The death of the manual transmission continues as Subaru has launched its revised model year 2015 Forester 2-litre Diesel SUV with a Lineartronic automatic transmission.
The previous Forester Diesel model was available in manual only and has been discontinued.
Subaru has sharpened its retail pricing on the revised five model Forester-SUV range and is offering a five year interest free finance package on new models purchased until the end of June.
The price revisions have been assisted by the strength of the Kiwi dollar against the Japanese Yen, enabling the local distributor to negotiate a better buying price with the factory.
Prices have been realigned between $3000 and $5000 across the range.
The entry level 2.5i is priced at $39,990, a reduction of $5000, the same price decrease as the 2.5i Premium which is now $49,990.
The mid-range 2.5i Sport has come down $3000 to $44,990. The Forester 2.0 Diesel, now with Lineartronic transmission is $46,990, a $3000 reduction on the outgoing manual gearbox Forester Diesel.
And the turbocharged 2.0 XT Premium is now $54,990, a drop of $5000.
All 2015 Forester models now have the same infotainment system as the recently launched Outback. Both Premium models add Satellite Navigation.
Externally the 2015 Forester can be identified by its new shark fin antenna and day time running lights.
All Forester models have the option of steering column paddle shifters for manual control and all have automatic stop/start engine technology to save fuel.
There are 7 airbags, rear-view reverse camera, and rigid passenger safety cell. The X-Mode All Wheel Drive assist system is standard on all models.
The new Forester is available at Subaru dealers now, supported by a five year finance deal at 0% interest, payable by as little as $94 a week on the 2.5i. This offer has a 40% deposit and is available until 30 June with terms and conditions.
