What it Is

2009 Subaru Forester Preview – Detroit Auto Show: In a society ruled so strongly by visual appeal, it should come as little surprise that the current Subaru Forester hasn’t exactly shattered all sales records. It’s a respected, safe, and affordably-priced utility vehicle, but by no means is it a looker. To appease a greater percentage of the masses, Subaru is releasing the new and improved 2009 Forester featuring the familiar powertrains, though enhanced with an upgraded all-wheel-drive system, added conveniences such as a navigation system, and not surprisingly, a bolder look that will compete head-to-head with leading competitors from Honda and Toyota when it hits lots this Spring.

Why it Matters

Subaru sold only 187,000 vehicles in the U.S. last year, which company executives suggest represents the transition between old and updated models. To support that claim, it was noted that the redesigned Impreza, for example, enjoyed its best sales month ever this past December. But officials have set much loftier goals for Subaru, aiming for 200,000 U.S. sales this year and climbing to 800,000 by 2018. That’ll require new products, great marketing, and moving more than 44,600 Foresters, the number of units sold in 2007.

What’s Under the Hood

Power for the 2009 Subaru Forester comes from a choice of familiar engines. Base models utilize a 170-horsepower, 2.5-liter Boxer, PZEV-rated four-cylinder that cranks out 170 lb.-ft. of torque. XT variants will continue to push 224 horses from a turbocharged four-banger boasting 226 lb.-ft. of torque. A five-speed manual transmission standard, with a four-speed automatic available as an option. The redesigned Forester also comes with an upgraded all-wheel-drive system as well as standard stability and traction systems, ABS, a new double-wishbone rear suspension, a stronger chassis dubbed the Subaru Dynamic Chassis Control Concept..