2022 Subaru Forester STI Sport breaks cover

KUALA LUMPUR: For more than two decades, the Forester has been among the best-selling Subaru models around the world. It received a generation update in 2019, followed by the first mid-cycle refresh last year. Well, now we hear that the SUV gets a new STI Sport in Japan. Unfortunately, the latest version is a home affair and we should not expect it to come here officially anytime soon.

The 2022 Subaru Forester STI Sport is based on the existing Sport trim and features a lot of aesthetics as well as some performance changes for a sportier appeal. Let’s see what makes it different from the donor model -

• The SUV boasts large black trim pieces around the bumpers, side sills, and fog lights.
• It runs on 18-inch dark grey finished wheels wrapped in 225/55R18 all-season tyres. 
• There are STI badges on the front as well as back for instant recognition.

• Inside, you get a two-tone Nappa leather upholstery in black and Bordeaux red.
• Contrasting red stitching is also available on the seat upholstery along with the red accents on the instrument panel. The STI branding is also present on the tachometer and headrests.
• Included in the colour options are Crystal White Pearl, Ice Silver Metallic, Magnetite Grey Metallic, and Crystal Black Silica.
• In terms of technical changes, the Forester STI Sport gets an STI-touched suspension setup with revised dampers, which allow more dynamic handling at the corners.

Under the bonnet, things remain the same with CB18 1.8-litre turbocharged flat-four gasoline mill, which dishes out a maximum power of 177 PS from 5,200 to 5,600 rpm and a peak torque of 300 Nm from 1,600 to 3,600 rpm. The power is sent to the front wheels through a Lineartronic continuously variable transmission coupled with a Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system.

As for 2022 Subaru Forester STI Sport pricing, no information is available at the moment. However, one thing is sure that it will be dearer than the Forester Sport retailing at JPY 3.3 million (approximately equal to RM 106,656) in Japan. 

Also read: How much does the new 2022 Subaru BRZ cost in Malaysia?