The Forester was Subaru's best-selling vehicle in the U.S. last year and now the company announced a comprehensive update to the 2017 model.
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For 2017, Forester received an update to Subaru's highly-rated EyeSight Driver Assist Technology, incorporating color cameras that provide a wider, longer field of vision. The revised system also includes Lane Keep Assist, which can gently guide the vehicle back to the center of its lane if sway is detected. All Forester Limited and Touring models now include Blind Spot Detection and Rear Cross Traffic Alert. Premium models equipped with EyeSight also get Blind Spot Detection and Rear Cross Traffic Alert.
For added night time visibility, newly available High Beam Assist works in conjunction with the EyeSight driver assist system and automatically switches the headlights between the high and low settings based on driving conditions. Also new for driver assistance at night is Steering Responsive Headlights which aims the headlight beams in the direction of vehicle travel to provide improved illumination around curves.
Both features are standard on all 2.5i Limited, 2.5i Touring and 2.0XT Touring models equipped with EyeSight.
The exterior of the 2017 Forester receives several updates including a refined front bumper cover for naturally aspirated models and a new hexagonal grille. The redesigned headlights have a sleeker look with Subaru's signature C-shaped motif and a black inner bezel, while the rear combination lights also feature a prominent C shape with LED illumination. Combined, these new styling and lighting elements provide excellent forward visibility along with a more robust and distinctive look.
Revisions to the powertrain resulted in improved to fuel economy for 2.5i CVT models which now achieves EPA fuel economy rating of 26 MPG city / 32 MPG highway / 28 mpg combined versus 24 city / 32 highway / 27 combined for the outgoing model. Active Torque Vectoring, first introduced on the WRX and WRX STI, is now standard on Forester 2.0XT Touring models with EyeSight. The fuel economy for the Forester 2.0XT remains at 23 city/ 28 highway / 25 combined. ■
