d12go4

Look's like a Black Grill on that one, Look's nice

Unless it's some sort of protective sticker protecting the Chrome Grill

I'm still waiting for a nice clear full side-shot of the 09 Forester

MANoj

Forester 2.5 XTi

Even if it's really chrome there is Krylon Fusion... I hate my 06 Silver grille, but that was fixed pretty quicky.

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USMC - One Shot, One Kill. You can run, but you'll die tired.

vali48

That red band arround the central console...

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MY06 F2.5XT 4EAT 230HP

Forester 2.5 XTi

yep...gotta go!

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USMC - One Shot, One Kill. You can run, but you'll die tired.

agn

We can look at the new Forester as a car in it's own right, in which case it doesn't look that bad among other SUV's... or that different...
As a Forester, continuing with it's genes in an up to date way, I think it lost a bit of the Forester soul and specifics: I agree he will be a good seller, a good car (or SUV...) and for most of the people, allready Forester owners or new owners coming into Subaru he will have it's appeal.
For me, ex-owner of a 2000 Freelander, diesel engine et all (made by BMW), I don't relate diesel=fun to drive, or tall SUV=sports behaviour at all.
Diesel only has economy going for it, if you remove that it's appeal is much less.
In Portugal, price of diesel and gasoline is getting closer, and a equivalent diesel car cost's 15000 to 20000 € more, so I could still buy a Forester and drive for 150000 kms or more with the money I spared in the purchase of a Forester instead of say, a Honda or X3.
I bought a bifuel car, LPG and gasoline, so I can drive clean and cheap in town and allways having the option of gasoline if needed. With LPG my running costs are 2/3 of a equivalent diesel car, so it seems it was a sensible and reasonable choice, I hope that Subaru in Europe continues to have this Bifuel option along with the diesel one, so anyone can choose the best or more suitable for their needs and preferences.
Actually, I got tired of the diesel shortcomings (no fun...) and also having a tall SUV with it's roll or hard suspension, etc...
Very glad to have bought one of the last "true" Foresters..
Let's see how this new baby scores, but for me, shape is OK, not distinct but OK. The problem is the dashboard (the same of the Impreza ?!? why?? different cars, different uses, plus it's ugly and non practical at all), and small things like and exterior radio antenna and not mirror embeded.
Things I would like to confirm before having a more fair opinnion:
- real dimensions, will have to wait until I get close to one
- self levelling suspension
- short gears in manual box, a 6th gear would also be nice
- hill holder, a fantastic system with the manual gear box

Final conclusion (so far...): a nice car to increase Subaru's sales, particularly in Europe, having the same weapons as the competition cars (VW, BMW, Honda or KIA).
As a Forester replacement, I have my doubts...
Good luck Subaru!

dawso_s

It's starting to look like the FMF Expedition interior, you just need to do the stitchwork on the seats. I just hope thats not on the final production model.

pleiad7

I think that's fake wood trim.

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-Silke
04 FXT PP PSM ~ "Subed"
98 Forester S ~ "Slynki"
92 SVX LS-L ~ x2

M45

I wonder if the new CAFE standard (35 mpg) that looks like it will be passed soon will have any effect on Subaru bringing the diesel Forester to the US market

I surely hope so!

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'06 Forester Premium
'07 WRX+'08 Impreza

lfo

It looks really nice in white, and with the scoop, but it's still hard to tell overall since each of the photos seem to give off a different look/vibe and they aren't really the right type of shots to get a total feel for the vehicle.

Man, I am really not liking the interior. It looks style-less and cheap and boring. And ugly, in the case of that redish random wood trim around the stereo. That's just plain I agree. Seems like the interior could be on some econo box, in my view.

The huge sunroof, however, looks awesome.

GodWhomIsMike

Is the navigation going to be an option on the automatic FXT? For some strange reason, it is not an option on the automatic WRX.

Subifreak

Looks like drilled metal pedals will be offered on the XT?

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Bren

Proud owners of a 03 XS & 2005 Lexus ES330

Albino83

I know I am a bit late to the party on this comment, but do many of you in other states not have diesel at the majority of your gas stations? I think that honestly 90% or more of the gas stations around the Twin Cities have diesel at the pumps, I figured it was the same elsewhere as well.

Albino83

That pedal looks like the $15 set they sell at AutoZone. hahaha

pleiad7

Looks like the standard WRX pedals.

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-Silke
04 FXT PP PSM ~ "Subed"
98 Forester S ~ "Slynki"
92 SVX LS-L ~ x2

sea-scooby

I'm not really digging the new interior. The vents are too low and look like they will warm your elbows real nice. The climate controls don't seem very intergrated with the car adn the 12v outlet looks like an add-on from Shucks. I also don't get the big empty space below the dash either. Put a door on it or do something usefull with that space. .

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05 Forester XTi Premium M/T (bobbytuned VF39)(his)
05 Forester X A/T (hers)
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