Subaru Australia is boldly calling it the “only true sports SUV”, but then tempers that with “….under $80,000”, which is probably quite true. And the good news for people in the market for just such a machine will be pleased to know it’s coming to dealers next month.
The Forester tS is co-developed by Subaru’s STI performance department and will be limited to 300 units in Australia, itself the result of high customer demand for the car after its global unveil.
Priced starting from $54,990 (just $7,000 more than the Forester XT Premium), the tS should satiate go-faster needs and STI motif while retaining the SUV-level practicality.
The Forester tS is built at the Subaru factory as the top-spec XT Premium but is then handed to the STI department for further upgrades. It sits 15mm lower than the base car, sporting tuned springs and dampers, bigger Brembo brakes, and a set of 19-inch STI Enkei alloys.
While those additions in conjunction with the bevy of STI badging and red accents inside and out, STI also fitted new front stabiliser bushings and extra supports for a more rigid rear subframe. There’s also front and rear draw stiffeners and front strut brace, all in the name of making it sharper through the corners.
Nick Senior, Subaru Australia’s managing director, said: “ The Forester tS (only 300 are available in Australia) is a graphic demonstration of Subaru’s innovation, uniqueness and inspiration. Arguably it is the only true sports SUV under $80,000. And with its rarity and Subaru’s renowned retained value, it is bound to be one of the first collectible SUVs.”
“When we flagged Forester tS late last year, the customer enquiries went through the roof and the end result is we’re already wishing we’d ordered more than 300. It’s clear proof of the success of this clever joint development between the Subaru factory and the performance arm, Subaru Tecnica International (STI). While the cars were built in the Subaru factory, they were transferred to STI for final completion and the addition of around 30 items.”
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