KEY POINTS:
It's one out of the box - quite literally. Subaru's brand new Forester has left the straight-edged styling of previous versions behind in favour of a more modern, fashion- able look.
The new Forester has just been unveiled in Japan. It's wider and taller than the outgoing model, with greater cabin space.
While Japanese models will be sold in their own market with a 2.0-litre engine, the New Zealand-bound Forester will have a development of the 2.5-litre powerplant, mated to a permanent all-wheel drive symmetrical transmission.
Compared with the previous model, the new Forester is 110mm taller, 90mm longer in the wheelbase and 45mm wider. Ground clearance has been improved to 225mm on the top XT model.
Cabin changes are focused on more practicality. The centre console now houses a storage compartment large enough for a laptop computer and a removable tray than can be used for cellphones and/or portable music players.
Subaru claims that luggage space has been substantially improved by a new design of double-wishbone rear suspension.
The new Forester will be launched in New Zealand in the second quarter of this year.
