Subaru Announces Pricing on All-New 2009 Forester

CHERRY HILL, N.J., Feb. 26 /PRNewswire/ — Following its world debut at the NAIAS in January, Subaru of America, Inc. today announced pricing on the all-new Subaru Forester. The 2009 Subaru Forester will arrive in dealer showrooms beginning in April with pricing starting at $19,995, a full $1,200 lower than the outgoing model.

“For 11 years, the Subaru Forester has been an icon of functionality,
dependability and durability,” said Tim Colbeck, vice president of sales,
Subaru of America, Inc. “The 2009 Forester now adds greater interior room,
improved comfort and more amenities than before, yet with a starting price
that is significantly lower than the outgoing model.”

The 2009 Subaru Forester is available in both 2.5 liter naturally
aspirated and 2.5 liter turbo models. The naturally aspirated models are
available with manual or automatic transmission, while the turbocharged
models come with automatic transmission.

The naturally aspirated model is available in three trim levels; X,
2.5X Premium Package and 2.5X L.L. Bean (L.L. Bean equipped with automatic
transmission only). The 2.5XT turbocharged model is available in standard X
trim or as a Forester 2.5XT Limited model.

Model Highlights:

The 2.5X, equipped with manual transmission, will have a starting price
of $19,995 (before D&D) - a $1,200 price decrease from the comparable
2008MY.

The 2.5X with Premium Package, equipped with manual transmission, has a
starting price of $22,495 and includes; Power moonroof, 17-inch alloy
wheels, rear seat center tray, roof rails, steering wheel audio controls,
and reclining rear seat backs.

The 2.5X L.L.Bean Edition with standard automatic transmission starts
at $25,995. The L.L.Bean Edition includes: perforated leather-trimmed
upholstery, automatic climate control system, AM/FM stereo with 6-disc CD
changer and 6 speakers, 10-way power driver’s seat, fog lights, all-weather
package (heated front seats, windshield wiper de-icer and heated exterior
mirrors), L.L.Bean embroidered floor mats and L.L.Bean embossed cargo tray.

The 2.5XT model starts at $26,195 and features a 2.5-liter,
turbocharged engine that produces 224 HP. The 2.5XT comes with unique
17-inch alloy wheels.

An All Weather Package is an available option ($400) on the Premium
Package, and is standard on the L.L.Bean & XT Limited. Satellite Navigation
is optional ($1,800) on L.L. Bean and XT Limited models.

Destination and Delivery charge is $665 for all 2009MY Forester models.

2009 FORESTER PRICING
Total
Suggested
Retail
MODEL Standard Package Transmission Price

2.5X (VDC) MT $19,995
2.5X (VDC) AT $21,195
2.5X Premium Package (VDC) MT $22,495
2.5X Premium Package (VDC) AT $23,495
2.5X L.L.Bean Edition (VDC) AT $25,995
2.5XT (VDC) AT $26,195
2.5XT Limited (VDC) AT $28,195

Partial Zero Emissions (PZEV) Models
2.5X (PZEV) (VDC) MT $20,195
2.5X (PZEV) (VDC) AT $21,395
2.5X (PZEV) Premium Package (VDC) MT $22,695
2.5X (PZEV) Premium Package (VDC) AT $23,695
2.5X L.L.Bean Edition (PZEV) (VDC) AT $26,195

The third-generation 2009 Forester is a total re-design of the award-
winning crossover utility vehicle (CUV). The 2009 Forester builds upon its
predecessor’s reputation as an icon of safety, dependability and
versatility. The new-generation 2009 model projects a bolder, more SUV-like
design and making a major leap in safety technology, comfort, refinement
and driving dynamics.

As with all Subaru models, the 2009 Forester comes equipped as standard
with Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive. An all-new platform featuring a 3.6-inch
longer wheelbase (now 103.0 inches) and double-wishbone rear suspension
improves crash-worthiness and at the same time provides crisper handling, a
quieter ride and increased interior space and cargo room. The 2009 Forester
once again blends positive SUV attributes including a high seating point
and interior versatility with passenger car comfort, handling and fuel
efficiency.

All Forester models for 2009 feature standard side-curtain airbags with
a rollover sensor, and the Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) stability and
traction control system is standard on all models for the first time. With
the Subaru Dynamic Chassis Control Concept (Subaru DC3), Subaru optimized
all elements of the Forester’s chassis to deliver a better balance of ride,
handling response, quietness and overall traction performance than offered
by competitive vehicles. A comprehensive array of elements contributes to
that goal, including the new, high-strength body structure, standard
Symmetrical All- Wheel Drive, VDC and four-wheel disc ABS brakes with the
Brake Assist safety system.

About Subaru of America, Inc.

Subaru of America, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Fuji Heavy
Industries Ltd. of Japan. Headquartered in Cherry Hill, N.J., the company
markets and distributes Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive vehicles, parts
and accessories through a network of more than 600 dealers across the
United States. Subaru makes the best-selling All-Wheel Drive car sold in
America based on R.L. Polk & Co. new vehicle retail registration
statistics. For additional information visit http://www.subaru.com.

- 2009 Forester Boasts All-New Styling, Chassis and Added Safety Features.
- Larger Interior Features Improved Comfort, Space and Utility.
- Forester Features Standard Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) Stability System
- Starting Price of $19,995 is $1,200 Lower Than 2008 Model.
Contact: Michael McHale
856-488-3326
mmchale@subaru.com

Subaru of America: http://www.subaru.com

- Via Motor News Network [ http://www.motornewsnet.com/ ]