November 9, 2017 , Cherry Hill, N.J. -

SUBARU INTRODUCES 2018 FORESTER LINE WITH NEW BLACK EDITION

  • New Black Edition combines distinctive style with substantial equipment upgrade
  • Active Torque Vectoring now standard on 2.0XT Touring
  • Touring models feature EyeSight Driver Assist Technology as standard
  • EyeSight-equipped models gain High Beam Assist and Reverse Auto Braking

Subaru of America, Inc. introduced the 2018 Forester, highlighted by a distinctive new Black Edition that combines a comprehensive equipment upgrade with exclusive exterior and interior appointments. The Forester, Subaru’s best-selling vehicle in the U.S., extends the model’s 20-year tradition of delivering responsible engineering, sure-footedness and all-conditions performance, augmented in the current models with available turbocharged performance and compelling luxury.

All 2018 Forester models come standard with Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, a distinction from competitive SUVs that come with front-wheel drive as standard and offer all-wheel drive as an extra-cost option. The Subaru Forester provides a refined, quiet ride thanks to comprehensive soundproofing measures, including an acoustic windshield.

Black Edition Dresses Up Forester
The Forester 2.5i Premium exclusively offers a new head-turning Black Edition package for 2018. The Black Edition equips this model with a significant equipment upgrade, including the Lineartronic® CVT with a 6-speed manual mode and steering wheel paddle shift switches, a combination previously available only on turbocharged models. The Black Edition also comes standard with EyeSight Driver Assist Technology®, X-Mode, Hill Descent Control and LED Steering Responsive Headlights.

Offered in a choice four exterior colors -- Crystal Black Silica, Dark Gray Metallic, Crystal White Pearl and Ice Silver Metallic -- the Forester 2.5i Premium Black Edition stands out with 18-in. black alloy wheels; fog lights with black accent trim; black finish exterior badges and mirrors; and a front grille with blacked-out wing motif and chrome frame.

The Black Edition likewise equips the Forester 2.5i Premium with a distinctive interior upgrade, including exclusive black cloth upholstery seats with simulated leather bolsters, complemented by a silver metallic and black gloss finish center dash panel. The leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift handle are highlighted with silver stitching, and the interior door handles feature a chrome finish. The All-Weather Package, rear cargo tray and Welcome Lighting all come standard with the Black Edition.

Expanded Safety
Subaru continues to expand availability of its award-winning EyeSight Driver Assist Technology, now making it standard, along with Reverse Automatic Braking and High Beam Assist, on the 2018 2.5i Touring and 2.0XT Touring. The 2.0XT Touring also adds standard Active Torque Vectoring, a handling-enhancing technology that was first featured on the brand’s iconic WRX® and WRX STI® performance models.

EyeSight was upgraded in the previous model year to incorporate color cameras that provide a wider, longer field of vision. The safety system, rated “Superior” by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), integrates Adaptive Cruise Control, Automatic Pre-Collision Braking and Lane Departure and Sway Warning.

Also included with EyeSight is Lane Keep Assist, which can gently guide the vehicle back to the center of its lane if sway is detected. Forester Limited and Touring models include standard Blind Spot Detection with Lane Change Assist and Rear Cross Traffic Alert. The latter warns of potential danger from a vehicle entering the driver’s blind spot or approaching from either side when backing up. Premium trims equipped with optional EyeSight also include Blind Spot Detection / Rear Cross Traffic Alert.

Available High Beam Assist works in conjunction with EyeSight and automatically switches the headlights between the high and low settings based on driving conditions. Also standard on all Touring models and on 2.5i Limited with EyeSight, Steering Responsive Headlights aim the beams in the direction of travel to provide improved illumination around curves.

Reverse Automatic Braking, part of Subaru’s goal of “all-around safety,” is also included on the Limited when equipped with EyeSight. This preventative safety technology is designed to assist the driver by detecting large objects and to help avoid a possible collision when the vehicle is reversing at low speed. The system uses four ultrasonic sonar sensors in the rear bumper cover and can automatically stop the vehicle if the driver does not respond to audible and visual warnings.
For added nighttime security, Welcome Lighting is standard on the 2.5i Limited and Touring and both 2.0XT trims; this feature automatically activates cabin illumination and exterior lights as the driver approaches or departs the vehicle.

Performance, Handling and Capability
The Subaru Forester preserves the optimal blend of SUV capability and car-like ride and handling that established this model as a pioneer in its segment. Four-wheel independent suspension system endows the Forester with agile handling and compliant ride quality. The 8.7 inches of ground clearance for all models is greater than for many crossovers and SUVs, yet the Forester maintains a comfortably low step-in height.

