Purpose

I will try my best to provide detailed info on various cars and what is like to live with them, I have already produced a few for Jaguar-car-forums, I will do my best to be unbiased, but it will be hard for some cars. I will re-produce press releases and copy from other motoring news.
Showing posts with label Rear Cross Traffic Alert. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Rear Cross Traffic Alert. Show all posts

Sunday, 13 August 2017

The Insignia from Vauxhall gains the full five star result from Euro NCAP, both Saloon & Estate.

The all-new Vauxhall Insignia, in both Grand Sport and Sports Tourer body styles, has been awarded the maximum five stars from Euro NCAP making it one of the safest cars on the market. It achieved exceptionally high scores for its occupant protection for both adults and children, pedestrian protection and safety assist technology. 
In Vauxhall showrooms now, the Insignia has a number of new active and passive safety technologies available, and Euro NCAP made special mention of two of the car’s innovative safety features. The active bonnet, which lifts up in milliseconds in the event of a collision increasing the distance to the engine for improved pedestrian protection. Testers at Euro NCAP commented that it: “operated robustly for a variety of pedestrian statures and over a wide range of speeds.”
 
It was also noted that the Automatic Emergency Braking system, which can detect pedestrians and other vehicles, “performed well and showed good performance at highway speeds, with accidents avoided or mitigated.” 
“The five-star rating from Euro NCAP helps to demonstrate the design and innovation that can be found throughout the new Insignia, making it one of the safest models in its class,” said Dougie McColm, Vauxhall’s Brand Manager - Insignia. “The latest technologies included within the new Insignia work together to provide ultimate safety, not only for the car’s driver and passengers, but also for other road users and pedestrians.” 
The new Insignia features a wide range of intelligent safety technologies in addition to the active bonnet and Automatic Emergency Braking systems. One such technology is the next generation of Vauxhall’s innovative and award-winning IntelliLux LED matrix light, with 32 LED segments, all integrated in the new slimmer headlights of the Insignia. 
The increased number of LED elements enables the various light patterns to adapt to the prevailing traffic situation with seamless transitions between each mode. This results in an improvement in both the quality of light distribution and light intensity. 
New functions, including curve and spotlight illumination, improve long-range visibility especially when driving at night. If drivers find themselves taking a curve with the full beam engaged, the light intensity automatically rises based on the steering angle, in order to increase illumination and help the driver to see the road situation ahead. Each headlight also features a high-beam spotlight for additional illumination of up to 400m, further improving the Insignia Grand Sport’s long-range visibility. 
Head-up-Display technology is also available. This displays information on speed, traffic signs, speed limiter setting and navigation direction onto the windscreen in the driver’s direct line of sight ensuring that their eyes remain on the road. 
Available as part of the standard spec, the Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning (LDW) provides gentle steering wheel movements (and LDW alerts if necessary) to help drivers avoid accidents by unintentionally drifting out of their lane. The new Insignia is available with Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), which measures the distance to the vehicle in front and adapts the speed accordingly. ACC will initiate automatic emergency braking if the distance decreases abruptly. 
The optional Rear Cross Traffic Alert system uses radar sensors in the rear bumper to detect objects coming from up to 20m at 90 degrees from the left or right side behind the vehicle. Forward Collision Alert assists drivers in avoiding or mitigating the impact of front-end collisions with situation-dependent emergency braking settings. If the Insignia nears the vehicle ahead too quickly, the system warns the driver with a loud audible alarm, a visual warning in the instrument cluster and an LED projection on the windscreen. 
Parking is easier too thanks to Advanced Park Assist. Ultrasound sensors on the Insignia’s front and rear bumpers identify suitable parking spaces and detect possible obstacles. When the parking spot is calculated, the system automatically parks the vehicle without the driver needing to touch the wheel, only requiring the driver control the pedals and gears.

Wednesday, 21 June 2017

The All-New Insignia Sport Tourer from Vauxhall, an ENORMOUS step forward for tech, quality and kit.

