FUJI Heavy Industries (FHI), maker of Subaru automobiles, last week released the new, fourth-generation Subaru Forester, which the carmaker said was developed to “maximize its value as a true SUV.”

It added that the all-new Forester “enhances basic vehicle performance such as driving, safety and environmental friendliness,” and retains Subaru’s unique symmetrical all-wheel drive system. Also, the Forester’s “user-friendly utilities and fun-to-drive characteristic” were further improved, according to FHI, which noted that since the model’s launch in 1997 it has been “acclaimed worldwide for its driveability, riding comfort, rough-road capability, utility and superior maneuverability.”

Among the new Forester’s traits are improved fuel efficiency and safety performance, cabin comfort, and a new all-wheel drive control system that promises “fun to drive” characteristics as well as confidence on all road conditions.

The new Forester is available with two choices of power plants. The first is a 2.0-liter, DOHC, horizontally opposed, four-cylinder gasoline engine that FHI said is more fuel-efficient and has improved low- to mid-range torque, while the other is 2.0-liter, DOHC, horizontally opposed, direct-injected, turbo-charged, four-cylinder gasoline mill. The new direct injection and turbo were developed by Subaru.

FHI explained that by injecting fuel directly into the engine’s cylinders, combustion improves, resulting in higher power output and better fuel efficiency. The new twin-scroll turbocharger also helps response at low engine revs and increases output while delivering environmental gains.

The new engines can be paired with Subaru’s Lineartronic Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT), which the carmaker said is light, compact and has a wide ratio coverage—a result of it being chain-driven. Some parts of the transmission, such as the torque converter and chains, were modified to endure the high performance requirements of the direct-injection turbo engine.

FHI said the latest Forester also received a new all-wheel drive control system called “X-Mode,” which has increased rough-road capabilities than the previous system.

The new Forester’s cabin is roomier, has larger door openings for better ingress and egress, and the its cargo bay has been configured for outdoor use, according to FHI, citing the vehicle’s new power-operated tailgate as one of the key features that promote this. FAST TIMES