Subaru Forester Named One of the 'Best Family Cars for 2009' by Parents Magazine and Edmunds.com

Subaru Forester Named One of the 'Best Family Cars for 2009' by Parents Magazine and Edmunds.com

May 22, 2009:

The 2009 Subaru Forester today was named to the "Best Family Cars for 2009" list by Parents Magazine and Edmunds.com. The award is the culmination of six months of test-driving and analyzing dozens of vehicles, plus feedback from parents who own and drive the vehicles on a daily basis. As part of a rigorous evaluation, each vehicle was judged on safety, performance, interior, exterior qualities and family-friendly features. Focusing on the Subaru Forester's safety attributes, the article detailing the awards -- which appears in the June 2009 issue of Parents -- highlights the vehicle's standard all-wheel drive and stability control, as well as the Forester's designation as a Top Safety Pick by the Information Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

"When Parents Magazine and Edmunds.com team up to review a vehicle, you can be sure you are getting a thorough evaluation from both parenting experts and automotive professionals," notes Tom Doll, executive vice president and COO for Subaru of America, Inc. "We are doubly pleased that the Subaru Forester's safety features and family-friendly design have won over not only the experts, but also the parents who rely on our vehicles to keep their families safe."

This latest recognition by Parents Magazine and Edmunds.com joins a growing list of accolades for the Subaru Forester, which was also named a "Best Bet for SUVs and Crossovers" by Cars.com and recognized by Kiplinger's Personal Finance 2009 Car Buyer's Guide as "Best New Crossover" in the category of "Small Crossovers." Other awards received by the 2009 Subaru Forester include: Motor Trend's 2009 Sport/Utility of the Year; a "good" rating (the highest available rating, indicating a vehicle's roof is more than twice as strong as minimum federal safety standards require) in the new IIHS roof strength test and the MotorWeek Driver's Choice Award for Best Small Utility.

Right now, Premier Subaru is having an unprecedented sale on the all-new 2009 Subaru Forester. This includes "model year discounts" and low interest financing to qualified buyers. Premier Subaru, the State's only AAA Approved Subaru dealers, has the largest inventory of 2009 model year Foresters in New England.

PREMIER SUBARU AND PREMIER PREOWNED ARE OFFICIAL DROP OFF POINTS FOR THE TOYS FOR TOTS PROGRAM

For the eighth year in a row, Premier Subaru and Premier Pre-Owned in Branford are proud to be official drop off points for the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program. The 61 year mission of the Toys for Tots program is to collect new, unwrapped toys each holiday season and distribute those toys as Christmas gifts to needy children in the community. The primary goal of Toys for Tots is to deliver, through a shiny new toy at Christmas, a message of hope to needy youngsters that will motivate them to grow into responsible, productive, patriotic citizens and community leaders. Last year, approximately 36,000 children in the Greater New Haven and all surrounding areas received toys through Toys For Tots.

Bob Alvine, President of Premier Subaru and Premier Pre-Owned commented that “We believe that this program allows us an opportunity to play an active role in the development of our nation’s most valuable natural resource – our children and to unite all members of the local community. The gift of a shiny new toy – something children take for granted – means to a needy child that someone cares, that he/she hasn’t been forgotten, that Christmas hasn’t passed him or her by. In addition, due to the current economic environment, we are starting this program off early to ensure that we are able to collect a record number of toys.”

As an added benefit, customers who contribute a new, unwrapped toy to the Toys for Tots program will receive an additional $100.00 off their new or used vehicle purchase at either Premier Subaru or Premier Pre-Owned in Branford. Collections under this program end on December 19, 2008.

Premier Subaru is located at 150 North Main Street in Branford. Premier Pre-Owned is located at 165 North Main Street in Branford. Community members requiring additional information are encouraged to call 203-481-0687 or visit their website at www.premiersubaru.com. ###

The Subaru Forester - Motor Trend's 2009 SUV of the Year!

