Subaru Forester Wilderness confirmed
Tougher Forester leaked in US; Aussie importer keen on rugged Wilderness modelsThe second Wilderness model from Subaru will be based on the Forester, according to details published by the US government’s environmental protection agency (EPA).
The Subaru Outback Wilderness was launched in North America in March, and when Subaru teased its second Wilderness model last week, we speculated it would be based on the popular mid-size SUV.
That has proved correct, based on fuel consumption information for the model released by the EPA and spotted by US website Motor Trend.
Like the Subaru Outback Wilderness, the new Forester Wilderness should deliver upgrades that will appeal to customers who want more off-road capability.
EPA figures show the Subaru Forester Wilderness will consume 9.0L/100km – making it almost 10 per cent thirstier than standard US-spec Forester models at 8.1L/100km
That could be due to upgrades like those seen on the Outback Wilderness, including an extra 20mm of ground clearance, rugged all-terrain tyres and body protection for bush-bashing duties, together with shorter final drive gearing to improve low-end response.
Subaru reckons the Outback Wilderness is the most capable version of the popular crossover wagon (it’s officially classified as a large SUV) it has ever built and the new Forester will likely follow suit.
At present the Wilderness sub-brand is available only in the US, but Subaru seems keen to seen to offer the model in Australia, where sales of rugged off-road family SUVs continue to boom.
“There’s nothing on the horizon but we’re following the progress of those Wilderness editions very closely,” said Subaru Australia spokesperson David Rowley.
A facelifted Subaru Forester is due to arrive in Aussie showrooms from October, adding more safety features, a new design and more equipment.
As we’ve reported, local releases of the next-gen WRX and Levorg have been delayed until early 2022, but the new BRZ sports coupe will follow the new-look Forester on sale here by Christmas 2021.
Related: Subaru Forester Wilderness teased
Related: Facelifted Subaru Forester to miss out on turbo
Related: New Subaru Outback Wilderness revealed
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