For the 2011 model year, Subaru is improving fuel economy on its popular Forester sport cute, as well as adding more standard equipment.
The big news is the revised 2.5-liter boxer four-cylinder engine. For 2011, the naturally aspirated engine has a larger bore and longer stroke, making a nominal displacement increase. The belt-driven single overhead cam is replaced with a chain-driven double overhead cam design, leading to greater efficiency. All told, the engine makes the same 170 horsepower as before, but the power comes on at a lower rpm and the torque increases slightly to 174 lbs.-ft. The fuel economy now measures 21 mpg city, 27 mpg highway with either transmission. Previously, it got 20/27 with the manual. It definitely marks progress, but one has to wonder what a continuously variable transmission, like in the surprisingly thrifty Legacy and Outback, could have accomplished. There is no change to the turbocharged powertrain.
All models now have Bluetooth connectivity.
The 2.5X Premium and 2.5XT Touring come with a backup camera, as well as a new six-speaker audio system with AM/FM/Sirius/CD and iPod integration. The 2.5X Limited, 2.5X Touring, and 2.5XT Touring get a premium audio system with AM/FM/Sirius/CD/DVD and myriad ways to connect your MP3 player.
A new navigation system is offered on 2.5X Premium models: a removable 4.3-inch TomTom GPS device. The backup camera is optional with this.
A few other minor details are added to specific trims. Ultimately, it is the updated engine that is most notable, promising both better performance and efficiency.
Read our Subaru Forester review.
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