Forester 2009 Subaru Forester

[Monster]

Re: 2009 Subaru Forester Sketch

The current Forester sans STI treatment is an inconguous mess: strange protuberant and rounded nose at odds with utilitarian squared off looks of the rear. If it wasn't such a cracker to drive, my wife and I would be embarrassed to be seen in it.

I don't dislike the current Forester, they do look slightly menacing in metallic black, with dark tinted windows.

Outlander looks terrific and, unfortunately, Subaru have gone a very similar route. How much creative license is there really available in this segment? Either your design looks like a RAV-4 or it looks like a Freelander. There's not much in between in terms of styling individuality... Controversial and much more expensive X3 notwithstanding.

I think Subaru could further refine the styling of the current Forester instead of starting with a brand new design. You can clearly see the relationship between the 1st and 2nd generation of Foresters, however with this 3rd generation, Subaru has done something completely different and the car ended up looking very similar to the Outlander. The current Forester has an unique proportion, and I think it has the potential to be a great looking car if the Subaru designers are more creative.

Talking of the octagon grill on your Liberty - I can wholeheartedly agree with you. There was such a great opportunity to solidify the brand identity accross the range and instead it got sidelined by a designer with a rather disturbing aftertaste of Alfa Romeo on his mind..

The recently face-lifted Tribeca has gone back to the octagon front grill, so I thought Subaru designers have finally realised their mistake, but looking at this new Forester, it seems like the designers are still completely confused. Guess who is using the octagon grill design now
http://imageshack.us


I think the main attraction for current Forester buyers is that the car isn't as bulky and tall as its SUV competitors. In terms of height and size, it is half way between the Outback and the Tribeca, and that is what many people like. Now this new generation has shifted the Forester towards the Tribeca, and I am not sure if the current owers will like it.

 

[PanterroR]

Re: 2009 Subaru Forester Sketch

Scans







Source - Carscoop: 2009 Subaru Forester Scans

 

[Monster]

Re: 2009 Subaru Forester Sketch

So the Forester has the exact same dashboard design as the Impreza, and the car looks like crap. The old one isn't pretty, but it has some character, this new one is just bland and ugly.

 

[Choleric]

Re: 2009 Subaru Forester Sketch

In Japan, the new Forester will be initially available with two units, a 4-cylinder 2.0-liter boxer engine producing 148 HP and 141 lb-ft of torque and a turbocharged version delivering 230 horsepower and 235.1 lb-ft. Expect the US market Forester to get the 2008 Impreza’s 2.5-liter boxer engines

 

[PanterroR]

http://bp2.blogger.com/_FoXyvaPSnVk/R1u8ufWU0XI/AAAAAAAAdF0/73F7JB42ZAM/s1600-h/csP-SForest-2.jpg

 

[DeDe]

Ugly Front look's the same as one of the american SUVs...dunno which one

 

[bmer]

From CarScoop:


In about a week’s time, Subaru will release details and (official) images on the all-new 2009 Forester, but thanks to a series of leaks, there’s nothing left for our imagination. This new set of pictures that were apparently taken from a Subaru dealership in Japan, are the best that we've seen so far. And even if we’ve already seen several images of the exterior, this is actually the first time that we get real life shots of the interior which looks identical to the one found in the new Impreza.


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[Bartek S.]

Detroit Auto Show: 2009 Subaru Forester

 

[Merc1]

Just looks so plain. Subura for all their functionality just can't style a truly good looking vehicle.


M

 

[Bartek S.]

It’s very functional car but never good looking.

 

[martinbo]

Us Forester owners don't mind that one bit either.

Let's say we and our Forries where that blandness like a badge of honour: "Only a real fuss-pot anorak would drive one of these..."

I'll be putting my order in.

 

[SDNR]

I wouldn't call it ugly at all.

Believe it or not Martin, I do have an appreciation for this vehicle ...it is intended to be used in real-life on/off road situations -- it is designed to be low maintenance and rugged -- the interior is practical and durable. There is no pretense or posturing here -- it is a good, honest 4x4 built with integrity.

For me, the thing which separates this vehicle from ones like the Mercedes-Benz GLK, is not a "lack of style" but rather that it has a higher degree of genuine purpose.

 

[martinbo]

... but rather that it has a higher degree of genuine purpose.

Well put. In fact, I'd say that the above statement is definitive of Subaru vehicles in general - the questionable Tribeca model aside.