The 2018 Forester 2.5i is available in base, Premium, Limited and Touring trims and is powered by a 170-hp 2.5-liter 4-cylinder BOXER engine. A 6-speed manual transmission is standard for the 2.5i and 2.5i Premium, with the Lineartronic CVT optional for those models and standard for 2.5i Limited and Touring.

Efficient powertrains give the Forester exemplary fuel economy in the small SUV segment. The 2.5i with CVT, for example, achieves EPA fuel economy ratings of 26 MPG city / 32 MPG highway / 28 mpg combined.

2.0XT: A Complete Performance Package
The 2.0-liter 4-cylinder Boxer engine in the 2.0XT, available in the Forester Premium and Touring trims, uses a combination of direct fuel injection, high compression, Dual Active Valve Control System (DAVCS) and turbocharging with an intercooler to achieve outstanding performance and efficiency. The engine produces 250 horsepower at 5,600 rpm, accompanied by a broad torque curve that peaks at 258 lb-ft over a 2,000-4,800 rpm engine speed range.

Bolstering the Forester 2.0XT models’ sporty driving demeanor, the standard Subaru Intelligent Drive (SI-DRIVE) powertrain performance management system allows the driver to tailor the vehicle’s driving characteristics by choosing from among three selectable modes – Intelligent, Sport and Sport Sharp – using a switch on the steering wheel. With Intelligent mode selected, SI-DRIVE provides a more relaxed throttle response curve, making it useful for commuting in traffic, for example. Sport mode provides quick throttle responses and powerful, linear acceleration and also accesses a 6-speed manual mode for the CVT, via steering wheel paddle shift control switches. In Sport Sharp mode, SI-DRIVE modifies the engine’s electronic throttle mapping to deliver even quicker throttle response and provides an 8-speed manual mode.

The 2.0XT models deliver even sharper handling responses from a sport-tuned suspension, along with exclusive chassis reinforcements. In addition, the 2.0XT models use larger brakes than the 2.5i models, with ventilated rotors front and rear.

Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive with Off-Pavement Control Systems
The 2018 Forester line offers two versions of Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, each of which continuously powers all four wheels and can transfer more torque to the wheels with the best grip. Both versions integrate Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) to further enhance all-weather stability and traction but do not rely on VDC to distribute torque.

Forester 2.5i models equipped with the 6-speed manual transmission utilize a viscous-coupling locking center differential that distributes torque 50:50 and transfers more torque to the wheels with the best traction should slippage occur. In Forester models with the Lineartronic CVT, an electronically managed continuously variable transfer clutch – proprietary Subaru technology – actively manages torque distribution based on acceleration, deceleration, cornering and available traction. This Active All-Wheel Drive system automatically transfers more torque to the wheels with the best grip should slippage occur.

Subaru’s driver-selectable X-Mode is standard on all Premium, Limited and Touring models with the CVT and incorporates Hill Descent Control. When engaged, X-Mode optimizes control of the engine, transmission shift pattern, Active AWD front/rear clutch force, brakes and VDC to optimize wheel control on slippery surfaces and steep inclines.

SUBARU STARLINK™ Connected Services
The Forester Premium, Limited and Touring trims offer the SUBARU STARLINK Safety and Security features. Two STARLINK packages are available and are among the most affordable in the industry. The STARLINK Safety Plus package that includes SOS Emergency Assistance, Enhanced Roadside Assistance, Automatic Collision Notification, Maintenance Notifications, Monthly Vehicle Health Report and Diagnostic Alerts.

For even greater peace of mind, the STARLINK Safety Plus & Security Plus Package adds Stolen Vehicle Recovery Service, Vehicle Security Alarm Notification, Remote Lock/Unlock, Remote Horn and Lights and Remote Vehicle Locator.

STARLINK Multimedia Systems
All Forester trim lines for 2018 feature SUBARU STARLINK Multimedia systems that provide hands-free connectivity and entertainment services. The in-vehicle platform provides owners with more sources of entertainment and information through seamless smartphone integration. The 2018 Forester 2.5i base model features the STARLINK 6.2” Multimedia system with a 6.2-in. single-touch gesture display, AM/FM stereo with HD Radio®, Radio Data Broadcast System, single-disc CD player, Bluetooth® hands-free phone connectivity and audio streaming, iPod® control, iTunes® Tagging, a USB port and an auxiliary input jack. Smartphone integration features Aha™ and Pandora®, along with STARLINK cloud applications iHeart® Radio, Stitcher™, Calendar, Music Player, News and Weather. The screen also provides the display for the standard rear vision camera.