MARKET & MODEL
  • Up to 200kg lighter than the outgoing version
  • 1,665 litre boot – over 135 litres more space than predecessor
  • Length of the boot has grown by 1997mm to 2005mm
DESIGN
  • Dynamic large looks, inspired by 2013’s Monza Concept
  • Bold, agile, and fun approach to both design and handling
  • Updated interior enhances driver experience and brings added comfort to occupants
DRIVER ASSISTANCE SYSTEMS & INTELLILUX
  • High level of safety equipment with Lane Keep Assist and Automatic Emergency Braking
  • Next-gen IntelliLux LED Matrix lighting delivers optimal performance without dazzling
  • 32 LED lenses enhance long-range visibility with spotlight and curve illumination
CONNECTIVITY
  • New OnStar services facilitate hotel bookings and parking
  • IntelliLink infotainment with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto phone integration
  • Bose sound system offers top quality audio for greater listening pleasure
COMFORT AND PACKAGING
  • More space than before, with option of flexible 40:20:40 layout
  • Ergonomically-designed, heated seats for front and outer rear passengers
  • Raft of features to keep occupants comfortable at all times
POWERTRAINS
  • Engines from 110PS to 260PS; including all-new 1.5-litre Turbo petrol
  • New intelligent all-wheel drive with improved FlexRide
  • State-of-the-art torque vectoring for power on the road in any condition
MARKET & MODEL
  • Up to 200kg lighter than the outgoing version
  • 1,665 litre boot – over 135 litres more space than predecessor
  • Length of the boot has grown by 1997mm to 2005mm
Vauxhall’s all new Insignia Sports Tourer is on sale now priced from £18,685 on-the-road. It is based on a completely new vehicle architecture, and its revised proportions result in more luggage capacity that has increased to 1,665 litres, 135 litres, more than the outgoing model. The length of the boot has grown by 97mm to 2005mm versus the previous model and 40/20/40 foldable seats are standard across the range, making it even more practical. For those pulling a caravan or a trailer, towing capacity for the Sports Tourer is up to 2200kg.
The Insignia Sports Tourer is up to 200kg lighter than its predecessor, thanks to use of lightweight materials and more efficient packaging. This weight loss allows for high-tech features such as the ultra-modern all-wheel-drive system with torque vectoring and the new eight-speed automatic transmission to exploit their strengths to the full.
There is a raft of top technologies that make driving the Insignia Sports Tourer safer, more relaxing and more comfortable than before. Next generation IntelliLux LED matrix lighting, Lane Keep Assist, Head-up Display and unique AGR-certified premium seats, front- and rear- seat heating and a heated windscreen are just some examples.
Outstanding infotainment and connectivity are also on board thanks to the latest generation IntelliLink systems and Vauxhall OnStar, which with the launch of the Insignia Sports Tourer, will offer even more functionality for customers. The new Insignia is also the first Vauxhall with an active aluminium bonnet, improving pedestrian protection considerably.
“Vauxhall’s best-ever product portfolio is further enhanced with the launch of the new Insignia Sports Tourer,” said Rory Harvey, Vauxhall’s Chairman and Managing Director. ““It has all of the elegance of its Insignia Grand Sport sibling but with even more practicality, including a boot that is more spacious than its predecessor’s.”
DESIGN
  • Dynamic large looks, inspired by 2013’s Monza Concept
  • Bold, agile, and fun approach to both design and handling
  • Updated interior enhances driver experience and brings added comfort to occupants
Although the exterior dimensions have grown slightly to 4,986 millimetres, the Insignia Sports Tourer looks even more athletic and agile than its predecessor. The prominent front grille and Monza Concept-inspired headlights all add to this perception. The model’s stance is also emphasised by the extended wheelbase, now 2,829 millimetres, and a front overhang that has been reduced by 30 millimetres. The silver roof rails make it look lower, and emphasise the high-quality design.
The shape looks lighter than before too, with the second-generation model defined by clear lines. The slim, slightly protruding LED rear lights in double-wing design help the rear end of the Insignia Sports Tourer make a strong impression.
Monza Concept-inspired design by Brit Mark Adams
The Monza Concept was the inspiration behind the interior and much of the exterior design. Although the exterior dimensions have grown slightly, the new Insignia looks much more athletic and agile. A prominent front grille and Monza Concept-inspired headlights add to the dynamism in the Sports Tourer’s design.