As a member of Subaru's National Dealer Council, I was privledged to be in attendance during Motor Trend's Official Awards Ceremony to provide the SUV of the Year Award to Subaru for the all new 2009 Subaru Forester. This was truly an amazing occassion, especially to be able to interact and talk to the members of the Motor Trend Magazine Staff (including the Editor in Chief!) about how they go about selecting the vehicle for this award. The full press release is as follows:

CHERRY HILL, N.J., /PRNewswire/ -- Subaru of America, Inc. today announced that the Subaru Forester was named MOTOR TREND's 2009 Sport/Utility of the Year. Topping 12 other contenders, the Subaru Forester was, according to MOTOR TREND editor-in-chief, Angus MacKenzie, the judges' unanimous decision. "The Subaru Forester is the SUV for our times," said MacKenzie.

"We are proud and honored to receive this award for the Subaru Forester," said Thomas J. Doll, executive vice president, Subaru of America. "The previous Forester had become a byword for practicality and durability and we knew the 2009 Forester had a tough act to follow. So, we made the new Forester bigger, more powerful and more economical than ever-while retaining its legendary reliability and safety, only in a more complete package. The improvements to the new Forester are also being reflected in consumer demand, with sales up 32% over the previous year."

Priced from $19,995 the all-new Subaru Forester represents a $1,200 reduction over the entry price of the previous model. It is available with either a 170-hp 2.5-liter boxer engine or a 224-hp turbocharged engine. Blending utility with performance and comfort, the 2009 Forester is built on an all-new platform featuring a 3.6-inch longer wheelbase (now 103.0 inches) that improves ride and interior space, especially rear seat legroom. The 2009 Forester also features increased hip and shoulder room.

Living up to Subaru's legendary safety record, the Forester and offers cutting-edge safety technology, including Subaru's ring reinforcement safety system, front, seat-mounted side, and three-row side-curtain airbags and ABS. Subaru Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) system, which incorporates stability and traction control systems with a roll-over sensor, is also standard equipment.
The Subaru Forester recently received the highest possible ratings in frontal and side impact crash tests by the governments' National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). In addition to a five-star frontal and side impact crash-test rating, the 2009 Forester received a four-star rollover resistance rating.

To judge contenders for the award, MOTOR TREND's editorial staff conducted exhaustive off-road, street and track testing, and carefully considered essentials such as driving performance, safety and features. MOTOR TREND'S Sport/Utility of the Year is not a comparison test. Each contender was evaluated against three simple criteria: superiority (engineering, design, utilization of resources); significance (its impact on the market), and value (what buyers get for their money versus the competition).

PREMIER SUBARU IS PROUD TO CONTINUE TO BE ONE OF THE LARGEST FORESTER DEALERS IN AMERICA!

WHAT IS ALL THE HOOPLA? YOU CAN GET AUTO FINANCING!!

It has been amazing the number of questions that I have received over the course of the last 2 weeks regarding the ability of consumers to obtain automotive financing. I have been asked countless times about this "draught" in car loans....Well, I am not sure what all of the hoopla is. Right now, we have more eager lending institutions than in our history. These banks and finance companies are actually paying us daily visits - requesting more loans. In addition, we are offering the most aggressive leasing programs that we have ever done.

So, if you are one of those that believes that car loans are an "elusive" property - don't. We are here for you with some of the best rates and terms that we have seen in a decade.

FHI Showcases its Subaru Plug-in STELLA Concept, a New Prototype Electric Vehicle, at the G8 Hokkaido Toyako Summit

Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. (FHI), the maker of Subaru automobiles, today announced the successful development of its Subaru Plug-in STELLA Concept model, a prototype electric vehicle (EV). FHI will provide five units of the Plug-in STELLA Concept for use at the Hokkaido Toyako Summit to be held July 7 through 9, 2008.

Four of the five will be used to transport government officials and other participants at the summit, while one vehicle will be displayed at the Environmental Showcase,
an exhibition and demonstration area in the International Media Center, and it will also be available for test drives.

In addition, FHI will provide one STELLA Concept model to the Japan Post group for use in mail collection and delivery in the vicinity of Toyako during the summit.

The Subaru Plug-in STELLA Concept combines the EV system employed in the R1e, (which recently debuted in the U.S. at the New York International Auto Show), with the mini car, Subaru STELLA. The resulting vehicle represents an optimized model that features STELLA’s compact packaging and superb utility.