On the Premium, Limited and Touring trims, the standard STARLINK 7.0” Multimedia Plus system, which uses a high-resolution 7-in. LCD screen, adds Siri® EyesFree mode, allowing drivers to use voice commands through the vehicle infotainment system for Siri on their iPhone. In addition, STARLINK 7.0” Multimedia includes Bluetooth hands-free SMS text messaging and dual USB ports and adds four months of free SiriusXM® All Access Radio and SiriusXM Travel Link®.

The optional STARLINK 7.0” Multimedia Navigation system features voice-activated controls and comes with three years of complimentary map updates as well as a 3-year subscription to SiriusXM Traffic® and SiriusXM Travel Link along with four months of SiriusXM All Access Radio.

Renowned Subaru Value in Four Trim Levels
The generously equipped Forester 2.5i comes standard with a tilt/telescopic steering column, STARLINK 6.2” Multimedia system, rear vision camera, Incline Start Assist, security system with engine immobilizer, carpeted floor mats, multi-function display, Bluetooth hands-free phone connectivity and audio streaming with steering wheel control switches and more.

The 2.5i Premium adds STARLINK 7.0” Multimedia, a panoramic power moonroof, 17-in. alloy wheels, 10-way power driver’s seat, reclining rear seatback, dark tint privacy rear glass, and more. The All-Weather Package, which includes heated front seats, heated side mirrors and a windshield wiper de-icer, comes standard with the 2.5i Premium with 6-speed manual transmission and is optional for the CVT-equipped Premium.

The 2.5i Limited includes the All-Weather Package and makes the CVT standard, as well. This luxurious model includes all the Premium trim’s features and also adds perforated leather-trimmed seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter, fog lights, automatic climate control system, Welcome Lighting, power rear gate with auto close, and more. Blind Spot Detection with Lane Change Assist and Rear Cross Traffic Alert are standard features on the Limited along with Welcome Lighting. EyeSight-equipped models include High Beam Assist, LED Steering Responsive Headlights, Automatic Low & High Beam Height Adjustment and Reverse Automatic Braking.

The top-of-the-line Touring models are distinguished by 18-in. alloy wheels, black side cladding with chrome trim and foldable, body colored exterior mirrors with integrated turn signals. Touring trims are available with Black or Saddle Brown interiors. In addition to including all the Limited trim’s content, the Touring adds two-position memory for the 10-way power driver’s seat (includes power lumbar support), as well as Keyless Access with Push-Button Start and heated steering wheel, a Harman Kardon® premium audio system, electroluminescent instrument cluster with LCD display, one-touch folding rear seatback and more. Touring models come standard with EyeSight, Reverse Automatic Braking and High Beam Assist headlights.

The Foundation of Subaru Safety
The Forester is built around the company’s proven ring-shaped reinforcement frame design. All Forester models feature as standard equipment front seat side impact airbags and side curtain airbags that offer additional head protection for front and rear occupants, plus a driver’s knee airbag. The intelligent dual-stage deployment front airbags use sensors to determine airbag deployment strength for optimal occupant protection. A rollover sensor activates the seat belt pre-tensioners and deploys the curtain airbags if it detects potential vehicle rollover.

All Forester models are also equipped with anti-whiplash front seats, Brake Override and an impact-sensing fuel system cutoff. The Brake Override System cuts engine power if the driver applies both the brake and accelerator beyond a certain threshold.

About Subaru of America, Inc.
Subaru of America, Inc. (SOA) is a wholly owned subsidiary of Subaru Corporation of Japan. Headquartered at a zero-landfill office in Cherry Hill, N.J., the company markets and distributes Subaru vehicles, parts and accessories through a network of more than 620 retailers across the United States. All Subaru products are manufactured in zero-landfill production plants and Subaru of Indiana Automotive, Inc. is the only U.S. automobile production plant to be designated a backyard wildlife habitat by the National Wildlife Federation. SOA is guided by the Subaru Love Promise, which is the company’s vision to show love and respect to everyone, and to support its communities and customers nationwide. Over the past 20 years, SOA has donated more than $120 million to causes the Subaru family cares about, and its employees have logged more than 40,000 volunteer hours. As a company, Subaru believes it is important to do its part in making a positive impact in the world because it is the right thing to do.

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