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The 2013 Subaru Forester goes on sale today in Japan and a new microsite will be up and running from today, to provide further updates.

The new Subaru Forester according to Subaru is fun to drive, and offers good ride comfort, thanks to the use of Subaru’s latest technologies together with the enhanced body rigidity.

The packaging of the Subaru Forester has made provision for better visibility all round for all occupants, more roominess, better ingress and egress as a result of enlarged door openings, better utility of the cargo space, and the powerlift tailgate which is opened and closed at the push of a button.

Two engine derivatives will be available for the Forester, at least in Japan, the 2.0L 109kW (196Nm) petrol engine and a 2.0L turbocharged petrol engine with a power and torque output of 206kW and 350Nm.

The models initially available will be the 2.0i, the 2.0i-L, the 2.0i-L Eyesight, and the 2.0i-S Eyesight, all powered by the 2.0L 109kW (196Nm) petrol engine. The models powered by the 2.0L turbocharged petrol engine will be the 2.0XT and the 2.0Xt Eyesight.

These engines will be mated to Subaru’s Lineartronic CVT transmission, with the exception of the 2.0i and 2.0i-L which will be mated to a six-speed manual transmission.

According to Subaru, by combining the new generation Boxer engine with Lineartronic, both high engine output and good fuel efficiency have been achieved.

The layout of Subaru Symmetrical AWD system with low center of gravity and superior weight balance has also played a huge role in ensuring compliant ride quality in various road conditions.

The new AWD control system “X-MODE” has been developed for the driving on uneven or slippery road condition. The system simulates various road conditions. By pushing “X-MODE” button, any driver can use the system easily and make the vehicle stable.

Some of the other features available on the Subaru Forester include the multifunction display monitor which shows details of the vehicle’ s driving conditions to support fuel-efficient and safe driving, the Hill start assist function, the SI-Drive system (Intelligent mode and Sports mode and S#/S Sharp).

Fore more info be sure to check out the microsite.

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The all new Subaru Forester will make its world premier on the 13th of November 2012 in Japan.

The all new fourth generation Subaru Forester was first debuted globally in 1997 and launched locally in 2002.

Subaru states that the Forester will boast a higher level of vehicle driving, handling and stopping capabilities; enhanced safety and environmental performance; and excellent drivability in all road conditions.

The Japan spec Subaru Forester will be offered with two engine options 2.0L 109kW (196Nm) petrol engine and a 2.0L turbocharged petrol engine with a power and torque output of 206kW and 350Nm.

The normally aspirated 2.0L petrol engine will be mated to a six-speed manual transmission or an optional lineartronic Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) whilst the 2.0L turbocharged petrol engine will only be available with the CVT.

Following the premier in Japan on November 13, the all new Subaru Forester will be introduced in other major markets worldwide.

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It seems that more power for the Subaru BRZ is to come from the addition of a twin-scroll turbocharger. Subaru is reportedly developing a turbocharged direct-injection version of the horizontally opposed 2.0L four-cylinder engine currently fitted on the BRZ.

Subaru is also be reported to be in favour of using their own internally developed straight direct-injection system other than the Toyota system currently fitted.

The overall engine output figures are not confirmed yet but the figures mentioned thus far indicate a power output of 206kW and339Nm of torque. That is an additional power and torque output of 59kW and 135Nm , respectively.

Whether or not Subaru adds a turbocharger to the Subaru BRZ  or sticks to the normally aspirated engine, we are sure the guys at Subaru Tecnica International (STI) will do a brilliant job of tuning the engine. After all they also built the Subaru BRZ GT300 which cranks out 220kW.

The uprated Subaru BRZ is set for introduction in 2014. We are already drooling dreaming of what we could do with the added power.

For those with absolutely no patience i’ve heard some aftermarket companies are already doing some work on the Toyota 86. Not that it helps anyone really because we are still waiting for Subaru South Africa to start making deliveries to customers….

Source: Motor Authority via Automotive News

Production of the Subaru BRZ  in Japan started in February this year. Both the Subaru BRZ and Toyota 86 are built at the same production plant, Subaru’s Gunma production facility. However the production volumes are skewed more in favour of the Toyota 86 than the Subaru BRZ.

From the start of production demand has far outstripped supply and as a result there has been limited stock for international markets. What this means to South Africans is that we will most likely have to wait a bit longer than a number of other countries.

We received confirmation this morning from Ashley Lazarus, Teamleader – Marketing, Subaru Southern Africa, that Subaru had not established a final launch date. Initially the launch of the Subaru BRZ was estimated for the 4^th quarter of 2012 however Subaru Southern Africa has indicated that it definitely won’t be launched in 2012. At the moment the earliest launch date will be either in the 1^st or 2^nd quarter of 2013.

This might put a few people in a bit of a predicament.  Subaru fans might just find themselves test driving the Toyota 86 just to get a taste of what to expect from the Subaru BRZ and start considering purchasing it instead. Trust us we know the feeling.

Well why should you wait for the BRZ? Well to make it easier, we searched a number of webpages to find out what people were saying about the two vehicles. Click here to read one of the comparisons we found.

One of the main things which stands out is the difference in suspension settings between the Toyota 86 and the Subaru BRZ. According to Ashley Lazarus “Handling integrity is critical and as a result we’ve opted for – when compared to the Toyota 86 – firmer suspension settings and other refinements to provide razor-sharp handling, giving the BRZ a very distinct feel.  It’ll be perfectly at home in the track day environment, yet still feel brilliant on roads that keen drivers dream about. ”

Model specifications and pricing has yet to be announced but hopefully it will be finalised and announced later this year. In the meantime anyone wanting a Subaru BRZ will require some devine patience.

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Edmunds Inside Line posted a video review of the Subaru BRZ. Check the video below. A number of online forums have been rather active mostly due to the 0 – 60mph figures being posted by the different publications. It seems these figures range from 6.2 to 7.3 Seconds. Check the comments of the Subaru BRZ acceleration times on the Autoblog and Top Gear posts.

What’s your take on the car?

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