It was during the 2012 edition of the Los Angeles Auto Show, where Subaru showed for the first time publicly to a revamped version of the ...
The birth of the Forester was in 1997; in 2003 the second generation appeared in 2007 and developed a third generation that got beat in the first two sales.
The new Subaru Forester increased its size to get a more in "SUV". Also reviewed the options and changed their proportions to recover the sporty image that was lost.
For the 2014 Forester was important to maintain their identity and most distinguished abilities, since this was responsible for 23% of the vehicles sold by Subaru in USA (336.441 in total). In addition, it is estimated that the Subaru Forester has a 70% loyalty among owners. This means that 7 out of 10 owners buy or renew Forster with a newer one.
The new 2014 Subaru Forester comes in its basic version with the same engine last year, a 2.5-liter capable of developing 170 horsepower and 174 pounds of torque. This version replaces the same basic manual transmission 5-speed with a new 6 speed. On the other hand, is available continuously variable transmission (CVT) as an alternative to the basic model and is the only option for the turbocharged model.
The performance improvement between generations is a natural result of the evolution of models with the new Forester and we can confirm. Its naturally aspirated model gets 24 miles per gallon in the city and 32 on the highway (4 mpg less than the 2013 model.
Furthermore, the Subaru Forester 2.0XT offers a new 2.0-liter engine turbocharged can get 250 horsepower, 258 pounds and can reach 60 mph in 6.2 seconds. Subaru says this platform runs 23 miles per gallon in the city and 28 on the highway.
Subaru managed to reduce by 11% the drag coefficient compared to its predecessor. In addition, they increased by 1.5 times the stiffness of the chassis, improving off-road capability and experience travel on the highway.
Inside increased space for front and rear occupants. To do this they had to move the dash forward and back got rid of the "transmission bridge" located on the floor. The cargo space volume increases by 9% (the largest segment) and included an electrical system to operate the tailgate (with memory).
This time considered routine parents with small children, so they developed a seat anchors rear with car-seats and increased the opening angle of the doors. On the other hand, improved comfort and space center armrest modified for children to use space for cups / bottles.
As for the driving experience, this is great thanks to several improvements. The most important is the next evolution of the AWD system. This time the system considers the data sent from the VDC (electronic vehicle dynamic control), ie the steering wheel angle sensor and information "yaw".
Also installed the X-Mode, which can be activated and deactivated by pressing a button in the center console in the cockpit. This system is a mode that adjusts the AWD system for low traction conditions. This same system maximizes the ability of the Forester up and down steep hills.
Subaru did a spectacular job in capacity outside the path of the new Forester and told us that the vehicle used as a "benchmark" was the Toyota Land Cruiser.
New modern systems and sound interface. The optional premium sound system with eight speakers was developed by Harman Kardon.
In conclusion, the new 2014 Subaru Forester is an excellent choice in the crossover segment. Its excellent AWD system, improved visibility in all directions, posterior chamber available on all versions, options, its magnificent new turbocharged engine and improved CVT transmission will add a value that hardly reach competitors.
For this year the base price base model starts around $ 22,000 and can reach up to $ 30,000 with all available options. Furthermore, the turbocharged version starts at $ 28,000 and can cost up to $ 33,000.
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