FHI plans to use the Plug-in STELLA Concept in the development and test-marketing of the next generation of EV in Japan in the near future.

FHI jointly developed the Subaru R1e with Tokyo Electric Power Co., Inc. (TEPCO), a leading utility in Japan, and the vehicle’s performance has been tested since June 2006. 40 units of the R1e model, equipped with lithium ion (Li-ion) batteries, have been used by TEPCO as part of its corporate fleet and by the Kanagawa Prefectural Government, providing performance results that further advance FHI’s EV development work. Such data collected under real-world conditions has helped FHI refine the concept of the next-generation EV and make further improvements in convenience and comfort under everyday driving situations.
FHI has placed emphasis on its mission to pursue the perfect integration of a pleasant and reliable driving with environmental considerations. While seamlessly improving the power units design and introducing such cleaner engines as the Horizontally-Opposed diesel engine in Europe (available since March 2008), the company has positioned EVs as another viable solution for environmental preservation, and it plans to accelerate its EV development work

Thank You for the Increase!

Thank You! For the month of May, 2008, Premier Subaru had a 62% increase in sales of new vehicles. We appreciate the confidence that you have had in us!

Our Engine Is "Engine Of The Year"!

I am pleased to announce that the Subaru 2.5 liter turbo engine has been named the International Engine of the Year!

Subaru recently announced that the Subaru 2.5 liter turbo engine won the 2008 Engine of the Year in the 2.0 liter to 2.5 liter category. The Subaru BOXER engine beat BMW's 2.5 liter 6 cylinder engine twice in its category for the International Engine of the Year in the last 3 years.

This continues to be a testament to the quality and performance of the Subaru engine and product, in general!

The SOUL of Premier Subaru

THE SOUL OF PREMIER SUBARU.

That is the title to our new TV commercial that summerized the way we do business. Like you, I do watch some television and am tired of the same old car commercials and, quite frankly, the same old way that people in the car business seem to "think" you need to do business. Maybe it is because I am not originally from this industry (I am from the banking industry), but, I belive that people are too smart to go for all of that "whatever it takes" jargon. So, I wanted to relay this to prospective customers in our newest TV commercial.

The soul of Premier Subaru is not really a "tag line" or "commercialized" idea. It really is the "feeling" of the culture of Premier Subaru. I am often told by customers, vendors and just about anyone else that crosses the threshold that our dealership doesn't feel like a dealership. Our salespeople are not like "other salespeople" and our service department really does care. I don't think that this culture is something that we just "came up with", rather is something that was developed over time. Quite frankly, I am real glad that I came from the banking business, as our dealership has that level of professionalism.

I received a call from a customer this past Saturday. What was unusual about it, was that, this customer had moved from Madison, Connecticut to Scottsdale, Arizona. She called me at about 11am, EST, which would be around 8am in Arizona. The purpose of this call was to tell us how much she had liked doing business with us and how she wished we were out there. You can't even imagine how gratified I was to have heard this. I was floored. This customer made my day - well, weekend, by taking the time to call across the country and let me know about her experience at her new "local" dealership in Scottsdale. To me, to have established such a strong relationship with somebody was a testimate to our way of doing business. Our honesty. Our counsel. It is the Soul of Premier Subaru.

I know that nobody watches for commercials - but, I hope that I got - even a little of this - across in this ad. Thanks to Bob Bateson of WTNH TV - Channel 8 - for helping me out with this.

Thank you for doing business with us. That is something that I don't take lightly.

SUBARU'S QUICK CHARGE ELECTRIC CAR MAKES AN APPEARANCE!

I am pleased to have seen that all new Subaru R1e - the Subaru electric vehicle on display at the New York International Auto Show. I took some photos and also attached the original announcement by Subaru of America. When meeting with officials from Fuji Heavy Industries (Subaru's parent) two years ago, I asked them to look into bringing the R1 into the United States (the gas version of the vehicle is on sale now in Japan). I was reall excited to see this car!

