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Subaru Announces Pricing On 2006 Forester Models

Safety and Reliability Champ Redesigned and Refined to be the Best Small SUV On the Market

CHERRY HILL, N.J., June 10 -- Subaru of America, Inc. today announced the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the 2006 Forester models now arriving in dealer showrooms.

  
   (Logo:  http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20050404/PHSUBARULOGO )

With an impressive list of standard features, the 2006 Subaru Forester is one of the best-equipped small SUVs available on the market today. Power, performance, handling and ride comfort have all been enhanced, providing customers with a tremendous value.

2006 Forester Standard Features

The Forester 2.5 X model starts as one of the best-equipped small SUVs, featuring as standard equipment front seat head/chest side-impact airbags, four-wheel ABS, 16-inch wheels, air conditioning, air filtration, AM/FM/Weatherband stereo with single-disc CD player and four speakers, power windows, mirrors and door locks, and a remote keyless entry system. New for 2006, the 60/40 split rear seatback incorporates a fold-down armrest, and the previously optional security system is now standard.

2006 Forester Premium Package

The available Premium Package enhances driving performance with rear disc brakes, Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), 8-spoke, 16-inch alloy wheels and a viscous limited-slip rear differential. The Premium Package also bundles the power panoramic glass moonroof and All-Weather Package that includes dual-mode heated front seats, heated exterior mirrors and a windshield wiper de-icer. Premium Package features that further enhance comfort include an automatic climate control system, 8-way power driver's seat, 6-disc in-dash CD changer, upgraded speakers and a leather-wrapped steering wheel, shifter handle and parking brake handle.

For 2006, Forester debuts an entirely new front fascia, including the grille, four-lamp headlight clusters, bumper, and fenders. At the rear, the Forester is distinguished by new tail lamp clusters, a body-color trim panel, and a new under bumper trim panel. On 2.5 X models without a Premium Package, body color replaces textured-gray for the bumpers and protective side cladding to impart a more refined appearance. All but the 2.5 X models also get new larger body-color side mirrors with integrated turn signals and body-color door handles.

All Forester models equipped with the naturally aspirated 2.5-liter boxer engine are now designated 2.5 X. Replacing the discontinued high-line 2.5 XS model, Subaru offers the 2.5 X Premium Package that combines all of the performance and comfort upgrades with the All-Weather Package and a power moonroof.

For improved safety and security, all 2006 Forester models have the Subaru advanced frontal airbag system which includes a dual-stage deployment driver's

and passenger front air bag and front seat head/chest side-impact air bags (SRS).

All models include a new multi-function, center console with armrest and front and rear cupholders. Cargo area bars, utility hooks, and a net-type, front passenger seatback storage pocket has been added. Two new interior fabrics are also offered including Desert Beige and Graphite Gray.

Forester 2.5 X

The 2006 Forester 2.5 X gets a power boost to 173 horsepower. Ground clearance has also been increased to 8.1-inches, and its heavy-duty-raised 4-wheel independent suspension with internal rebound spring struts has been retuned for enhanced performance. The Forester 2.5 X is offered at an MSRP of $21,795 for the five-speed manual transmission and $22,595 for the four-speed automatic transmission.

Forester 2.5 X Premium Package

New for 2006 is the Forester 2.5 X Premium Package that boasts all the standard features of the 2.5 X model with the addition of a number of features including 16-inch alloy wheels, 8-way power driver's seat and a power panoramic glass moonroof for an MSRP of $24,145 for the five-speed manual transmission and $24,945 for the four-speed automatic transmission.

Forester 2.5 X L.L.Bean Edition

The L.L.Bean Edition model gets the durable finish used on the floor and seatback extended to the cargo area sidewalls, Desert Beige leather-trimmed upholstery with perforated Alcantara(R) bolsters and L.L.Bean logo-embossed front seats, a security system with new shock sensor, and a MOMO(R) wood and leather-wrapped steering wheel and matching-design shifter handle. The 2.5 X L.L.Bean Edition is offered with automatic transmission at an MSRP of $26,895.

Forester 2.5 XT Limited

The new Forester 2.5 XT Limited continues as the sole turbocharged model for 2006. This new model receives an additional 20 horsepower for a rating of 230 and includes the Premium Package with leather-trimmed upholstery and sporty luminescent instrument gauge needle pointers and metallic needle caps. When equipped with the standard 5-speed manual transmission, the Forester 2.5 XT Limited can accelerate from zero to 60 mph in under six seconds. The Forester 2.5 XT Limited is offered at an MSRP of $27,895 for the five-speed manual transmission and $28,695 for the four-speed automatic transmission.

Destination and delivery charges are $595 for the 2006 model year Forester (Alaska deliveries are $745).

  For additional information please visit http://www.media.subaru.com/.
   
   About Subaru of America, Inc.

Subaru of America, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. of Japan. Headquartered in Cherry Hill, N.J., the company markets and distributes all-wheel drive Subaru vehicles, parts and accessories through a network of nearly 600 dealers across the United States. Subaru is the only car company that features symmetrical all-wheel drive as standard equipment on every vehicle in its product line. For additional information visit http://www.subaru.com/.

                  Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Prices

  Model Description                             2006 MY MSRP*
  FORESTER
  2.5 X - MT5                                      $21,795
  2.5 X - 4EAT                                     $22,595
  2.5 X Premium Package - MT5                      $24,145
  2.5 X Premium Package - 4EAT                     $24,945
  2.5 X L.L.Bean - 4EAT                            $26,895
  2.5 XT Limited - MT5                             $27,895
  2.5 XT Limited - 4EAT                            $28,695

  *The destination and delivery fee is $595 on all models except in Alaska
  ($745).  Prices shown do not include destination and delivery charges,
  licenses and state or local taxes.  Independent distributor's destination
  and delivery rates may vary; prices are subject to change without notice.
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