SUBARU FORESTER GAINS NEW AUDIO FEATURES AND VALUE PACKAGE

The Subaru Forester compact crossover SUV, which features standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, gains new audio features, and reconfigured content and options that enhance value for the popular 2.5X Premium models. The model line continues with normally aspirated and turbocharged models.

The Forester combines SUV versatility and capability, including up to 8.9 inches of ground clearance, with the agile handling and smooth ride quality of a passenger car as well as Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive as standard equipment. Subaru projects the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) “Top Safety Pick” rating to continue for the 2013 Forester models.

The 2013 Forester 2.5X base model joins the other Forester models in offering standard Bluetooth hands-free phone connectivity and music streaming, a USB port and iPod capability. This update makes steering wheel Bluetooth and audio control switches standard across the entire Forester line.

The Forester 2.5X Premium now comes standard with the popular All-Weather Package (heated front seats, heated exterior mirrors and a windshield wiper de-icer) on the manual-transmission model. The “Plus Package” adds a new display-type 6-speaker audio system and fog lights for an MSRP of just $100. On the 2.5X Premium with automatic transmission, a new All-Weather Plus Package combines both packages for an MSRP of $600. In both cases, the audio system is the same as used in higher-line Forester models, and the Rear Vision Camera can be added as an accessory. Previously, this accessory had been restricted to the Limited and Touring models.

The display-type audio system combines some of today’s most-in-demand features, including an AM/FM stereo with single-disc CD player with MP3 capability, 3.5mm auxiliary input jack, Bluetooth hands free calling and audio streaming, iPod control capability, iTunes® tagging, USB port, SIRIUS Satellite Radio capability. All Forester audio systems feature the Radio Broadcast Data System (RBDS), which can display a song’s title and artist, plus other data.