A regular petrol engine that is both powerful and economical has been designed for more environmentally friendly performance and exceptional torque. The majority of parts have been completely redesigned over the previous DOHC engine, while the control unit for the engine and transmission has been carefully tuned.

Fuel efficiency has been further improved by reducing friction in parts such as bearings throughout the entire drivetrain, and improvements have been made to brake drag and the rolling resistance of tyres.

Aerodynamics, which plays a big part in high driving speeds, has been improved to increase fuel efficiency and levels of silence within the vehicle, as well as adding better stability on the road. For example, the Forester has a Cd of 0.36, a value that is truly exceptional for an SUV.

While newer vehicles tend to have a heavier body weight than older models due to the additional safety features installed, optimisation of every minor detail and the use of lightweight and highly rigid materials such as high tensile steel plates and tailored blank sheets throughout the vehicle has kept the weight increase of the new model to a minimum.