Introduction

2006 Subaru Forester Preview -- New York Auto Show: There may be no better place to extol the virtues of the Subaru Forester than at the 2005 New York International Auto Show, and that's just what Subaru executives did during the launch of the redesigned 2006 model.

New York City and an all-wheel-drive wagon/truck? Think about it - as I sit here in the Big Apple, I hear the seemingly never ending whir of sirens, the almost incessant blare of horns, the banging of construction equipment, and the intermittent beeping of commercial trucks in reverse. Add in the inability to see through the skyscrapers and blinding illuminated billboards to anything even remotely resembling natural, and the head-for-the-hills, hug-a-tree 2006 Subaru Forester comes across as the stressed man's savior. And now that trip to serenity can be enjoyed with even more style and power.

The base model Subaru Forester X and the upscale L.L. Bean Edition now offer 173 horsepower and a more conservative, clean look with revised front sheet metal and new headlights, accompanied by an updated rear fascia. Additionally, the L.L. Bean Edition receives a leather-wrapped interior and a new Momo leather and wood steering wheel. For those who can't get there quick enough, the 2006 Subaru Forester 2.5 XT Limited has an added 20 horsepower for 2006, bumped to 230. Of course, they all come standard with Subaru's proven all-wheel-drive system.Even if forests and dirt trails aren't part of the agenda, the refined and more powerful 2006 Subaru Forester has plenty to offer in terms of style and utility, all of which comes in handy regardless of the destination. Pricing has not yet been released. The 2006 Subaru Forester will begin arriving at dealerships early this summer.