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Subaru Revamps Popular Forester for 2001        

12 January 2000

Subaru Revamps Popular Forester for 2001; SUV Crossover Vehicle Features New Styling, Safety and Comfort Features    
    DETROIT, 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.