2013 Subaru Forester: Compact Size, Nimble Handling, Superior Comfort

MISSISSAUGA, ON--July 18, 2012: Subaru Canada, Inc. (SCI) is pleased to announce the release of the 2013 Subaru Forester.  While the Forester continues to be available in a wide range of trim levels including the Forester 2.5X, 2.5X Convenience Package (and 2.5X Convenience Package with PZEV option), 2.5X Touring Package, 2.5X Limited Package and the top-of-the-line turbocharged 2.5XT Limited, the 2013 Forester enters the new model year with thoughtful enhancements for greater style, convenience and safety throughout its lineup.

Select New Features
New for 2013, Bluetooth mobile phone connectivity is now standard on all models, allowing drivers to keep their hands on the wheel and eyes on the road. All models also now gain a MediaHub, allowing quick and easy connection to iPod or USB files.

The 2013 Forester Touring Package now features 17-inch gunmetal alloy rims, making this trim level even more distinguished as well as distinguishable from the rest of the lineup.

A Compact SUV with Huge Functionality
Outstanding on-road handling and maneuverability have been Forester hallmarks since the model's inception, but the robust body structure, long-travel four-wheel independent suspension, and up to 225 mm (8.9 inches) of ground clearance help make Forester equally adept at negotiating twisty roads and absorbing ruts and bumps. The ride quality is acclaimed as one of the best in the segment.

Framed side windows and large door openings make it easy to get in and out. The rear gate's generous window enables the average-sized driver to see a one-metre (3.2-foot) object or person positioned one metre behind the vehicle. Rear tinted privacy glass is standard. The Forester 2.5X Touring and Limited Package as well as the 2.5XT Limited feature an extra-large sunroof, allowing front and rear passengers a beautiful view from all angles.

All Forester models, since the 2012 model year, include a 6-way adjustable front passenger seat, which also offers height adjustment. For backseat passengers, reclining rear seats are standard on 2.5X Touring and Limited Package models as well as on the 2.5XT Limited. The rear seat incorporates a folding centre armrest and Touring and Limited Packages gain a rear seat flip-forward seat cushion table with integrated and illuminated cup holder.

Forester models boast more cargo volume and a larger cargo floor than most competitors and its standard 60/40-split rear seatbacks fold to provide a flat cargo floor. With the rear seatbacks raised, the cargo area is large enough to accommodate four golf bags or four large overnight suitcases.

The auto-off headlights are a traditional Subaru convenience that can preserve battery life. On models with the 5-speed manual transmission, the Hill Holder System can help prevent the vehicle from rolling backward when being driven away from a stop on an incline.

Standard towing capacity of 1,087 kg (2,400 lbs.) with a maximum 91 kg (240 lbs.) tongue weight is higher than many competitors and is substantial enough to pull a trailer with two personal watercraft.

Raised-profile roof rails are standard across the range and Subaru dealers offer a full range of recreational accessories and carriers, including a trailer hitch, bicycle carrier, and roof-top cargo boxes for transporting sports equipment and other cargo.

Frugal, Fun SUBARU BOXER Engine
Forester 2.5X models are powered by the naturally aspirated 2.5-litre dual overhead camshaft (DOHC), 16-valve, horizontally opposed 4-cylinder SUBARU BOXER engine with Electronic Throttle Control and Active Valve Control System. This engine develops 170 horsepower at 5800 rpm and 174 lb.-ft. of torque at just 4100 rpm, while the Forester 2.5XT Limited is equipped with a 2.5-litre turbocharged SUBARU BOXER engine that delivers 224 horsepower at 5,200 rpm and 226 lb.-ft. of torque at 2800 rpm.

A 5-speed manual transmission is standard on the Forester 2.5X and 2.5X Touring Package. An electronically controlled 4-speed automatic transmission (4EAT), optimized to provide improved shifting and to maximize fuel economy, is standard on the 2.5X Convenience Package, 2.5X Limited Package and 2.5XT Limited. The 4-speed automatic transmission features Manual Mode control for manual gear shifting when desired. Manual Mode provides three shifting modes: Normal, Sport, and Manual, each with its own specific shifting and torque converter lock-up maps.

Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle Technology
PZEV is a designation awarded to vehicles that meet strict emissions standards set by the California Air Resources Board (CARB). Subaru PZEV vehicles in Canada comply with the CARB Super Ultra-Low Emission Vehicle tailpipe standard (SULEV) and virtually eliminate fuel-system evaporative emissions. Compared to an average new vehicle, Subaru PZEV vehicles have significantly cleaner exhaust emissions. In certain cases, vehicles meeting PZEV emission standards are even cleaner than hybrid or alternative fuel vehicles.

