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By
EWAN KENNEDY
7 January 2008
Subaru has released the first official shots of the upcoming
new Forester wagon. Interestingly, the Japanese company that specialises
in all-wheel-drive vehicles has aimed the latest generation Forester
more at the SUV market than ever before. Previous models have almost
looked like conventional station wagons. This time around the body is
taller and bolder in its lines.
Perhaps Subaru wants its Forester to be seen as a smaller
brother to its big seven-seater Tribeca SUV? Probably not a bad
move as the revised styling of the Tribeca certainly looks to be
attracting more potential buyers than for the controversial
original shape.
Forester's headlight and grille treatment works well and ties
in nicely with the squared-off shape of the body sides.
The bonnet bulge on the turbocharged model, probably to be
called the Forester XT when it comes to Australia, though that
final announcement is yet to be made, follows the lead of the new
WRX in having lines that integrate neatly into the bonnet, rather
than being tacked on afterwards.
The front approach angle of the new Forester looks to be tidy
enough to let it tackle mid-range off-road running, but the
departure angle appears to be compromised by exposed mufflers.
We must say that we are concerned at the interior photo showing
a telescope with a tripod that looks to have dangerously pointed
ends aimed at the front seats. It really is time the Asian car
makers followed the longtime leads of the Europeans in providing
safety nets, hooks and the likes in load areas.
Subaru in Australia is pushing very strongly on the safety
front at the moment, indeed for a long time now. Perhaps it can
improve on the Japanese original when the new Forester comes here
later this year.
© Copyright
Marque Publishing Company
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