On the outside, the slim, slightly protruding LED rear lights in double-wing design help the rear end of the new Insignia make a strong impression in either body style. Despite a largely unchanged length compared to its predecessor, the new generation Sports Tourer has managed to shed around 60kg of weight from its body-in-white alone. In total, the new car weighs up to 200kg less than the outgoing model. Its roof is 29mm lower and its track has increased by 11mm.
The grille sits lower than on the previous model and further emphasises the car’s solid stance. What its British Designer Mark Adams calls a “sweepspear” feature starts in the front door and gives the impression that the new Insignia is always ready to pounce, another nod to the athletic lightness of the Monza Concept.
Down both sides, the window graphics have an upper chrome strip, rather than a full-chrome treatment, and the roofline graphically pulls the car down and emphasises its stretched appearance. The “blade” light catcher in the lower doors pulls attention rearwards, while clear and simple lines at the rear, combined with the double-wing LED signature, also give the car a wider appearance. The newly-designed, high-mounted LED brake light has been integrated into the roofline and helps to give the rear end of the Insignia a high-quality look that is often limited to premium brands.
“In its proportions as well as in each detail, we wanted the new Insignia to deliver an upscale quality feel,” said Mark Adams, Vauxhall/Opel Vice President Design Europe. “Its design combines flowing lines and subtle surfaces with crisp, precise lines to exaggerate its dramatic proportions: it looks longer, lower and wider than it actually is, and it definitely looks upscale. Every design feature conveys technical know-how and the utmost precision. The new Insignia is an excellent value proposition with the aura of a car from the premium, upper class.”
Luxurious Interior
The attention to detail is also apparent inside the new Insignia Sports Tourer. Clean lines, tactile surfaces and first-class craftsmanship provide a feeling of elegance and lightness to all occupants.
The driver sits 3cm lower in the car, closer to the centre of gravity, and benefits from instruments and controls that fall easily in hand, including a central infotainment screen, which is angled towards the driver.
The frameless touchscreen of the IntelliLink infotainment system is easier and more intuitive to use than before. The instrument panel features subtly sculptured surfaces, and a wide horizontal layout.
Many functions are controlled via the touchscreen to simplify the interface, while all functions have been grouped into three distinct sections to allow quick and intuitive operations: the upper ones for the major functions of the infotainment system, the central ones for climate and heating controls, and the lower ones for driver assistant controls.
DRIVER ASSISTANCE SYSTEMS & INTELLILUX
  • High level of safety equipment with Lane Keep Assist and Automatic Emergency Braking
  • Next-gen IntelliLux LED Matrix lighting delivers optimal performance without dazzling
  • 32 LED lenses enhance long-range visibility with spotlight and curve illumination
The new Insignia Sports Tourer introduces a more refined and sophisticated IntelliLux LED headlight system featuring new functions that further improve night-time visibility.
Having developed its award-winning matrix lighting technology in recent years, Vauxhall has introduced a 32-light system within the Insignia’s ultra-slim headlamps. The increased number of LED segments in the headlamps results in smoother transitions between lighting patterns to suit every driving condition. Automatically and constantly adapting the range and distribution of light from the headlamps, the new system delivers a brighter light in a precise manner, at all times managing to avoid dazzling other road users.
New functions, including curve and spotlight illumination, improve long-range visibility when driving at night. When taking a curve with the full beam engaged, the light intensity automatically rises based on the steering angle to increase the illumination and help the driver to see the road situation ahead. Each headlight also features a high-beam spotlight for additional illumination up to 400m ahead, further improving the Insignia’s long-range visibility.
First shown on the Vauxhall Monza concept in 2013, demonstrating the company’s vision of how its cars would look in the future, Vauxhall introduced its IntelliLux LED matrix headlights in the award-winning Astra. Initially featuring a 16-light system, Vauxhall has been able to develop the technology significantly with the second generation, incorporating twice as many LED segments while maintaining an ultra-slim appearance.
Driver assistance technologies
In addition to the latest generation of IntelliLux lighting, the new Insignia has a number of driver assistance systems and technologies. No other car in the segment offers such a wide range of intelligent technologies when compared with Vauxhall’s flagship model.
