X marks Forester value

SUBARU has moved to bolster the position of its Forester as Australia’s top-selling compact SUV with a host of ‘free’ accessories, claimed to be worth more than $2000, to its entry-level Forester X.

Available during April, the so-called adventure-ready pack includes a Garmin Nuvi 1350 widescreen portable satellite-navigation unit, a Bluetooth hands-free mobile phone kit, cargo tray, rear step panel, roof crossbars, carpet mats and stone-chip protectors for the headlights and bonnet.

Subaru will also throw in a $200 accessory voucher for the Forester X, which is priced from $30,990 (plus statutory and dealer charges) for the manual. Automatic transmission adds $2000.

The move is an obvious attempt to deflect attention from significant new models now influencing buyers in the ultra-competitive compact SUV segment, including Hyundai’s ix35 and Mazda’s rejuvenated CX-7.

2010 Subaru Forester X range pricing:
Forester X (a)	$32,990
Forester X	$30,990