PLEASANT LOOKS The Forester looks better in the flesh than in pictures

By Justin Lee

THE NEW SUBARU Forester was unveiled by local distributor Motor Image to the media and invited guests on May 16 at the Singapore Botanic Gardens.

This sport utility vehicle is based on an all new platform and has a longer wheelbase. It continues the brand’s current design language which premiered on the Impreza hatchback. The Forester’s dashboard is also similar to the one found in the smaller car.

The same boxer engines as found in the outgoing version have been carried over virtually unchanged. Buyers are able to choose between either a normally aspirated 2.0-litre unit producing 150bhp or a turbocharged 2.5-litre unit producing 230bhp. Both are mated to standard four-speed automatic gearboxes and feature all-wheel drive systems.

Prices for the Forester are as follows:
2.0-litre - $77,000 with COE
2.5-litre - $87,000 with COE