The additional driver assistance systems include the latest Head-up-Display technology. The system projects information on speed, traffic signs, set speed of speed limiter or navigation direction onto the windscreen and into the driver’s direct line of sight, helping you keep your eyes on the road.
The new Insignia is also equipped with Adaptive Cruise Control(ACC), which measures the distance to the vehicle in front and adapts the speed accordingly. ACC will also initiate automatic emergency braking if the distance decreases suddenly. Additionally, Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning (LDW) provides gentle steering wheel movements (and LDW alerts if necessary) to help drivers avoid accidents due to unintentionally drifting out of their lane.
The Rear Cross Traffic Alert system uses radar sensors in the rear bumper to detect objects coming from up to 20m at 90 degrees from the left or right side behind the vehicle, making reversing out of driveways or parking spaces safer and easier. Forward Collision Alert assists drivers in avoiding or mitigating the impact of front-end collisions with situation-dependent emergency braking settings. If the Insignia nears the vehicle ahead too quickly, the system warns the driver with a loud audible alarm, a visual warning in the instrument cluster and an LED projection on the windscreen.
Parking is easier too thanks to Advanced Park Assist. Ultrasound sensors on the Insignia’s front and rear bumpers identify suitable parking spaces and detect possible obstacles. When the parking spot is calculated, the system automatically parks the vehicle without the driver needing to touch the wheel, only requiring the driver control the pedals and gears.
CONNECTIVITY
  • New OnStar services facilitate hotel bookings and parking
  • IntelliLink infotainment with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto phone integration
  • Bose sound system offers top quality audio for greater listening pleasure
Thanks to the latest Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatible IntelliLink systems, the Insignia Sports Tourer offers outstanding connectivity at an affordable price. While your smartphone is seamlessly integrated into the vehicle’s infotainment system, it can also be charged wirelessly thanks to the latest inductive charging technology.
The ground-breaking connectivity and service assistant, Vauxhall OnStar, is also on board, offering services ranging from automatic crash response to stolen vehicle assistance. A new concierge service is launched with the all-new Insignia, enabling its occupants to ask OnStar advisors to select a hotel and proceed to room reservation. Furthermore, up to seven devices can be connected to the Wi-Fi Hotspot available with OnStar.
Vauxhall OnStar with powerful mobile Wi-Fi Hotspot and comprehensive services
Occupants of the new Vauxhall Insignia with OnStar will always be fully connected thanks to the powerful 4G/LTE Wi-Fi Hotspot to which they can connect all their mobile devices. In addition, they have access to convenient services such as vehicle diagnostics and destination download.
Vauxhall has extended the OnStar service by offering two features that make their debut in the new Insignia. The first new addition is OnStar’s Personal Assistant service, where subscribers can contact OnStar to ask the advisor for hotel recommendations, and subsequently book suitable accommodation via booking.com.
Supplementing the Personal Assistant service, OnStar will offer a second new feature to reduce the stress often associated with the search for a suitable parking space. OnStar users can contact an advisor for directions to the most suitable car park and have the exact location sent directly to the car’s navigation system.
Phone integration via Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
Making connectivity easier than ever, your smartphone is integrated seamlessly thanks to the second generation of Vauxhall’s flagship R 4.0 IntelliLink and Navi 900 IntelliLink infotainment systems compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto,
When it is safe to do so, Apple users are able to make calls, start navigation directions to a destination with Apple Maps, send and receive messages, and listen to music via Spotify, all either through the integrated touchscreen or Siri. Android Auto is built around Google Maps, Google Now and the ability to talk to Google, as well as a growing audio and messaging app ecosystem. Vauxhall OnStar also allows up to seven smartphones to be connected to the car’s powerful 4G/LTE Wi-Fi Hotspot.
The R 4.0 IntelliLink system comes with an intuitive seven-inch colour touchscreen, whereas the Navi 900 IntelliLink system, with integrated navigation, comes with an eight-inch colour touchscreen.
