Nonconformist CUV Turns Unbending Traditionalist?

Anthony Fontanelle
January 15, 2008

Subaru launched its next generation Forester sport utility at the North American International Auto Show. But some buffs said that the nonconformist CUV has turned into something generic.

But the automaker claims otherwise. "Forester has grown up, without losing its character," said Tom Doll, the executive vice president of Subaru of America. Eleven years ago, he said, "We called it a hybrid. Today, we call it a crossover."

The 2009 Forester is engineered to correct the weaknesses in the previous versions such as cramped rear seat and rear doors that do not open adequately. These flaws made it harder for the engineers to deal with. Compared with the 2008 version of the CUV, the newly launched Forester looks generic. The automaker has made it chunkier and taller like the CUVs seen on the road these days.

The new Forester is a total redesign of the award-winning crossover utility vehicle that has inked a good reputation as an icon of reliability, safety and versatility. The CUV, which is scheduled to arrive in dealerships this spring, builds upon that reputation while sporting a bolder, more SUV-like design and making a major leap in safety technology, ergonomics, handling, driving dynamics, and comfort.

The all-new Forester is equipped with a 2.5-liter boxer engine that produces 170 horsepower plus a 224-horsepower turbocharged version. The characteristic hood scoop disappears on the high-volume, nonturbo version of the Forester, which also loses some of its endearing characteristic looks, wrote the New York Times. “All hood scoops in the future will be strictly functional, and only offered on turbocharged vehicles that need the extra air,” said a Subaru spokesman.

All 2009 Forester models feature standard side-curtain airbags with a rollover sensor. Additionally, Vehicle Dynamics Control stability and traction control system have been made standard on all models for the first time. With the Subaru Dynamic Chassis Control Concept (Subaru DC3), the automaker optimized all elements of the CUV’s chassis to offer a better balance of ride, handling response, quietness and overall traction performance.

The maker of the Subaru valve cover gasket did not announce the prices for the 2009 model. But the CUV is expected to bear higher sticker price than the present model. The automaker added it plans to sell significantly more of the '09 Foresters than the 44,600 it moved in the previous year.

According to BusinessWeek, more than 500,000 Foresters have been sold since the model was introduced to the U.S. market 11 years ago. Earlier this month, the automaker reported U.S. sales dropped nine percent in December due to in large part to a 24 percent dive in Forester sales.

Source:  Amazines.com