2 Reasons Why Forester 2.0XT Pushes Up the Fun-To-Drive Meter [Video]

The 2017 Subaru Forester gets full-perimeter safety, enhanced efficiency and improved driving dynamics. The updated Forester is now launching in the U.S. and Canada and it gets improved performance and handling for 2017. Why will the compact SUV bump up the fun-to-drive meter?

Active Torque Vectoring

It’s called Active Torque Vectoring (ATV) and it was first introduced on the WRX and WRX STI performance sports cars. Performance fans will now get it standard on the new 2017 Forester 2.0XT Touring models with EyeSight. What difference will driving enthusiasts feel? The performance system helps reduce understeer in their WRX/STI sports cars. Without it, the forward motion wants to keep the vehicle moving in a straight path. With ATV, it will keep Forester carving the tight corner.

Even though Forester has a higher ground clearance for off-road pursuits, the boxer engine sits low in the chassis and gives the SUV a lower center of gravity. This also helps improve Foresters driving dynamics. The Forester 2.0XT is available in the Premium and Touring trims and is still powered by a 250hp 2.0-liter inter-cooled, turbocharged 4-cylinder Boxer engine.

A quicker gear ratio

Another new upgrade on the 2017 Forester is coming to improve driving performance. It will feature a quicker gear ratio in the steering. This will give the new SUV better handling and response to driver inputs. Forester will be quicker in the curves and more responsive to spirited driving.

Many who buy the Forester 2.0XT will take it off-road and the small SUV comes standard with Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive. The competition comes with front-wheel drive as standard and offers all-wheel drive as an extra-cost option. It’s what sets the brand apart from the rest. For more extreme off-road situations, Subaru’s X-Mode traction assist system is now standard on all Premium, Limited and Touring models with CVT and incorporates Hill Descent Control.

The new 2017 Subaru 2.0XT Touring model with Active Torque Vectoring will be available across North America in June. It gets new performance enhancements that will push up the fun-to-drive meter. Now all performance fans need is a Forester STI.

Watch the 2017 Subaru Forester I Vehicle Highlights video

Source: Subaru

Image source: Subaru