Subaru Unveils Forester STI Sport AWD Special Edition for Australia

Subaru Australia has announced the upcoming arrival of the limited-edition Forester STI Sport AWD, bringing a new performance-focused variant to its popular mid-size SUV lineup. Set to be available from late September, the Forester STI Sport AWD aims to deliver enhanced driving dynamics through a series of mechanical and styling upgrades designed by Subaru Tecnica International (STI), the motorsport division best known for its World Rally Championship successes.

The Forester STI Sport AWD is equipped with STI-tuned front and rear dampers, along with Subaru’s signature Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system. These enhancements promise improved handling and sharper, more responsive driving. The suspension retuning by STI engineers focuses on improving control, stability, and overall balance. According to Subaru, the adjustments to the suspension provide a sportier feel while maintaining the comfort and versatility that Forester owners expect.

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Exterior Enhancements

Visually, the Forester STI Sport AWD stands out with several exclusive exterior design elements. It comes fitted with dark grey, high-lustre 18-inch alloy wheels that contribute to the vehicle’s aggressive stance. The black front grille, along with Crystal Black side and rear garnishes helps differentiate this performance-tuned variant. Additional black detailing includes door mirror caps, roof rails, fog light surrounds, and front and rear under guards, all designed to give the vehicle a distinctive, performance-oriented appearance. The signature STI badge, displayed on the rear of the vehicle, completes the sporty look.

The Forester STI Sport AWD will be available in five exterior paint colours: Crystal White Pearl, Ice Silver Metallic, Magnetite Grey Metallic, Crystal Black Silica, and Offshore Blue Metallic.

Interior Features

Inside the cabin, the Forester STI Sport AWD offers a refined and sporty environment with a Black & Bordeaux colour scheme. The Nappa leather-accented seats, door trim, centre console, and instrument panel all feature this colour combination. Red contrast stitching can be found on the steering wheel, instrument panel, and other interior elements, adding to the overall sporty feel. An STI-branded instrument cluster is another exclusive feature of this special edition.

Performance and Handling

The Forester STI Sport AWD is powered by Subaru’s well-established 2.5-litre four-cylinder Boxer engine, paired with a Lineartronic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission). While no additional performance gains have been claimed beyond the standard Forester 2.5i-S AWD, the STI Sport AWD focuses on enhancing the driving experience through its STI-tuned suspension setup. The revised dampers are intended to provide a more dynamic and controlled ride, particularly in corners and on uneven road surfaces, without compromising the vehicle’s off-road capability.

The inclusion of Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system ensures that the Forester STI Sport AWD maintains its versatility in a variety of driving conditions. This system, combined with the vehicle’s 220mm ground clearance, allows for driving on gravel, snow, or light off-road terrain while still providing good on-road performance.

Pricing and Availability

The Subaru Forester STI Sport AWD is priced at $48,640* and is expected to be available in Subaru showrooms across Australia by late September. This price includes GST but excludes dealer delivery charges and other statutory costs. Subaru encourages consumers to contact their local dealership for exact drive-away pricing, which will vary depending on location and additional fees.

The STI Sport AWD variant comes with all the features included in the Forester 2.5i-S AWD, plus several performance and aesthetic upgrades unique to this special edition. These additions make the STI Sport AWD a standout option for buyers looking for a sportier take on the Forester. Key enhancements over the Forester 2.5i-S AWD include:

• STI-tuned front and rear dampers for improved handling
• Black & Bordeaux Nappa leather-accented interior
• STI-branded instrument cluster
• Red contrast stitching on the steering wheel and instrument panel
• Dark grey high-lustre 18-inch alloy wheels
• Black front grille and Crystal Black exterior accents
• Black roof rails, fog light garnishes, and front and rear under guards
• STI badge on the rear of the vehicle

*Prices are Subaru (Aust) Pty Ltd’s Manufacturer’s List Prices (MLP) and include GST but exclude dealer delivery and other government and statutory charges. Consumers are advised to consult their local authorised Subaru dealer for the final drive-away price.

Limited Availability

Production of the Forester STI Sport AWD will be limited, making this a special edition that could appeal to collectors and Subaru enthusiasts alike. The limited nature of the vehicle's production is likely to contribute to its exclusivity, as only a select number of units will be available to Australian buyers. Pre-order is available now from the Subaru Australia website.