Subaru will be offering its new Forester model in the coming weeks. The new estate car is claimed to offer more space, a smoother ride and greater ground clearance. This latest Forester model claims to deliver more agile handling, fully justifying Subaru's adherence to the low centre-of-gravity 'boxer' engine and all-wheel drive system, which has made the brand famous. The big news is that a diesel-powered version will also be offered later this year.

The new Subaru Forester comes with a fresh and stronger design, and improved economy. The diesel-powered version is the one to wait for.

Based on the platform of the new Impreza, the Forester features a new multi-link rear suspension and fuel-saving electric power steering. It comes as standard with Subaru Vehicle Dynamics Control, self-levelling rear suspension, engine efficiency improvements and a revised automatic transmission offering 'normal', 'sports' or 'manual' mode.

Now closer in size to its SUV competitors, the completely new Forester is 75 mm longer, 45 mm wider and gains 110 mm in height. Rear legroom grows by 95 mm, the driver's eye-line is 30 mm higher, while the load space is now 450 litres with the rear seat up, 63 litres more than the previous model. This latest model is claimed to give enhanced fuel economy thanks to an improved 2.0-litre petrol 'boxer' engine. This engine, with its cylinders horizontally-opposed, gives the car a lower centre of gravity for improved grip, reduced body roll and more precise steering response. This is further aided by the engine and transmission now being placed ten mm lower in the platform.

The new Forester boasts outstanding equipment with even the entry-level Forester 2.0X featuring symmetrical all-wheel drive; Subaru Vehicle Dynamics Control; self-levelling rear suspension; fuel-saving electric power steering; front, side and curtain airbags; four electric windows; 60/40-split rear seats with reclining back-rests; climate-control air-conditioning; radio/CD player; front fog lamps; vehicle information display; height and reach-adjustment steering wheel; heated front seats, mirrors and windscreen wipers plus cruise-control. Manual models feature a dual-range transmission.

The higher-spec Forester 2.0XS adds alloy wheels, leather seats, steering wheel, gear-lever and handbrake, premium audio system featuring a six-stacker CD-player and seven speakers, HID headlamps, sun-roof, electrically-powered driver's seat, retractable rear seat tray with cup-holder, engine starter button and 'smart' entry.

Other premium touches include a gas strut-assisted bonnet, flowing fascia design, double-stitched seat cloth, metallic interior decoration and padded armrest cushions.

The instruments are also sporty thanks to their clear design and subtle lighting while the extensive vehicle information display includes a fuel consumption indicator highlighting the new Forester's much improved efficiency.

Now, much more SUV-like in appearance, the new Forester boasts a clean appearance with multi-grooved wheel-arches, hawk-eye headlamps and aggressive bumpers. Thought has even been given to the chunky exterior door handles, which have deep recesses to allow winter glove-wearers an easier grip.

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