2015 Subaru Forester launches in Australia from $29,990
Subaru’s 2015 Forester range arrives in Australian showrooms with new cabin finishes, updated infotainment and a choice of petrol, turbo and diesel engines.
Subaru has introduced the 2015 Forester to the Australian market, with prices starting at $29,990 before on-road costs for the entry-level 2.0i-L manual. The updated Forester brings several enhancements to its interior and infotainment system, while continuing to offer a variety of powertrains to suit different buyer preferences. The model line-up covers petrol, turbocharged petrol, and diesel options, ensuring broad appeal in the competitive medium SUV segment.
2015 Subaru Forester Australian Launch and Pricing
Pricing and Model Range
The 2015 Forester line-up offers a wide selection of variants, each catering to specific needs and budgets. The base 2.0i-L manual is available at $29,990. For those preferring an automatic, the 2.5i-L auto is priced at $32,990, while the more feature-rich 2.5i-S auto is listed at $39,490. Diesel enthusiasts can opt for the 2.0D-L manual at $33,490 or the 2.0D-L auto at $35,490. The 2.0D-S manual is available for $39,490, with the 2.0D-S auto topping the diesel range at $42,490. For drivers seeking turbocharged performance, the 2.0XT auto is offered at $40,990, and the flagship 2.0XT Premium comes in at $47,990.
| Variant | Transmission | Engine | Price (AUD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0i-L | Manual | 2.0-litre petrol | 29,990 |
| 2.5i-L | Auto | 2.5-litre petrol | 32,990 |
| 2.5i-S | Auto | 2.5-litre petrol | 39,490 |
| 2.0D-L | Manual | 2.0-litre diesel | 33,490 |
| 2.0D-L | Auto | 2.0-litre diesel | 35,490 |
| 2.0D-S | Manual | 2.0-litre diesel | 39,490 |
| 2.0D-S | Auto | 2.0-litre diesel | 42,490 |
| 2.0XT | Auto | 2.0-litre turbo petrol | 40,990 |
| 2.0XT Premium | Auto | 2.0-litre turbo petrol | 47,990 |
Engine and Transmission Options
The 2015 Forester range is powered by four main engine choices. The 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol produces 110 kW and 198 Nm of torque, paired with a manual gearbox. The 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol delivers 126 kW and 235 Nm, available with an automatic transmission. For those seeking more power, the 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine offers 177 kW and 350 Nm. Diesel options include a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine producing 108 kW and 350 Nm, available with both manual and automatic transmissions. This variety allows buyers to select a Forester that matches their driving style and requirements.
| 2.0-litre petrol | 110 kW / 198 Nm |
|---|---|
| 2.5-litre petrol | 126 kW / 235 Nm |
| 2.0-litre turbo petrol | 177 kW / 350 Nm |
| 2.0-litre diesel | 108 kW / 350 Nm |
Interior Updates and Standard Features
All 2015 Forester models for Australia are equipped with a new 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system, which supports Pandora internet radio. Subaru has refreshed the interior with updated finishes, including new treatments for the air vents, centre panel controls, and steering wheel. Silver accents and piano black surfaces are now present across the dashboard, contributing to a more contemporary look.
Standard features across the range include fog lights, LED daytime running lights, roof rails, rearview camera, Bluetooth connectivity, two USB ports, auto stop-start, cruise control, leather steering wheel and gearshifter, as well as dual-zone climate control. These additions highlight Subaru’s commitment to providing value and convenience for Australian buyers.
Competition in the Australian SUV Market
The Forester finds itself in a highly competitive medium SUV segment in Australia. Rivals such as the Mazda CX-5, Hyundai Sonata, and Skoda Yeti have all introduced updated models for 2015. Subaru’s reputation for all-wheel drive capability and the availability of diesel options remain strong selling points as buyers in this class seek vehicles that offer versatility, efficiency, and value for money. The Forester’s broad powertrain line-up and standard features are designed to appeal to a wide range of customers looking for a reliable and practical SUV.
Looking Ahead
With the 2015 Forester now available, Subaru continues to strengthen its presence in the Australian SUV market. The enhancements to interior quality, infotainment, and the comprehensive engine range position the Forester as a strong contender in its class. Buyers interested in future updates can look forward to the next generation, with the 2016 Subaru Forester set to bring further technology upgrades and refinements.