Built-in Bluetooth hands-free phone connectivity and audio streaming is available across the range in the new Insignia. DAB+, enabling better radio selection and reception, is also available as an option. In addition, Navi 900 IntelliLink not only offers an integrated navigation solution, but also a high level of personalisation – the home screen and its ‘apps’ can be tailored according to customer preferences.
Bose sound system for better in car audio
Insignia owners can increase their in-car listening experience further by choosing the optional Bose sound system. Vauxhall engineers have worked closely with Bose to ensure that the system delivers top quality sound throughout the new Insignia.
To achieve the impressive sound, the system has eight high-quality speakers, which are all connected to the digital amplifier with Bose Digital Signal Processing, delivering seven channels of customised equalisation and Active Sound Management.
COMFORT AND PACKAGING
  • More space than before, with option of flexible 40:20:40 layout
  • Ergonomically-designed, heated seats for front and outer rear passengers
  • Raft of features to keep occupants comfortable at all times
The next generation Insignia Sports Tourer is more practical than before; the overhang between bumper and boot has been reduced, thanks to the neatly designed rear end, making loading easier. Thanks to the increased width between the wheel arches it is now easier to pack bulky items. The luggage capacity has increased further too, reaching 1,665 litres when the rear seats are folded down – 135 litres more than the outgoing model.
To make loading as easy as possible, the tailgate can be opened with a kick gesture, without the need to touch the car. In combination with Keyless Entry, a simple small kicking motion under the rear bumper is enough to open or close the tailgate. To further increase loading space, the new Insignia Sports Tourer comes with optional 40/20/40 foldable rear seats, enabling more flexible luggage space configurations. The rear seats can be folded down simply at the push of a button, conveniently located in the luggage compartment.
Vauxhall is still one of few manufacturers to offer seats certified by “Aktion Gesunder Rücken”
(Campaign for Healthy Backs). These premium ergonomic seats offer a unique combination of side bolster settings, massage, memory and ventilation functions.
Keeping the cold at bay
The new Insignia helps to banish cold conditions, all too familiar for drivers in the UK, with several safety and comfort features to keep the driver and passengers comfortable when it is cold outside.
The windscreen can be easily defrosted at the push of a button by a fine wire heating element, and also prevents fogging in humid conditions to further improve visibility and safety. The heating switches turn off automatically and can be reactivated if necessary by another press of the button.
In addition to the heated windscreen, the new model provides drivers and passengers with several ways to keep warm. Drivers can stay snug thanks to the heated steering wheel, while heated seats are available not only for the driver and front passenger, but also for the occupants of the outer rear seats. The heating in the front is adjustable and can be controlled through the personalisation menu in the information display.
The heated seats and steering wheel are also operational when start/stop is running. By switching on the heated rear window, the heated wing mirrors are activated for improved visibility to the rear.
Spacious interior thanks to new layout
The new Insignia cabin has clean, crisp surfaces that give a premium feel while boasting a spacious layout. Rear occupants greatly benefit from the new design and the reworked proportions, which were achievable thanks to the extended wheelbase and a completely new layout. As a result, rear passengers have 32mm more room at hip height, 25 mm more shoulder and knee room and 8mm more headroom. This makes the Insignia more comfortable for occupants especially on long journeys.
Storage in the new Insignia extends beyond the versatile luggage capacity, with the new model featuring an array of practical storage spaces and compartments for everyday items. Side pockets in each door, the illuminated glove compartment and the centre console provide multiple stowage opportunities, while four cup holders – in the front and rear – keep drinks safe and secure. The FlexOrganizer Pack with side rails, dividing nets and various fastening solutions is available as an option so that all loaded materials can be stored safely and tidily.
Cap-less fuel filler
The new cap-less fuel filler features an internal mechanism that, when the fuel nozzle is inserted into the filler opening, pushes aside two opening covers in the filler neck. The system also has an integrated misfuel detector which ensures that the internal cover of the fuel filler neck can only be opened by using the correct fuel nozzle. When the nozzle is removed, the covers automatically close.

