Subaru Revamps Popular Forester for 2001
12 January 2000
Subaru Revamps Popular Forester for 2001; SUV Crossover Vehicle Features New Styling, Safety and Comfort FeaturesDETROIT, Jan. 11 -- Subaru, the leading marketer of All-Wheel Drive passenger cars in North America, today introduced the redesigned 2001 Forester. (Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20000111/PHTU027-a http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20000111/PHTU027-b ) Subaru, which pioneered the concept of the passenger car/SUV crossover with the Outback, designed the Forester as a "best of both worlds" sport- utility vehicle. The unique Forester combines the rugged versatility of a small SUV with the handling, ride comfort, safety and fuel efficiency of a passenger car. Available as the well-equipped "L" model and "S" model with enhanced performance and luxury, the 2001 Forester introduces new styling, safety technology and functional features. Reflecting its appeal as a distinct cut above "mini utes," the 2001 Subaru Forester gets a more sophisticated appearance. A new chrome grill features a body-color frame, and new multi-reflector headlights blend more smoothly into the design. The front bumper is also new, and features textured gray finish on the Forester L model. On the Forester S, the bumper finish matches the new Titanium Pearl lower side cladding and larger, body-color foldable sideview mirrors. In the rear, new taillights with multi-reflector, clear-lens backup and directional lights distinguish the new Forester. Both models include a new digital ambient temperature gauge and a digital trip meter. The Forester S adds a standard six-disc, in-dash CD changer and new-design five-spoke 16-inch alloy wheels. A new Premium Package option for the Forester S includes monochromatic body styling, front seat side-impact airbags, retuned suspension, a large power moonroof and exclusive-design 16-inch alloy wheels with gold-paint accents. The Forester provides seating for five passengers, and, with the rear seatbacks up, 32.0 cubic feet of cargo space. Folding both rear seatbacks flat expands carrying space to an impressive 63.1 cubic feet (58.5 cu. ft. with the optional moonroof). The 2001 Subaru Forester L comes equipped with comprehensive standard comfort and functional features, including air conditioning, power windows with one-touch driver's side down, cruise control, AM/FM cassette stereo, power sideview mirrors and a tilt-adjustable steering column. The Forester S adds significant performance and comfort upgrades, including four-wheel disc brakes, viscous limited-slip rear differential, 16-inch alloy wheels (new design for 2001), 215/60 R16 M+S tires, a 6-disc in- dash CD changer, upgraded upholstery, heated front seats, windshield wiper de- icer, keyless entry plus a leather-wrapped steering wheel, shifter knob and handbrake handle. New Safety Features The Forester meets all Federal passenger car safety standards, which are more stringent than those for light trucks. A Subaru innovation called Ring Frame unibody construction provides ample protection in frontal, offset- frontal, side and rear impacts. Standard safety equipment includes dual front airbags and four-channel, four sensor anti-lock brakes. New safety features for 2001 include three-point seatbelts for all five seating positions (height-adjustable on the four outboard positions), new- design front headrests with see-through centers, and three rear seat child safety seat anchors. All rear seat positions include headrests, and the optional Premium package adds front seat side impact airbags. Standard All-Wheel Drive Powered by a 165-horsepower 2.5-liter "boxer" engine, the Subaru Forester provides greater horsepower, torque and towing capacity than competitors. The standard Subaru All-Wheel Driving System powers all four wheels all the time, and can transfer up to 90 percent of available power to the wheels with the most traction. In the Forester S, the standard rear viscous limited-slip differential can direct power to the individual rear wheel with the most traction. A robust body structure, heavy-duty raised four-wheel independent suspension and a generous 7.5 inches of ground clearance give the Forester off-pavement capability. Subaru of America, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. of Japan. Headquartered near Philadelphia, the company markets and distributes Subaru vehicles, parts and accessories through a network of nearly 600 franchised dealers across the United States.