All-New 2019 Subaru Forester Makes Global Debut at New York International Auto Show

• Built on Subaru Global Platform for improved safety, comfort and performance.
• Features standard symmetrical full-time all-wheel drive, available two-mode X-Mode.
• Roomiest Forester yet features longer wheelbase, wider rear gate opening.

MISSISSAUGA, ON, March 28, 2018 /CNW/ - Subaru Canada, Inc. (SCI) is pleased to announce the unveiling of the all-new 2019 Forester at the New York International Auto Show (NYIAS).

The fifth-generation Forester is positioned as a key part of the company's global strategy, and features comfortable and functional packaging combined with user-friendly features including the debut of DriverFocus, a state-of-the-art system to help address distracted driving for both new and experienced drivers . Working with our award-winning EyeSight Driver Assist Technology, DriverFocus is like having an attentive co-pilot along for the ride, ready to give a helpful alert if a driver becomes distracted or drowsy.

Built on the Subaru Global Platform (SGP), the new Forester features slightly larger exterior dimensions, resulting in the roomiest cabin in its history, while retaining the maneuverability that's synonymous with the popular Subaru.

Signature Subaru Design

The 2019 Forester debuts a more rugged style that showcases Subaru's new design language while retaining a strong family resemblance to the rest of the vehicle portfolio. The exterior has shoulder lines that follow around the pillars to emphasize height and strength. Prominent wheel arches emphasize the standard symmetrical all-wheel drive system's functionality. New LED headlights are standard on all models, while new colour choices include Jasper Green Metallic and Horizon Blue Pearl.

The Forester's wheelbase now measures 2,667 millimetres, which results in increased passenger space in the second row, while the integration of the SGP allows for a maximum trunk opening width of 1,300 millimetres for improved ease of use and loading capacity.

The cargo area also features a new available power rear gate that's faster than before while incorporating for the first time in a Subaru vehicle a locking system that allows the rear gate to be closed and all doors locked with the touch of a button.

The interior of the 2019 Forester has been designed for both greater passenger comfort and increased durability, two hallmarks of the Subaru brand. Redesigned front seats aim to enhance comfort on long drives, while the second row features increased space for passengers, as well as a wider step to allow easier access to roof-mounted cargo and accessories.

Revised Drivetrain

Powering the 2019 Forester is an enhanced 2.5-litre SUBARU BOXER engine that features direct injection and auto stop/start, as well as increased output and efficiency. The new engine produces 182 horsepower and 176 lb.-ft. of torque, versus 170 horsepower and 174 lb.-ft. in the previous Forester, and comes mated to a Lineartronic CVT with an available seven-speed manual mode. The combination results in quicker acceleration and improved efficiency.

Adding more diversity to the drive is the driver-selectable SI-DRIVE, which comes equipped on all Forester models, and allows the vehicle's throttle characteristics to be adjusted on the fly. The system has 'Intelligent,'  'Sport' and 'Sport #' modes, the former which helps smooth accelerator input for saving fuel and the latter two of which emphasizes performance.

The 2019 Forester continues the model's tradition of offering a car-like ride and handling with the capability of an SUV. Standard symmetrical full-time all-wheel drive, a hallmark of Subaru's vehicles, provides all-weather confidence and capability, while standard active torque vectoring, first introduced on the WRX and WRX STI performance models, offers improved handling and cornering performance.

With a generous 220 millimetres of ground clearance, the 2019 Forester is well suited for off-pavement adventures, while the standard X-Mode is ideally suited for a variety of weather and road conditions. When engaged, X-Mode optimizes the engine, transmission, all-wheel drive system and brakes for optimal traction on slippery surfaces and steep inclines. New for 2019 is an available dual-mode version of X-Mode that offers Snow/Dirt and Deep Snow/Mud modes for even more capability to go virtually wherever necessary.

Segment-First Safety Tech

The new Forester is also fitted with the latest in-vehicle technology, including the choice of 6.5-inch or eight-inch touchscreen infotainment systems featuring Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while available DriverFocus is designed to help address distracted driving and driver fatigue.

Using facial recognition software to identify signs of driver fatigue or driver distraction, the system works with Subaru's EyeSight safety suite to reduce the likelihood of a collision. Utilizing a driver monitoring system, DriverFocus can recognize and remember up to five drivers and remember their individual pre-sets for seat position, door mirror angles and climate, among others.

Subaru's EyeSight safety suite is also available, and includes features like adaptive cruise control, lane departure and sway warning, lane-keep assist, lead vehicle start alert, and more. Other available advanced safety technologies include reverse automatic braking, blind spot detection with lane change assist and rear cross traffic alert.

The all-new 2019 Subaru Forester will arrive at Subaru retailers across Canada later this year. More information, including pricing, will be announced at a later date.

About Subaru Canada, Inc.

Subaru Canada, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Subaru Corporation of Japan. Headquartered in Mississauga, Ont., the company markets and distributes Subaru vehicles, parts and accessories through a network of 93 authorized dealers across Canada. For more information, please visit www.subaru.ca or www.pr.subaru.ca or follow @SubaruCanada on Twitter.

SOURCE Subaru Canada Inc.