SUBARU TO EVALUATE QUICK CHARGE ELECTRIC CAR
WITH NEW YORK POWER AUTHORITY
▪ 50-mile Charge Costs Less Than $2 Dollars
▪ 80-Percent Re-Charge in 15 Minutes


NEW YORK, March 20, 2008 – Subaru today announced that it would begin evaluating its R1e electric vehicle (EV) in the United States this summer. The Subaru R1e will be on display at the New York International Auto Show, from March 21-30 at the Jacob Javits Convention Center.

Based on the Subaru R1 minicar sold in Japan, the R1e was developed by Subaru in partnership with the Tokyo Electric Power Company, Inc. (TEPCO). The utility has been testing a fleet of R1e electric cars since 2006. As part of a U.S. test program, two of the Subaru R1e electric cars will join the New York Power Authority (NYPA) fleet.

“This new partnership with the New York Power Authority is further demonstration of Subaru’s ongoing efforts in applying electric car technology in real world situations. Along with our newly introduced diesel powered cars, electric cars are a viable response to our need to improve fuel consumption and carbon output,” said Tim Mahoney, senior vice president and chief marketing officer for Subaru of America, Inc. “The R1e electrical vehicles are designed for city dwellers looking for an environmentally friendly and fun to drive alternative to gas powered cars.”

“This joint venture with Subaru builds on the New York Power Authority’s extensive involvement with clean transportation and gives us the opportunity to offer the latest in electric drive technologies to our customers,” Roger B. Kelley, president and chief executive officer, New York Power Authority.

The Subaru R1e employs state-of-the-art, fast-charge lithium ion battery technology that eliminates typical lithium ion battery issues of charge memory loss, allowing partial charges and quick charges that do not decrease battery life. The two-seat Subaru R1e is capable of driving at speeds up to 65 mph with a range of up to 50 miles, making it an ideal urban commuter. The Subaru R1e can be “quick-charged” to 80 percent capacity in only 15 minutes using quick-charge technology. The vehicle can be fully charged overnight (eight hours) while connected to a standard household electrical outlet. The R1e uses an AC permanent magnet synchronized motor producing 40 kW.

“Subaru’s goal is to become the leading brand in the electric vehicle market,” said Ikuo Mori, president, Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. “The R1e is an example of today’s cutting edge battery technology, while the Subaru G4e Concept Car shows a glimpse into the future of electric cars.”

There are currently 40 Subaru R1e vehicles in use and Subaru parent Fuji Heavy Industries will place an additional 100 electric vehicles for test marketing in Japan in 2009. Subaru is focusing on the development of new battery technology for future power train applications. Compared with nickel metal hydride or nickel-hydrogen battery technology, lithium-ion battery technology offers a number of advantages, among them easier packaging, higher power density and better cooling for longer life.

Service life for the high-density lithium-ion battery is estimated at 10 years and 100,000 miles, another environmental benefit of Subaru technology. The battery pack is also designed to be easily recycled. The laminated battery packs are flat, rather than cylindrical, offering EV manufacturers wide latitude in vehicle design and packaging. The battery’s basic design and composition consist of laminate, manganese, and lithium ion.

COME TO OUR ROUNDTABLE DISCUSSION ON CUSTOMER SATISFACTION TODAY!

I am honored to be facilitating a rountable discussion on March 19, 2008 for the Small Business Resource Center at the Branford Chamber of Commerce entitled "How to grow your business through customer service". This program is being held at the Blackstone Memorial Library and is free to Chamber Members. It runs from 4pm to 5:30pm. I hope to see you there!

DRIVING THE NEW 2009 FORESTER! AMAZING!

One of the things that we do to foster complete product knowledge and familiarity, is to put our sales consultants behind the wheels of our cars, as well as, those of the competitors. This is called a RIDE AND DRIVE. In anticipation of the arrival of the all-new 2009 Subaru Forester, we sent our Certified Subaru Sales Consultants to the Moroso Motorspeedway in West Palm Beach, Florida to drive and experience the all-new Subaru Forester. This is the first ride and drive event that I also went to in quite some time, given the importance of the Forester to us and our client's. It was an amazing experience. We compared these cars to the Honda CRV, the Toyota RAV4, the Nissan Rouge and the Hyundai Tuscon. In every respect - fuel economy, safety, all wheel drive and even price - the new 2009 Subaru Forester exceeded the competition in every way. We will be posting a DVD of the event on YouTube, so that you can see for yourself the performance of the vehicle.

