Like every Subaru, the 2009 Forester is equipped with Symmetrical full-time All-Wheel Drive. And like every generation of Forester, the third generation blends positive SUV attributes, including a high seating point and interior versatility, with passenger car comfort, handling and fuel efficiency in an exceptional package that is designed for an active lifestyle.

For 2009, Forester is offered in four trim levels: the 2.5X and 2.5X Touring Package with a choice of 5-speed manual transmission or 4-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission, and the Limited Package and 2.5XT Limited with 4-speed automatic.

Packaged For an Active Life: Improved Handling and Ride Quality

The Forester for 2009 offers true SUV capability for active lifestyles, improving ground clearance and drivability while maintaining Forester’s rugged off-road capability.

Using the Subaru Dynamic Chassis Control Concept (Subaru DC3), Subaru optimized all elements of the Forester’s chassis to deliver a better balance of ride, handling response, quietness and overall traction performance. A longer, more rigid new platform improves ride as well as interior space, especially rear seat legroom. Additional high-tension steel at key structural points increases chassis rigidity for improved crash-worthiness and crisper handling.

Every 2009 Forester is equipped with generous levels of standard equipment, including heated front seats, tinted privacy glass all around, an audio system with steering-wheel controls and speed-sensitive volume, air conditioning, tilting/telescoping steering wheel and much more.

A new centre armrest enhances rear passenger comfort. The standard 60/40 split rear seatbacks fold to provide a wider flat cargo floor, and the rear gate’s generous glass area enables average-sized drivers to see an object one metre tall within one metre of the rear of the vehicle.

Subaru gave significant attention to developing new front seats, which feature specially developed cushions and seatback springs. Heated front seats with four settings are standard equipment. Forester 2.5X is equipped with a 6-way manual adjustable driver’s seat; a standard 10-way power driver’s seat, including a power lumbar adjustment, is standard on the 2.5XT Limited and optional on the 2.5X as part of the Limited option package.

All 2009 Forester models come pre-wired for SIRIUS Satellite Radio. The standard 4-speaker AM/FM/CD/MP3/WMA stereo with illuminated steering wheel controls is equipped with four speakers, an auxiliary input jack, vehicle-speed-sensitive volume and a Radio Data System with 24-character text display. A premium audio system is standard on the 2.5XT Limited and part of the 2.5X Limited Package. This 6-speaker 100-watt AM/FM stereo includes a 6-disc in-dash CD changer with MP3/WMA audio file capability. On Foresters with an automatic transmission, this premium audio system is also equipped with an SRS CS-Auto enhancement system. All models come equipped with an auxiliary audio input jack located in the centre console.

Forester Shines In All-Around SUV Capability

The all-new 2009 Subaru Forester is the third generation of the model that pioneered the crossover utility vehicle category more than a decade ago. Long known for its rugged dependability, the all-new Forester continues that tradition with a robust sport sedan-based chassis, along with standard Symmetrical full-time All-Wheel Drive. Vehicle Dynamics Control and an advanced braking system add to Forester’s all-road, all-climate capability.

Like all Subaru models, every 2009 Forester is equipped with Symmetrical full-time All-Wheel Drive. This core Subaru technology distinguishes Forester from the competition as it provides greater capability in all conditions than the reactive part-time all-wheel drive systems of the competition. In rain, snow, mud or gravel, Subaru Symmetrical full-time AWD is one of the most effective AWD systems available in any vehicle, in any segment.

The system uses a new, high-strength body structure, standard Symmetrical full-time All-Wheel Drive, Vehicle Dynamics Control electronic traction control, and four-wheel disc ABS brakes with the Brake Assist safety system. Manual transmission models also feature electronic Hill Holder, which momentarily prevents the vehicle from rolling backward when being driven away from a stop on an incline.

The new 2009 Forester lives up to the brand’s 'active lifestyle' reputation by providing a greater degree of capability than competitive models. The new Forester provides more ground clearance, without sacrificing the comfortable step-in height of previous models. Generous ground clearance of 220 mm (8.7 inches) on the naturally aspirated Forester models and 225 mm (8.9 inches) on the turbocharged 2.5 XT models provides a margin of safety on rough roads, unpaved trails, and in snow.

