Exterior Improvements
The Forester has always received positive reviews when it comes to its size, being one of the more spacious options on the road from Subaru. It manages to be compact enough for use in the city yet offers enough storage and leg room for longer road trips or country use. The 2014 model will offer an even roomier interior with a greater focus on rear seat legroom. There is also a larger cargo area for storage. The actual dimensions of the vehicle have been enlarged, with a new length of 180.9 inches, a height of 70.7 inches, and a width of 66.7 inches. Although these numbers are only slightly larger than the old ones, they are enough to give an airier, more luxurious feel to the Forester.
Upgraded Infotainment System
The greatest changes to the current Subaru Forester that are seen in this 2014 upgrade seem to be in its information and entertainment systems. In any Subaru Forester review for the current model, features such as a touchscreen CD/DVD player, 6-speaker SRS stereo system with subwoofer, and satellite navigation are usually mentioned. Premium models of the current Forester also include leather seating and an electric sunroof. The new model will include a revamped infotainment system, with the same satellite navigation and an additional rear view camera. It will offer full smartphone integration and fully amplified speakers with greater power. A sleek, user-friendly touchscreen offers dashboard navigation for this system as it does in the current model.
Powertrain Options
Although the specifications for the Australian market have not yet been announced, the recent press release from Subaru mentioned engine specifications for the Japanese and North American markets. In Japan, consumers can choose from a 146hp 2.0-litre flat four engine or a 276hp 2.0 turbocharged boxer unit. In North America, a 2.0-litre direct-injection turbocharged flat-four producing 250 horsepower engine will be available, as well as a 170hp 2.5-litre boxer unit. These are available in manual or automatic transmission models, depending on the engine type, which isn't too different from the engine options available in earlier models of the Subaru Forester.
Overall, this should be a slight yet intriguing upgrade to one of Subaru's most popular vehicles. The 2014 Forester will make its debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show in late 2012, although no sales dates in North America or Australia have been set at this time.
