Subaru Canada, Inc. (SCI) announced that it will sell a new, turbocharged model of its popular Forester compact SUV. The 2004 Forester 2.5 XT was unveiled today at the Canadian International Auto Show in Toronto.

Equipped with a 2.5-litre, DOHC intercooled turbocharged engine that produces 210 hp at 5,600 rpm and 235 lb-ft of torque at 3,600 rpm, the new Forester achieves impressive sports car levels of performance, including a 0 – 60 time of just 6.1 seconds.

“Subaru looked around the compact SUV segment and noticed something was missing – excitement,” said Norio Osakabe, president, chairman and CEO of SCI. “The Forester is already light and maneuverable. Adding turbo-charged power creates a performance car for the practical buyer.”

Adding to the Forester 2.5 XT’s performance quotient are a new Active Valve Control System, Electronic Throttle Control, sport design instrumentation and a turbo-type exhaust system. In keeping with its performance orientation, a five-speed manual transmission is standard, but a new four-speed electronic direct controlled automatic transmission is optional.

Outside, the Forester 2.5 XT is distinguished by a sophisticated new silhouette, with a roof-mounted body-colour rear spoiler, functional hood scoop, aluminum finish roof rails and door sill plate covers, and 16-inch, 6-spoke turbo-design alloy wheels.

Inside, off-black woven upholstery, an upgraded audio system with a new subwoofer, and the new gauges complete the sporty image. Leather trimmed upholstery is also optionally available.

“This new Forester takes everything that drivers have always loved – utility, reliability, practicality and All-Wheel Drive confidence – and adds a hefty shot of Subaru’s rally-bred performance,” said Osakabe. “The result is a new kind of Forester that will surprise a lot of people and be a lot of fun to drive.”

Subaru Canada, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. of Japan. Headquartered in Mississauga, Ontario, the company markets and distributes Subaru vehicles, parts and accessories through a network of over 100 franchised dealers across Canada.