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

Equipped to Handle Life’s Rough Roads

For 2009, Forester is equipped with a new double-wishbone configuration that replaces the strut-based system used in the first- and second-generations. Subaru engineers benchmarked premium European models in setting targets for compliance and responsiveness in the Forester.

The strut-type front suspension features L-shaped lower arms with liquid-filled rear bushings and anti-dive geometry. Numerous refinements to the design contribute to the new Forester’s improved ride and handling.

All 2009 Foresters are equipped with a standard 4-wheel, 4-channel, 4-sensor Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with 296 mm (11.7 inch) vented front discs and 286 mm (11.3 inch) solid rear discs. Electronic Brake-force Distribution enhances braking stability.

The new Forester is also equipped for the first time with the Brake Assist safety system. In emergency braking, drivers often apply less pedal force than needed even if they respond quickly. Brake Assist detects how quickly the driver has pressed the pedal and if pedal velocity exceeds a certain level, Brake Assist immediately applies pressure up to the ABS limit to increase braking effectiveness.

Vehicle Dynamics Control

Vehicle Dynamics Control becomes standard on all Forester models for the 2009 model year. Vehicle Dynamics Control is a highly sophisticated electronic stability control system that monitors input from the ABS brake system as well as taking input from steering wheel angle, and yaw and lateral g-force sensors. The system adjusts individual wheel braking as needed, helping to maintain vehicle control under a variety of driving conditions. A Vehicle Dynamics Control ‘off’ switch is useful for driving out of slushy roads, deep snow or gravel. The ‘off’ position deactivates the system’s torque-reduction control, while the ABS and traction control remain active.

In Forester models with an automatic transmission, Vehicle Dynamics Control also actively controls the centre differential’s power distribution by means of the continuously variable hydraulic transfer clutch. Ultra-high-speed communication between the engine and transmission systems over the onboard LAN makes this possible.

In all 2009 Foresters, Vehicle Dynamics Control also provides traction control and a ‘virtual’ limited slip rear differential (LSD) function. Using the virtual rear LSD in place of the viscous-type unit used on previous Forester models provides the traction benefits of an LSD but without the weight or the potentially negative impact on steering response, turning ability or stability.

Revised Boxer Engines Improve Performance for 2009

Forester again offers two levels of performance: a naturally aspirated 2.5-litre 4-cylinder boxer engine or an intercooled/turbocharged 2.5-litre boxer engine. Both engines are revised for 2009 to provide more responsive everyday performance.

The Forester 2.5 models are powered by a naturally aspirated 2.5-litre SOHC 4-cylinder boxer engine that produces 170 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 170 lb.-ft. of peak torque at 4,400 rpm. Peak torque is increased by 4 lb.-ft. compared to the previous model and the torque curve is broader for better everyday driving response. The i-Active Valve Lift system (AVL) ensures a broad torque curve and smooth response at all engine speeds while helping to reduce emissions.

The revised 2.5-litre intercooled/turbocharged boxer engine in 2009 Forester 2.5 XT models delivers 224 horsepower at 5,200 rpm and 226 lb.-ft. of torque at 2,800 rpm.

The standard 5-speed manual transmission is enhanced for better feel in the 2009 Forester, and the optional electronically controlled 4-speed automatic transmission (4EAT SS) is optimized to provide improved shifting and to maximize fuel economy. Models with the 4-speed automatic transmission feature SPORTSHIFT control for manual gear shifting when desired. SPORTSHIFT provides three shifting modes: Normal, Sport and Manual, each with its own specific shifting and torque converter lock-up maps. Improvements to the shifter make manual shifting easier and more engaging to use than before.

2009 Forester Exemplifies Subaru's Safety Leadership

In all Subaru models, the foundation for outstanding occupant protection is the Ring Shaped Frame Reinforcement 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 new rollover sensor can deploy the curtain side air bags if it detects a potential vehicle rollover.

The standard outside temperature display now includes a new Road Surface Freezing warning indicator that alerts the driver to potentially hazardous road conditions.

Active front head restraints help reduce potential whiplash injury in a rear collision. A safety pedal system and impact-absorbing driver’s footrest help reduce lower leg injury in a frontal collision.

CONTACT: Elaine Griffin (905) 568-4959 

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