Customers Are Captured By New Subaru Forester’s Magic
Subaru’s Forester small SUV is the brand’s flagship model around the globe and the all-wheel-drive vehicle has a few tricks up its sleeve. What is its magic and why is it leading Subaru of America to new records? Subaru of America (SOA) reports customers snatched up record numbers of the newly-remodeled Forester and it had its best January ever. Subaru sold 13,318 units compared with 10,848 last January, a 22.8 percent increase.
Without the all-new Forester leading the lineup, SOA does not have the best January in the history of the company. The new Ascent family hauler also contributed with 4,981 models sold, but the 3-Row vehicle hasn’t had a full year of sales yet. All other nameplates, including the hot Crosstrek CUV, were down in sales over the same period last year except for BRZ, up a scant 24 units.
What is Forester’s magic?
The new fifth-generation model comes with a “go-anywhere“ attitude, it’s developed for people with active lifestyles and comes standard with Subaru’s Symmetrical all-wheel-drive with all-terrain capability. Add in the Subaru Boxer engine that sits low in chassis, and you have a small SUV with superior driving dynamics.
Improved fuel mileage
All new fifth-generation Foresters get the newly-upgraded 2.5-liter boxer engine that gets an increase in power and now produces 182 hp and 176 lb-ft of torque, versus 170 hp and 174 lb-ft in the fourth-generation Forester. Even with more power, Forester gets improved fuel efficiency for the 2019 model year. EPA estimates crept up to 26/33 city/highway mpg, and 29 combined mpg, vs 26/32/28 for the outgoing model, giving the 2019 Forester a one mpg improvement highway and combined.
Excellent outward visibility
Most automakers don’t worry about it, but outward visibility is one of the core values for the brand and the Japanese automaker wasn’t willing to sacrifice it for a new raked roof design limiting driver visibility. Forester comes with a large, bright, and open greenhouse interior.
Safety is a core value
Subaru also has a goal to be the overall automobile safety leader, and Forester is their flagship model for their new technology around the globe. Subaru spent more money on Forester’s new safety technology than any other nameplate and all trims come standard with EyeSight, and a new DriverFocus with facial recognition is standard on top-of-the-line Forester Touring trims.
The new 2019 Subaru Forester finished last year as one of America’s hottest selling new vehicles, and it starts the new year off with a bang. Customers are drawn to the Forester because of its all-weather, all-terrain capability, improved fuel mileage, excellent visibility, and standard safety features. It’s a formula that’s working for Subaru.
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Photo credit: Subaru Global