Friday, 3 February 2017

USA - The new 2017 Rogue Hybrid comes with 2 grade levels and just one option.

  • The new 2017 Rogue Hybrid is offered in SV and SL grade levels and with one option package
  • First-ever Rogue Hybrid boosts fuel economy1 to 35 mpg highway (front wheel drive models)1
  • Combines direct acceleration feel in city driving – along with fuel economy that is among the leaders in the compact SUV segment
  • Available Intelligent Safety Shield technologies include Forward Emergency Braking2, Blind Spot Warning3 and Rear Cross Traffic Alert4
Nissan today announced U.S. pricing for the new 2017 Rogue Hybrid, which is on sale now at Nissan dealers in the West, Northwest and Mountain regions (18 states total). Pricing starts at $26,2405 for the Rogue Hybrid SV grade – $1,000 above a non-hybrid Rogue SV front-wheel drive model. 
The Rogue Hybrid, the newest addition to the popular Rogue crossover lineup and first-ever available, offers a second powertrain choice for Rogue buyers in both FWD and AWD applications.
The new Rogue Hybrid produces estimated fuel economy1 of 33 mpg city, 35 mpg highway and 34 mpg combined for the front-wheel drive model. 
Rogue Hybrid all-wheel drive models are estimated at 31 mpg city, 34 mpg highway and 33 mpg combined1. Most significantly, it achieves these numbers with virtually no compromise of performance, interior roominess or cargo space (compared to standard Rogue models).
Like the 2.5-liter inline 4-cylinder gasoline engine-equipped standard Rogue models, the Rogue Hybrid offers freshened exterior and interior styling, additional safety, security and driving aid technology and a wide range of standard and available comfort, convenience and utility features.
Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Prices (MSRP)5 for the 2017 Nissan Rogue Hybrid:
Rogue SV FWD Hybrid$26,240 USD
Rogue SL FWD Hybrid$31,160 USD
Rogue SV AWD Hybrid$27,590 USD
Rogue SL AWD Hybrid$32,510 USD
Destination and Handling $940.
Rogue Hybrid goes on sale nationwide in Spring 2017.

Sunday, 24 April 2016

USA - Subaru of America launches the upgraded 2017 Model Year Forester, now with a host of safety kit included.

  • New Driver Assist Technology
  • Improved MPG
  • Upgraded Comfort and Style
  • Turbo Model Now Features Torque Vectoring
Subaru of America, Inc. today announced a comprehensive update to the 2017 Forester including revised styling, new driver assist technology, more interior comfort, enhanced driving performance, and better fuel economy.  

These new features offer the driver greater peace of mind and a more engaging and comfortable driving experience. 

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, which warn of potential danger from a vehicle entering the driver’s blind spot or approaching from either side when backing up. 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. 
With a goal of “all-around safety,” 2017 Limited and Touring models equipped with EyeSight include Reverse Automatic Braking.  This new preventative safety technology is designed to assist the driver by detecting large objects and to help avoid a possible collision when the vehicle is moving in a low speed reverse direction.  

The system uses four ultrasonic sonar sensors located in the rear bumper cover, and can automatically stop the vehicle if the driver does not respond.

Refined Design 

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. 

To further enhance the style, a body color matching rear spoiler is now standard on all Premium models in addition to the previously equipped Limited, Touring and XT Premium models.  Exclusive to the 2017 Touring models is Sepia Bronze Metallic exterior color.
Inside, the revised Forester Touring offers an all-new Saddle Brown perforated leather-trimmed upholstery option with contrast stitching. 