The Confidence of Subaru Symmetrical Full-Time All-Wheel Drive
Subaru symmetrical full-time All-Wheel Drive is comprised of the SUBARU BOXER engine and a full-time all-wheel-drive system that varies by model and transmission. The aluminum boxer engine and simple, symmetrical drivetrain layout help to lower the centre of gravity, which in turn contributes to handling precision.

The 2013 Forester features two versions of Subaru symmetrical full-time All-Wheel Drive, which make all-wheel-drive traction available all the time, regardless of speed, gear, or conditions. Models equipped with the 5-speed manual transmission use a viscous-coupling limited-slip centre differential that distributes power 50/50 for well-balanced handling at all speeds.

In all Forester models with the automatic transmission, an electronically controlled Multi-plate Transfer clutch system actively manages power distribution based on acceleration, deceleration, and available traction. This system distributes power 60/40 front/rear under normal conditions, but balances power 50/50 for maximum grip when slippage is detected. Control logic in this AWD system enhances stability by monitoring individual wheel speeds and reacting more quickly to wheel slippage. The control logic also helps to improve tight corner braking, contributing to more neutral handling response (reducing understeer and oversteer).

Independent Suspension for Flatter Cornering
The Subaru Forester was among the first SUVs to ride on a four-wheel independent suspension, which gives it outstanding ride quality and exceptional handling dynamics.

All Subaru models feature a strut-type front suspension with a wide track and long wheel travel. The double-wishbone rear suspension, also on all models, handles rough roads and sharp corners with both poise and precision - ensuring maximum tire contact, minimum vibration and significantly improved ride quality. Together, these characteristics deliver flatter cornering as well as a quieter, more comfortable ride over a variety of road surfaces. While the strut-type front suspension features L-shaped lower arms with liquid-filled rear bushings and anti-dive geometry, the double-wishbone rear suspension is mounted to a hydro-formed subframe that is isolated from the body structure. This configuration also allows maximum rear cargo room and rear seat room.

Vehicle Dynamics Control
Standard on every Subaru, the Vehicle Dynamics Control system monitors and analyzes if the vehicle is following the driver's intended course via an array of smart sensors. If the vehicle approaches the limits of stability, the AWD torque distribution, engine output and brakes at each wheel adjust automatically to assist in keeping the vehicle on course. A Vehicle Dynamics Control 'off' switch is useful for driving out of slushy roads, deep snow or very loose gravel. The 'off' position deactivates the system's torque-reduction control, while the ABS and traction control remain active.

Forester Exemplifies Subaru's Safety Leadership
Thanks in part to the extensive use of high-tensile steel, the Forester is an IIHS Top Safety Pick for occupant protection. This structural strength also permits relatively thin roof pillars for excellent visibility, helping to reduce the chances of an accident in the first place.

The extensive roster of dynamic safety technology in the 2013 Forester includes standard 4-wheel disc brakes with Subaru's four-wheel, four-channel, four-sensor Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) electronic stability system, as well as symmetrical full-time All-Wheel Drive and Brake Assist. In emergency braking, drivers usually apply less pedal force than needed even if they react quickly. Brake Assist detects how quickly the driver has pressed the pedal, and if pedal velocity exceeds a certain level, Brake Assist immediately applies system hydraulic pressure up to the ABS limit to help increase braking effectiveness.

Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) is also standard. The EBD system automatically adjusts front/rear brake proportioning based on vehicle load and is more effective than conventional brake proportioning valves.

In all Subaru models, the foundation for outstanding occupant protection is the advanced ring-shaped reinforcement frame unibody structure, with a front-end configuration that disperses collision energy in three directions. This design forms a series of rings around the passenger compartment, providing protection in a variety of collision types. High-tension steel side-impact door beams and impact-absorbing foam materials enhance side-impact safety performance.

Standard passive safety technology includes the Subaru advanced frontal air bag system (SRS), driver and front passenger seat-mounted side-impact air bags, and standard side curtain air bags. A rollover sensor can deploy the side curtain air bags if it detects a potential vehicle rollover. Active front head restraints help reduce potential whiplash injury in a rear collision, while a collapsible brake pedal and impact-absorbing driver's footrest help reduce lower leg injury in a frontal collision.