Subaru Australia has today released details of the all new Forester, the company’s best selling model. Starting price for the entry model Forester X has dropped from $31,990 to $30,490 - yet equipment levels have improved.

The new MY09 Forester has been upgraded in all respects, it now offers better fuel economy, safety as well as practicality and performance.

With over 105,000 Foresters sold in Australia since 1997, the new the new-generation has grown to appeal to a wider audience, it’s now 75 mm longer, 110 mm taller (including roof rails) and 60 mm wider.

The front grille has changed with more chrome highlights and clear lens “hawk eye” headlights, the rear receives integrated taillights, with metallic highlights.

Most importantly the new car has come in line with the rest of the Subaru line-up, receiving the highly sought after maximum five-star rating for occupant protection from ANCAP (three-star pedestrian rating).

Don’t think for a minute that the extra safety equipment and reinforcing has made the car less economical and sluggish, the new-generation car offers fuel consumption improvements of up to 7.8 per cent.

Another reason why the Japanese manufacturer continues to remain on top of its game is the introduction of standard ESP (Vehicle Dynamics Control - VDC) across the Forester range.

Engine lineup has remained relatively the same with naturally aspirated models using a Single Overhead Camshaft (SOHC) four-cylinder 2.5-litre horizontally opposed boxer engine that produces 126kW and 229Nm of torque. 0-100km/h takes 10.4 seconds.

The range-topping Forester XT makes use of the new Double Overhead Camshaft (DOHC) four-cylinder 2.5-litre turbocharged MY08 WRX engine, which generates its torque (320Nm) 400 revs lower in the range at 3200 rpm. Power is rated at 169kW.

Manual XT variants will do the 0-100km/h dash in 7.1 seconds while the four-speed automatic XT gets there in 7.9 seconds.

Subaru has stuck with the electronically controlled four-speed SPORTSHIFT automatic transmission for all variants.

Subaru has improved the handling dynamics with the addition of a newly designed double wishbone rear suspension setup which also allows for more cargo space.

Other improvements include the higher ground clearance, now 220mm on the X/XS and 225mm on XT, height and telescopic adjustable steering, hill start assist, MP3/WMA compatibility, SPORTSHIFT auto transmission (all auto models) and a shorter rear overhang.

Like the new Impreza, the 2009 Forester has reverted to framed doors, apparently for improved safety, solidity and major reductions in NVH (Noise Vibration and Harshness).

As for the interior, the 90 mm longer wheelbase (compared to the MY08) offers more head, leg and shoulder room. Steering-wheel audio and cruise control buttons as well as a more ergonomic dashboard have also been added.

CarAdvice will be behind the wheel of the new Forester soon.