By the way, in the photo, you will see put the new 2009 Subaru Forester up on 2 wheels. That is done to show our consultants the strong integrity of the car (you can open the door and close it), as well as is done to show you how the standard vehicle dynamics control works! An Amazing car!

Thank You So Much for Your Donations Towards Our Blood Drive!

I would like to thank all of the donors who came out on a rainy and snowy February 27th day to give blood during our Blood Drive for the American Red Cross. I would like to also thank Jamie Russo in our Service Department for the hard work that she puts into these drives, all to ensure their complete success. Thank you also to Salvatore's By The Green, Jersey Mike's of Branford and Subway for their donations of needed food for the donors. Premier Subaru has sponsored four blood drives in the past two years and these organizations have been always more than willing to contribute delicious treats for the blood donors. If you didn't get a chance to donate this time, please go to www.gifealife.org for the next drive location and date.

NEW SUBARU OWNERS! YOU ARE INVITED!

We are, once again, proud to welcome our new Subaru owner's to a NEW OWNERS CLINIC to be held on February 26, 2008 at 6pm at our dealership. This is the 31st time we are holding one of these very popular clinics. It is an information gathering where we show you some basic maintenance tips, as well as have you interact with some of our Certified Subaru Technicians. We put some cars up on the lift so that you can see the undercarriages and be more familiar with the vehicle you just purchased. If you are interested in attending, please call our Service Department, or your sales consultant, and they will make the arrangements. The entire event lasts about 60 minutes and we even offer you free food and drink! It is a relaxed and informal environment designed to allow you to be familiar with the operations of your new Subaru and it's basic maintenance needs. See you there!

I would like to thank those owners who participated in our last new owner's clinc! Thanks also to our Service Director and his award winning staff!

FIRST DELIVERED 2009 SUBARU IMPREZA STi! CONGRATULATIONS!

I would like to congratulate a current customer, Jay James of West Haven, for taking delivery of the 1st "all new" 2009 Subaru Impreza STi from Premier Subaru. Jay's new car has the BBS wheel package and is in Dark Gray Metallic. Jay traded his previous STi, a 2004 model in Silver, of which he took great care of. We are honored to continue to do business with Jay and wish him much enjoyment in his new car!

Subaru Of America Executive Demos!

I enjoy selecting vehicles to add to our preowned inventory. That is one of my roles here at the company. I fly to Florida, Ohio, Chicago and other places seeking Subaru of America "program cars" and executive demos to offer our clients. I love the Subaru of America demos because they offer completely loaded vehicles, with all of the toys, in excellent condition. These are the cars driven by the executives and regional managers of Subaru of America. Some are even "preproduction cars". Well, I just returned from a Subaru of America factory auction and found some of the nicest vehicles I have ever purchased for our customers. When I select a vehicle, I do my homework. Condition reports are available on these vehicles - on line - so that I can get some information on the vehicle and if it ever had damage or repairs. I then look up the options on the vehicle. When I arrive at an auction, I arrive a couple of hours early. That way, I can walk out to the vehicle and look at it personally. With these auctions running thousands of cars a week from all different manufacturers, it takes some time to find these cars! When I personally inspect the vehicle, I visually look at all of the panels of the vehicle, starting at the front. I also incorporate the use of a "paint meter", which is a device that measures the thickness of the paint. That way, I can see if there was ever repaired damage to a vehicle. For example, if a front fender measures 6.0MM in thickness, which is consistent with the rest of the car, and a door measures 9.0MM, there is a likelihood that the door was repainted. I then look at the interior, under the hood, the tires, the trunk and just about ever other area of the car. Getting to the auction early is of real importance to me. If you wait until the auction starts, you really have no more than a couple of minutes to look at a car. I want some more time to ensure that Premier Subaru is offering the highest quality Subaru vehicles to our customers. I am so excited about the vehicles that I currently purchased. We price these cars very aggressively and our customers actually seek them out and "order the type of car they want!" For example, I purchased a Subaru of America Factory Executive Car last week - a virtually brand new 2008 Subaru Legacy 2.5GT Limited with Navigation. This car, in the all-new Deep Bronze Metallic, is absolutely flawless in every way. It is awesome. It is so nice, that I have had it parked on our showroom floor. We are able to offer this car to our customers at a discount of over $5,000 over a new one.

