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It looks like the Subaru is giving the 2014 Subaru Forester a makeover, which is previewed here in a JDM-spec brochure that has leaked online. The new Forester, which will arrive here as a 2014 model will likely share its platform with the new Impreza and will be a bit larger than the current model.

The new Forester will adopt many of the same design cues as the new Impreza. It will ride on a longer wheelbase and will be about an inch longer than the current Forester. It's being reported that the new Forester will go on sale in Japan by the end of the year, but it's not known when it will arrive here.

Autoblog wrote:Subaru has released two pictures and some preliminary details of the all-new 2014 Forester that will make its public debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show in November.

The new Forester arrives with either a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder boxer engine that produces 170 horsepower and 174 pound-feet of torque or a 2.0-liter direct-injection turbocharged four-cylinder engine that will make 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque.

The exterior adds some more refinement and the turbo model loses its iconic hood scoop – something some of us are glad to see go. Instead, the turbocharged Forester receives a unique front fascia, seen here in the image above. Subaru says that the Forester's fuel economy will improve, but final numbers have not been released. The Forester will debut a new six-speed manual transmission and a Lineartronic continuously variable transmission. (The CVT includes either six- or eight-speed manual modes so you can swap through the 'gears'.)

The fourth-generation Forester also features a new suspension and 8.7-inches of ground clearance for any tough off-road obstacles.

We'll have all the official details (as well as driving impressions) in about one month's time. For now, scroll down to read Subaru's official press release and stay tuned for the new crossover's live unveiling in Los Angeles.

drwrx wrote:I'm with you on this one.
I liked the previous version as well.
My only issue is with the CVT only option on the XT. What's with that?

drwrx wrote:The current RAV-4 V6 gets 19 cty/26 hwy mpg so maybe that number's a close match to rest of that segment.
I've also noted that Subaru's MPG ratings tend to under rated while others (I'm looking at you hyundai) tend to be over rated.

GaToR wrote:I have exactly zero respect for the EPA test cycle.

Mr Kleen wrote:

GaToR wrote:I have exactly zero respect for the EPA test cycle.

It allows you to compare vehicles to each other, just not reality.

drwrx wrote:

Mr Kleen wrote:

GaToR wrote:I have exactly zero respect for the EPA test cycle.

It allows you to compare vehicles to each other, just not reality.

I think his point is that the numbers can be fudged (I'm looking at you Hyundai) and although they are meant to be a general guideline, some manufactures clearly use them as a marketing ploy. Some do not come close to their EPA numbers, others regularly exceed them.

Mr Kleen wrote: I want a 335d sport wagon

Mr Kleen wrote:Only if I want to pay 20% more than the same car in the US and then not be able to bring it back to the US in 3.5 years when my contract is up. So no, not really in a position to own one if they don't come to the US.

Jason Torchinsky wrote:There's two flat-four boxer engines for the new Forester, a 2.5-liter normally aspirated and a 2.0-liter turbocharged. The NA engine makes 170 HP/174 lb-ft, and the Turbo one makes a very respectable 250 HP/258 lb-ft. For the 2.5, you can pick between a 6-speed manual and CVT, and the CVT is the only transmission for the Turbo 2.0.

The Turbo, of course, is the interesting engine here. You may recognize it from it's more glamorous job hauling around BRZs and FR-Ses. Here, Subaru has swapped out Toyota's TDI for their own Gasoline Direct Injection system and, of course, they've placed a turbo on it. I'm sure this turbo will end up in BRZs before too long as well, from the factory or not.