Subaru has revealed further details of the upgraded 2015 Subaru Forester which is going on sale in the UK on 1 April. The car arrives with a new powertrain and enhanced cabin. The decision to pair the well-known 2.0-litre horizontally-opposed ‘Boxer' diesel engine with a diesel-Lineartronic CVT (continuously-variable transmission) powertrain turns out to be more than just a useful idea because this way the car receives boosted off-road capabilities and can offer smoother and more relaxing drive.

Matched to the standard All-Wheel Drive drivetrain, the Lineartronic also brings the prominent Subaru's Hill Descent Control (HDC) and the X-Mode system. They help the car deal with extremely slippery roads and manage the Forester's brakes, torque and drivetrain. But exactly how powerful is the Boxer diesel engine? It delivers precisely 148 hp (109 kW) with 350 Nm (258 lb-ft) of torque.

The Lineartronic transmission fitted to the 2015 Forester's 2.0-litre diesel engine is the same high-capacity CVT found on the powerful 240 PS XT Turbo model, and is engineered to manage the diesel engine's high 350 Nm torque output. Thanks to the new unit-gearbox combination, the updated Subaru Forester will return 46.3 mpg and 158 g/km CO2 on the combined cycle. Moreover, the vehicle is able to accelerate from 0 62 mph in 9.6 seconds. Models fitted with a diesel engine mated to a standard six-speed manual can return 49.6 mpg and 148 g/km CO2 on the combined cycle. The 0-62 mph run is covered in 9.8 seconds.

While the exterior of the Subaru Forester is pretty much unchanged, the interior gains some notable alterations. It features 7.0-inch touchscreen, fitted as standard to all XC, AC Premium and XT trims. The automobile takes advantage of factory-fit touchscreen infotainment and a new navigation system. Finally, there are innovative pioneer dealer-fit options as well. The starting price of the 2.0D X Lineartronic is that of £26,495.

Subaru Forester 2.0D XC (2015)
Subaru Forester 2.0D XC (2015) - picture 1 of 3
Subaru Forester 2.0D XC (2015) - picture 2 of 3
Subaru Forester 2.0D XC (2015) - picture 3 of 3

Source: Subaru