So, please remember to see us and check out our website to view our constantly changing inventory. My desire is to ensure that I have a car for you - at a price point that is right - and all of the confidence of me and our organization!

The 2009 Forester Has Just Been Introduced!

I am excited to announce that Subaru of America has just announced details of the new 2009 Subaru Forester due in April of this year. I am pasting a copy of the Subaru press release below. The new Forester will be quite a departure from the current model. If you do like the size and height of the current model, please be sure to see us soon, as we have the largest selection of 2008 model year Subaru Forester's in New England. These vehicles also have up to $1,500 in manufacturer rebates and financing rates as low as 1.9%! Please see us, or email us, for details!

Now, here are the specifics on the 2009 model! For your convenience, we are also taking pre-orders on this car right now!

DETROIT -- Subaru of America, Inc. today introduced the all-new, third-generation 2009 Forester. A total re-design of the award winning Forester, a vehicle that has built a strong reputation as an icon of safety, dependability and versatility. The 2009 Subaru Forester builds upon that reputation, with a bolder, more SUV-like design, and it makes a major leap in safety technology, comfort, refinement and driving dynamics – a noteworthy accomplishment considering the high standards set by the previous model.

The 2009 Forester arrives in Subaru dealerships this spring. As with all Subaru models, the 2009 Forester comes equipped as standard with Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive. The new-generation 2009 Forester again blends positive SUV attributes including a high seating point and interior versatility with passenger car comfort, handling and fuel efficiency.

The 2009 Forester is built on an all-new platform featuring a 3.6-inch longer wheelbase (now 103.0 inches) that improves ride and interior space, especially rear seat legroom. The 2009 Forester also features increased hip and shoulder room. In addition, the new platform improves crash-worthiness and provides a stiffer platform for crisper handling. A new double-wishbone rear suspension, mounted to a sub frame, replaces the previous strut-type configuration to provide improved ride and handling and increased cargo room. The enhancement of body rigidity and new suspension help reduce levels of Noise, Vibration, and Harshness (NVH).

All Forester models for 2009 feature standard side-curtain airbags with a rollover sensor, and the Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) stability and traction control system is standard on all models for the first time. With the Subaru Dynamic Chassis Control Concept (Subaru DC3), Subaru optimized all elements of the Forester’s chassis to deliver a better balance of ride, handling response, quietness and overall traction performance than offered by competitive vehicles.

A comprehensive array of elements contributes to that goal, including the new, high-strength body structure, standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, VDC and four-wheel disc ABS brakes with the Brake Assist safety system. Manual-transmission models also feature Incline Start Assist, which can momentarily prevent the vehicle from rolling backward when being driven away from a stop on an incline.

Even with its bolder exterior and roomier interior, the new 2009 Forester is only about three inches longer than its predecessor, thus retaining the trim exterior packaging cited by Forester owners as one of this model’s most essential features. Combined, the all-new platform and chassis systems enhance the outstanding on-road handling and maneuverability that have been Forester hallmarks since the model’s inception.

PACKAGED FOR AN ACTIVE LIFE: IMPROVED HANDLING AND RIDE QUALITY
The Forester for 2009 was designed to create a new CUV for active lifestyles, improving ground clearance and drivability while maintaining Forester’s rugged off-road capability. The 2009 Forester offers naturally aspirated and turbocharged/intercooled 2.5-liter Boxer engines, both revised to provide better performance. In particular, low-end and mid-range torque is improved for both engines for more responsive everyday performance. The robust body structure, heavy-duty raised four-wheel independent suspension and up to 8.9 inches of ground clearance help make Forester equally adept at negotiating twisty roads and absorbing ruts and bumps. The ride quality, acclaimed in the previous model as one of the best in the segment, is now even smoother and quieter.

