TOKYO MOTOR SHOW: Subaru shows off 2016 Forester

Subaru has confirmed it will unveil a refreshed Forester at the Tokyo motor show later this month.

Receiving a light nip and tuck, the new car’s nose has been tweaked to give it a tougher SUV-like appearance, while at the rear there’s also a pair of new rear tail lamps.

Inside, there’s an updated instrument panel which gains a new multi-function display. Subaru has also said the interior will feature better-feeling, higher-grade materials.

The final updates inside include a new SD-based satnav, the option of a new Harmon Kardon sound system, while rear passengers (in colder markets) will benefit from the addition of heated rear seats.

It’s not known if there’s been any improvements under the bonnet but Subaru says the revised Forester should prove a better drive with the facelifted car coming with more linear steering responses while the suspension has been rethought for a better ride quality.

To help improve handling the Forester has also been given a bigger front cross-member for better rigidity. The fastest turbocharged models also gain torque vectoring for better high-speed cornering.

Safety is where most of Subaru’s mid-life tweak budget has been spent.

The tweaked SUV now comes with adaptive LED headlamps that work for both high and low beam and are quicker to respond and better at ‘bending’ round corners.

Subaru’s new Forester also comes with an active lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control and autonomous emergency braking.

It’s not yet known when next year the revised Forester will land here in Australia, but more will be revealed at the Tokyo motor show on the 28 October.