This exclusive choice also brings matching brown leather trim to the door panels, center console storage box lid and other interior details. All 2017 Forester models now feature an updated steering wheel design with intuitive audio, Bluetooth® and cruise control switches.
Two new aluminum alloy wheel designs have been added to certain trims, each featuring a high-contrast black and machined finish. The new 17-in wheels are standard on 2.5i Premium and Limited models, while the new 18-in wheel design is standard on 2.0XT trims. 

Convenience and Comfort


The 2017 Forester offers new features and added soundproofing to provide a more comfortable experience for drivers and passengers. Thicker door glass and restructured door seals reduce wind noise, while added underfloor insulation and an acoustic windshield contribute further sound deadening to create a quieter, more refined interior. 

A heated steering wheel – a first for the Forester line –  is now standard on 2.5i Touring and 2.0XT Touring models, as well as Keyless Access with Push-Button Start. 

Additional convenience features such as two-position memory seats, auto up/down on both driver and front passenger windows, and automatic climate control are now standard across multiple trims, and a power liftgate is now offered on the 2.5i Premium model.

Performance and Handling


The 2017 Subaru Forester builds on the reputation for responsible engineering, sure-footedness and all-conditions performance firmly established by the previous-generation models. 

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. The system helps reduce understeer and keeps the vehicle on the driver’s intended cornering path. 

A quicker gear ratio in the steering gives the new Forester better handling and response to driver inputs, while Subaru’s X-Mode traction assist system is now standard on all Premium, Limited and Touring models with CVT and incorporates Hill Descent Control.

Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive with Off-Pavement Control Systems

The 2017 Forester line offers two versions of Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, each of which continuously powers all four wheels and can transfer more torque to the wheels with the best grip. Both versions integrate Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) to further enhance all-weather stability and traction but do not rely on VDC to distribute torque.
In Forester models with the Lineartronic® CVT, an electronically managed continuously variable transfer clutch – proprietary Subaru technology -- actively manages torque distribution based on acceleration, deceleration, cornering and available traction. 

This Active All-Wheel Drive system automatically transfers more torque to the wheels with the best grip should slippage occur. 

Taking input signals for steering wheel angle, yaw rate, and lateral acceleration from the VDC system, Active AWD responds to the vehicle’s slip angle when turning. The gear ratio in the CVT has be updated to optimize engine control resolving in a smoother, more linear acceleration. 
In all Forester Premium, Limited, and Touring models with CVT, driver-selectable X-Mode engages to optimize control of the engine, transmission shift pattern, Active AWD front/rear clutch force, brakes, VDC and other critical systems to provide better wheel control on slippery surfaces and steep inclines.

Models and Equipment


The 2017 Forester 2.5i is available in base, Premium, Limited and Touring trims and is powered by a 170-hp 2.5-liter 4-cylinder BOXER engine.  A 6-speed manual transmission is standard for the 2.5i and 2.5i Premium, with optional CVT. 
The Forester 2.0XT is available in the Premium and Touring trims and powered by a 250-hp 2.0-liter intercooled, turbocharged 4-cylinder BOXER engine. All 2017 Forester models come standard with Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, a distinction from competitive models that come with front-wheel drive as standard and offer all-wheel drive as an extra-cost option.

STARLINK Multimedia Systems


All Forester trim lines for 2017 feature SUBARU STARLINK Multimedia systems that provide hands-free connectivity and entertainment services. The in-vehicle platform provides owners with more sources of entertainment and information through seamless smartphone integration. 

For 2017 The Forester 2.5i base model features the STARLINK 6.2” Multimedia system with a 6.2-inch single-touch gesture display and the Premium, Limited and Touring trims have a standard STARLINK 7.0” Multimedia Plus system with a high-resolution 7-inch LCD screen.  In addition, STARLINK 7.0” Multimedia includes Bluetooth® hands-free SMS text messaging and dual USB ports and adds SiriusXM Travel Link®

The optional STARLINK 7.0” Multimedia Navigation system features voice-activated controls and comes with three years of complimentary map updates as well as a 3-year subscription to SiriusXM Traffic® and SiriusXM Travel Link® along with four months of SiriusXM All Access audio service.