As before, Forester is offered in a wide array of models. The 2009 Forester 2.5 X is one of the best values in the crossover SUV segment. The Forester L.L.Bean Edition model offers more luxury without compromising the vehicle’s sporty nature.

BOLDER DESIGN, GREATER COMFORT
The new-generation Forester makes a bolder SUV design statement than before while retaining its Subaru identity and without resorting to overbearing design elements. A larger, more pronounced grill, higher hood line, “hawk eye” headlights and a large, contoured bumper cover with available foglights give the front end a more confident appearance. More sharply defined character lines and boxed front fenders and rear quarter panels accentuate the new SUV profile. Larger light clusters highlight the rear styling.

The new Forester design integrates functional improvements, as well. New for 2009, framed side windows and larger door openings provide improved ingress and egress. The rear gate’s generous glass area enables the average-sized driver to see a 1-meter (3.2 ft. tall) test dummy positioned 1 meter behind the vehicle.

SPORT SEDAN CHASSIS
The 2009 Forester platform is based on the Subaru DC3 which underpins the brand’s high-performance Impreza models. The new chassis and body are designed for improved rigidity and ride comfort with the addition of high-tension steel at key structural points.

The Subaru Forester was among the first crossover SUVs to ride on four-wheel independent suspension. The 2009 Forester continues that practice adding a new rear double wishbone independent suspension and widened tracks, which gives it a car-like ride quality while providing exceptional handling dynamics. Changes in the ground camber are reduced to ensure that the tire is constantly perpendicular to the road. This enhances the grip performance of tires. To further improve handling in the 2009 Forester models, the engine is now placed slightly lower in the chassis, which lowers the center of gravity. All Forester models feature a quicker steering ratio and a more rigid steering mounting. Forester models with 16-inch steel wheels use 215/65R16 tires; models with 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels feature 225/55R17 tires.

RICH INTERIOR DESIGN
The 2009 Forester interior places a new emphasis on comfort and spaciousness. New materials, including double-stitched fabrics and high-grade plastics, impart a feeling of higher quality. Front seatback comfort is enhanced by the use of specially developed seat cushion and seatback spring. The sweeping twin cockpit design embraces occupants, and brushed aluminum-look insets flow into the center stack. The center console shape adds to the airiness of the interior, aided by the sculpted door panels and improved headroom. Each door panel houses a molded recess that can accommodate a 24-oz. soft drink bottle, as well as loose items.

Rear passenger comfort is enhanced by a central armrest in all models, and new available retractable rear center tray that can securely hold food and drinks is available, as is a reclining rear seatback function. The standard 60/40-split rear seatbacks fold to provide a flat cargo floor, made wider between the wheelhouses by the new double-wishbone suspension. The cargo area is large enough to accommodate four Tour-sized golf bags or four large overnight suitcases with the rear seat backs raised.

NEW USER TECHNOLOGY
The 2009 Forester offers more user technology then ever, including a navigation system for the first time. The standard information center (or available navigation system) is the focal point of the instrument panel. In addition to an input for MP3 players, the center console, when equipped with the navigation system, also includes video jacks that can accommodate portable gaming devices. These can be displayed on the navigation screen when the vehicle is parked.

The navigation screen is placed at the top of the dashboard for improved visibility and ease of use. The 2009 Forester comes pre-wired for XM® or SIRIUS® Satellite Radio. The standard and optional audio systems feature the Radio Broadcast Data System, which can display a variety of information, including a song’s title and artist.

Forester models equipped with the optional navigation system include Audyssey MultEQ® audio enhancement, which made its OEM debut with the new-generation Subaru Impreza models for 2008. Featured in high-end home theater systems, Audyssey MultEQ creates the optimal sound experience for passengers in each seat position by tuning equalization that corrects for time and frequency response.

The heated front seats, heated exterior mirrors, and a windshield wiper de-icer are available as optional features. The available AM/FM 100-watt premium stereo includes a 6-disc in-dash CD changer with MP3/WMA audio file capability. The accompanying 6-speaker audio system with SRS Circle Surround Automotive® is also available in other Subaru models. An auxiliary audio input jack enables connection of an iPod® or MP3 player.

