The 2009 Subaru Forester -- Motor Trend Magazine's Sport/Utility of the Year.
MotorTrend Magazine’s 2009 Sport/Utility of the Year has been announced and the Subaru Forester is the winner, beating out twelve other contenders for the prize. Yes, consumers still want their SUVs and the Forester gives buyers every reason why they might buy one: the vehicle is compact, strong, well made, economical, and affordable.
“We are proud and honored to receive this award for the Subaru Forester,” said Thomas J. Doll, executive vice president, Subaru of America. “The previous Forester had become a byword for practicality and durability and we knew the 2009 Forester had a tough act to follow. So, we made the new Forester bigger, more powerful and more economical than ever—while retaining its legendary reliability and safety, only in a more complete package. The improvements to the new Forester are also being reflected in consumer demand, with sales up 32% over the previous year.”
With a sticker price of $19,995, the price reflects a $1200 drop compared to the 2008 model. Its all-new platform is now 103 inches long, an increase of 3.6 inches which Subaru says helps to improve ride and interior space, particularly rear legroom. In addition, the automaker says the 2009 Forester offers improved hip and shoulder area room.
Powered by a 2.5L I4 engine producing 177 h.p., buyers can upgrade to a powerful 244 h.p. turbocharged engine for optimum power. The Forester comes equipped with front, seat-mounted side, and side-curtain airbags and ABS. Stability and traction control systems with a roll-over sensor is offered standard across all Forester models.
The Forester was recently awarded a four-star rollover rating by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration which also gave the car its highest rating of five-stars for frontal and side impact crashes.
For more information about the Forester visit www.subaru.com.
(Source: Subaru of America, Inc.)
