The first purported pictures of the 2019 Subaru Forester have surfaced online.
Apparently taken from a Japanese magazine, the images suggest the model will play it safe and feature an evolutionary design that is instantly recognizable. Styling changes are minor but the crossover has a new front fascia with a larger grille and restyled headlights. Bigger changes occur underneath the grille as the model has rugged plastic body cladding and a silver skid plate.
Moving further back, we can see modestly revised bodywork with swooping character lines beneath the greenhouse and above the side skirts. The rear end also has a familiar design but it features new taillights which are connected by a horizontal chrome strip.
While we cannot confirm the authenticity of these images, the production model will likely be very similar, if not identical, to what’s presented here. That might be a bit disappointing for fans looking for an edgier design but Subaru doesn’t want to mess with a successful formula as Carsalesbase data shows Forester sales in the United States jumped from 76,347 units in 2012 to 177,563 units last year.
Subaru has been tight-lipped about the model but it is slated to ride on the new Subaru Global Platform that underpins the Impreza. This change promises to increase safety, improve driving dynamics and reduce noise, vibration and harshness levels.
The 2019 Subaru Forester will be unveiled at the New York Auto Show on March 28th and will undoubtedly have a four-cylinder boxer engine as well as a symmetrical all-wheel drive system.
H/T to Allcarnews