Additional available comfort touches include a leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio and cruise control buttons and a leather-wrapped shifter handle.

RENOWNED SUBARU ATTENTION TO DETAIL
The headlights-off with ignition switch is a traditional Subaru convenience that can preserve battery life, and the 2009 Forester offers several important new conveniences, as well. On models with the 5-speed manual transmission, the Incline Start Assist feature can help prevent the vehicle from rolling backward when being driven away from a stop on an incline. This new feature represents an improvement over the Hill Holder system previously used in manual-transmission Forester models. With the optional automatic transmission, Forester is pre-wired for a remote-starting system. The dual gas-strut hood supports are easier and more convenient than a prop rod.

IMPROVED TORQUE, BETTER ECONOMY
The Forester’s 2.5-liter normally aspirated Boxer engine is modified for 2009 to improve performance, drivability, and economy. The engine delivers 170 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm and 170 lb-ft. of peak torque @ 4,400 rpm. A new intake port design helps improve both low-end torque and emissions. A new optimized catalyst system provides improved emissions performance. The i-Active Valve Lift System (AVLS) ensures a broad torque curve and smooth response at all engine speeds, while also helping to improve fuel efficiency. The switch from a single rear muffler to dual mufflers – as on the Legacy and Outback models – reduces exhaust backpressure while ensuring quiet operation.

The 2009 Forester turbocharged models are powered by a revised 2.5-liter Boxer engine delivering 224 horsepower @ 5,200 rpm and 226 lb.-ft. of peak torque @ 2,800 rpm. The turbo engine, while retaining the same peak power and torque ratings as its predecessor, is modified with a new intake system, redesigned turbocharger and intercooler to produce more torque at lower rpm for a smooth stream of power.

The 5-speed manual transmission is enhanced for better feel, and models with the 4-speed automatic transmission feature SPORTSHIFT ® control for manual gear shifting when desired.

NEW SAFETY TECHNOLOGY
Previous Forester models have been safety leaders, achieving the highest ratings in both NHTSA and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) tests. Subaru engineered the 2009 Forester to achieve these high ratings, building it around the company’s proven Ring Shaped Reinforcement Frame safety structure.

All Forester models for 2009 feature as standard equipment front seat side impact air bags and side curtain air bags that offer additional head protection for front and rear occupants. Intelligent dual-stage deployment front air bags use sensors to determine front air bag deployment strength for optimal occupant protection. Active front head restraints can help reduce potential whiplash injury in a rear collision.

A rollover sensor is added to activate the seat belt pre-tensioners and deploy the curtain airbags. (It should be noted that the previous Forester model achieved a 4-star rating for rollover from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.)

TWO TYPES OF SYMMETRICAL ALL-WHEEL DRIVE
An All-Wheel Drive pioneer, Subaru is the only brand to equip all its models with Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive as standard. Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive is comprised of the Boxer engine and the full-time power distribution system, which varies by model and transmission. The aluminum Boxer engine and simple, symmetrical drivetrain layout help to lower the center of gravity, which in turn contributes to handling precision. Subaru began offering four-wheel drive passenger cars 35 years ago and introduced innovative automatic full-time All-Wheel Drive in 1987. In 1997, Subaru became the first brand in the U.S. to make All-Wheel Drive standard on all models.

The 2009 Forester models feature two versions of Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, both of which power all four wheels all the time and can transfer more power to the wheels with the best grip. Models equipped with the 5-speed manual transmission utilize a viscous-coupling locking center differential that distributes power 50:50, transferring more power to the wheels with the best traction should slippage occur.

In all Forester models with the automatic transmission, an electronically managed continuously variable transfer clutch actively manages power distribution based on acceleration, deceleration, and available traction. This active torque split system automatically transfers more power to the wheels with the best grip should slippage occur. Overall AWD performance is enhanced in the 2009 Forester models via improved communication over the LAN system. Control logic in this AWD system enhances stability by monitoring individual wheel speeds and reacting more quickly to wheel slippage. The control logic also helps to improve tight corner braking, contributing to more neutral handling response (reduced understeer and oversteer).

Both versions of Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive integrate the Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) system to further enhance all-weather stability and traction.