What's this all about?
Subaru has updated the Forester for 2015; the new model goes on sale from 1st April with an improved interior and automatic transmission for the diesel version. Prices for the Lineartronic diesel start at £26,495 - £1,500 more than the equivalent manual model.
So it's a facelift?
Not really, Subaru has kept the exterior largely the same with only a new 'Shark Fin' antenna to distinguish the 2015 model.
What is new then?
Diesel models can now be ordered with the Lineartronic CVT automatic transmission. It is the same system fitted to the 240hp XT turbo petrol model, capable of handling the 350Nm maximum torque of the 2.0-litre 'Boxer' diesel. As well as automatic operation there is a manual mode with seven pre-set 'gears'. Lineartronic also brings Hill Descent Control and the X-Mode system that controls the brakes, transmission and engine to maintain traction on slippery surfaces.
Changes to the 148hp diesel engine are designed to improve economy and refinement. New glow-plugs are said to reduce warm-up time, while the common rail injection system is also new, for more precise control of fuelling and combustion. Official fuel economy for the diesel automatic is 46.3mpg with CO2 emissions of 158g/km; with the six-speed manual gearbox those figures are 49.6mpg and 148g/km.
Extra soundproofing under the bonnet and around the air intake is said to reduce noise, vibration and harshness inside the cabin.
What about the interior?
A new, factory installed, touchscreen infotainment and navigation system with a 7.0-inch display replaces the previous dealer fitted options; this comes as standard on XC, XC Premium and XT models. If you don't want to touch the screen the Forester also features Subaru's latest voice control system. If you want to bring your own music and charge another device at the same time there is now an extra USB jack to allow this.
Other changes include improved materials for the interior including a piano black central fascia and metallic highlights. The heater controls have also been redesigned to be nicer to use.
John Lambert - 23 Feb 2015
