Suburu Forester 2006 models are now arriving in dealer showrooms.
The Forester 2.5 X model features as standard equipment front seat head/chest side-impact airbags, four-wheel ABS, 16-inch wheels, air conditioning, air filtration, AM/FM/Weatherband stereo with single-disc CD player and four speakers, power windows, mirrors and door locks, and a remote keyless entry system. New for 2006, the 60/40 split rear seatback incorporates a fold-down armrest, and the previously optional security system is now standard.
The available Premium Package enhances driving performance with rear disc brakes, Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), 8-spoke, 16-inch alloy wheels and a viscous limited-slip rear differential. The Premium Package also bundles the power panoramic glass moonroof and All-Weather Package that includes dual-mode heated front seats, heated exterior mirrors and a windshield wiper de-icer. Premium Package features that further enhance comfort include an automatic climate control system, 8-way power driver's seat, 6-disc in-dash CD changer, upgraded speakers and a leather-wrapped steering wheel, shifter handle and parking brake handle.
For 2006, Forester debuts an entirely new front fascia, including the grille, four-lamp headlight clusters, bumper, and fenders. At the rear, the Forester is distinguished by new tail lamp clusters, a body-color trim panel, and a new under bumper trim panel. On 2.5 X models without a Premium Package, body color replaces textured-gray for the bumpers and protective side cladding to impart a more refined appearance. All but the 2.5 X models also get new larger body-color side mirrors with integrated turn signals and body-color door handles.
All Forester models equipped with the naturally aspirated 2.5-liter boxer engine are now designated 2.5 X. Replacing the discontinued high-line 2.5 XS model, Subaru offers the 2.5 X Premium Package that combines all of the performance and comfort upgrades with the All-Weather Package and a power moonroof.
For improved safety and security, all 2006 Forester models have the Subaru advanced frontal airbag system which includes a dual-stage deployment driver's and passenger front air bag and front seat head/chest side-impact air bags (SRS).
All models include a new multi-function, center console with armrest and front and rear cupholders. Cargo area bars, utility hooks, and a net-type, front passenger seatback storage pocket has been added.
The 2006 Forester 2.5 X gets a power boost to 173 horsepower. Ground clearance has also been increased to 8.1-inches, and its heavy-duty-raised 4-wheel independent suspension with internal rebound spring struts has been retuned for enhanced performance.
New for 2006 is the Forester 2.5 X Premium Package that boasts all the standard features of the 2.5 X model with the addition of a number of features including 16-inch alloy wheels, 8-way power driver's seat and a power panoramic glass moonroof.
The L.L.Bean Edition model gets the durable finish used on the floor and seatback extended to the cargo area sidewalls, Desert Beige leather-trimmed upholstery with perforated Alcantara bolsters and L.L.Bean logo-embossed front seats, a security system with new shock sensor, and a MOMO wood and leather-wrapped steering wheel and matching-design shifter handle.
The new Forester 2.5 XT Limited continues as the sole turbocharged model for 2006. This new model receives an additional 20 horsepower for a rating of 230 and includes the Premium Package with leather-trimmed upholstery and sporty luminescent instrument gauge needle pointers and metallic needle caps. When equipped with the standard 5-speed manual transmission, the Forester 2.5 XT Limited can accelerate from zero to 60 mph in under six seconds.
Subaru features symmetrical all-wheel drive as standard equipment on the vehicles in its product line.