Subaru has launched a new version of the 2020 Forester for the Japanese market. The new model, dubbed the Forester Sport, is powered by a 1.8-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that’s good for 175 hp between 5,200 and 5,600 rpm and 300 Nm of torque from 1,600 rpm to 3,600 rpm. In the U.S., the Forester is available with a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated boxer four and, while it has a touch more horsepower with 182 hp, the turbocharged variant has 60 Nm extra torque.
The Forester Sport also sports a handful
of suspension tweaks and comes with a CVT and Symmetrical all-wheel drive as
standard. Visually, it is differentiated from other variants with a black
grille and dark wheels. The interior is also clad in suede and leather and has
an advanced driver-monitoring system that’s able to automatically adjust
various parameters such as the seat position and mirrors depending on who is
sitting behind the wheel.
Japanese customers will be able to
purchase the Forester Sport from 3,289,000 yen (US$ 31,400). While it is
possible that the new variant could be sold other markets, such as Australia,
Subaru of America is refusing to comment on the possibility of it being sold in
the U.S. If the vehicle were to find its way to the U.S., we think it could
help push the SUV’s sales even higher.