering of the yawing moment of inertia.

All Forester models come with standard 16 x 6.5-inch wheels (aluminum alloy on the 2.5 XS model) and 215/60R16 94H Yokohama Geolander G 900 M+S all-season tires. All models include a standard full-size steel spare wheel and tire. Excellent maneuverability — a Subaru hallmark — is ensured by the 34.8-foot turning circle.

The Subaru Forester was among the first SÚVs to ride on four-wheel independent suspension, a feature that is becoming more common on large and luxury SÚVs. This type of suspension gives the Forester a car-like ride quality, while providing superior handling characteristics. Although the 2003 Forester retains the proven strut-type suspension design for packaging efficiency, the strut units are all new and incorporate internal rebound springs and improved valving to reduce body roll and further refine ride quality.

The new Forester has variable-ratio power rack-and-pinion steering, giving it the handling benefit of a quicker steering ratio (16.5-to-1 versus 19-to-1 for the previous model). The robust body structure, heavy-duty raised four-wheel independent suspension and a generous 7.5 inches of ground clearance give the Forester true trail driving capability.

Passenger Car Safety
Like its predecessor, the 2003 Subaru Forester meets all Federal passenger car safety standards, which are more stringent than those for light trucks. In terms of active safety, the Forester — like all Subaru models — delivers excellent road-holding capability due to a low center of gravity afforded by the horizontally opposed engine design.

Although it shares components with the rally-bred Impreza, the Forester uses its own version of the Subaru Ring-Shaped Reinforcement Frame structure. This design has been strengthened through the use of a hydroformed front subframe and tailored-blank welded structural elements. The stronger body structure adds to the passive safety quotient and, along with reduced vehicle weight, helps improve handling -- a plus for active safety.

All Forester models gain larger-diameter front brake rotors (11.4-inch), while the 2.5 XS also adds rear discs in place of the drums used on the 2.5 X model. A four-channel, four-sensor anti-lock brake system (ABS) is standard on all models. New for 2003, an Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD) system on the 2.5 XS enhances braking performance and stability by actively optimizing braking force distribution between the front and rear wheels.

Subaru expanded the standard passive safety equipment in the 2003 Forester. The passenger front airbag now uses dual-stage deployment, and the Forester gains standard front seat head / chest side impact airbags (SRS), new upper-trim head impact protection and front seatbelt pretensioners with force limiters. New front-seat active head restraints help prevent whiplash injury.

Other standard safety features include three-point seatbelts for all five seating positions (height-adjustable on the four outboard positions) and headrests for all rear seat positions. The 2003 Forester complies with the Úniform Child Restraint Anchorage System requirements (FMVSS 225/ISO FIX). Like its predecessor, the 2003 Subaru Forester is equipped with 5-mph impact bumpers which exceed the federal 2.5 mph bumper standard applicable to passenger cars. In contrast, the bumpers on some SÚVs offer little or no protection in low-speed collisions, potentially contributing to high repair costs.

Packaging Efficiency Improved for Comfort
While retaining its 'right size' dimensions, Subaru engineers optimized passenger room and comfort in the new-generation Forester. The front seats feature more supportive bolstering that provides greater lateral support when cornering. The front seats provide an additional fore/aft adjustment step that adds 13.5 mm to seat travel. The driver's seat height adjustment now uses a single control knob, and its adjustment range has been increased. The range of the standard tilt-adjustable steering column has been increased, as well.

A motorcycle-style instrument gauge panel, shared with the Impreza series, adds a sporty touch while keeping all vital signs easily visible to the driver. The standard digital clock has been relocated to the center dash panel for better visibility. Forester models equipped with the optional four-speed automatic transmission feature a new gated-style shifter along with a gated-style gear indicator in the gauge panel to help prevent inadvertent selection of the wrong gear, as well as imparting a sporty feel to the driver. Audio systems in both models are set off by a new silver metallic trim bezel.

Improved Storage and Convenience
Subaru engineered more types of storage and convenience into the new-generation Forester. The cargo area trim has been designed to optimize available room. The rear 60/40 seatback can be lowered with one touch to provide a flat cargo floor, and both the cargo floor and rear seatback are fully carpeted. The retractable cargo area cover sits higher than before to accommodate taller packages, such as coolers. A sub-floor storage area can hold the cover when it's not needed.

The standard center console includes a side storage compartment on the passenger side, a 12-volt accessory outlet in the storage box and dual cupholders. The front doors provide new net-type storage pockets, and the 2.5 XS also adds these to the front seatbacks. A front overhead console holds two pairs of sunglasses. Both Forester models have illuminated power window switches on all doors. The 2.5 XS adds Tricot sun visors, an illuminated ignition switch ring and chrome inside door handles. Details such as retractable assist grips for all outboard seat positions, damped cupholders and dual vanity mirrors with lids contribute to the overall high-quality feel of the 2003 Forester.

Two Types of All-Wheel Drive Technology
The 2003 Forester is powered by the same 2.5-liter 'boxer' engine as the Subaru Outback wagon.. The engine produces 165 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 166 lb.-ft. of peak torque at 4,000 rpm. The broad torque curve gives the Forester especially good response at low- and mid-range speeds.

The standard Subaru full-time All-Wheel Drive System powers all four wheels all the time, unlike some SÚV four-wheel drive systems that only power the front or rear wheels most of the time. When equipped with the standard five-speed manual transmission, the Subaru Forester uses Continuous All-Wheel Drive. A viscous-coupling center differential built into the transmission case divides engine power 50 percent front/50 percent rear. Wheel slippage at the front causes more power to shift to the rear, and slippage at the rear transfers power to the front, ensuring that the wheels with the best traction receive the most power. The five-speed manual transmission features a hydraulic clutch for smooth operation and low maintenance. A flexible flywheel helps ensure smooth shift action.

Forester models equipped with the optional four-speed electronic automatic transmission (4-EAT) use Active All-Wheel Drive, which employs an electronically managed continuously variable transfer clutch housed in the transaxle tailshaft. Power transfer is governed by slippage in the clutch plates, which use a special friction material that can easily handle the loads generated during power transfer. The electronic transmission control module (TCM) controls the All-Wheel Drive multi-plate clutch.

Active All-Wheel Drive uses several input sensors to determine how weight transfer affects available traction. Únder acceleration, the system routes power to the rear wheels to take advantage of weight transfer to the rear. Únder deceleration, the system directs power to the front wheels to respond to weight transfer to the front. The Forester 2.5 XS model benefits from the additional traction assistance of a standard rear viscous limited-slip differential, which directs power to the rear wheel with the most traction.

About Subaru of America, Inc.
Subaru of America, Inc. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. of Japan. Subaru pioneered the concept of the passenger car/sport-utility vehicle with the introduction of the Subaru Outback, the 'World's First Sport Útility Wagon.'

Headquartered near Philadelphia, the company markets and distributes Subaru vehicles, parts and accessories through a network of nearly 600 dealers across the Únited States. Over the past nine years, the company has achieved year-over-year retail sales increases thanks to its popular line of car-based sport-utility vehicles.

Source - Subaru Media