First pics: Subaru's new Forester

THE new generation Subaru Forester compact four-wheel drive has made its world debut at the Chicago Auto Show.

And we'll get to see the replacement for one of the most consistently popular wagons in the category when it is previewed at the Melbourne motor show later this month.

However, prospective Aussie buyers will have to wait until the third quarter of 2002 before they get the chance to drive and buy one.

While externally the same dimensions as the car it replaces, the new Forester has liberated more interior space.

Subaru also claims the new version features significant enhancements in safety, comfort, refinement and driving dynamics.

As shown at Chicago, its engine capacity has been boosted from the current 2.0-litres to 2.5-litres, naturally still in the classic Subaru boxer four-cylinder configuration.

Specifications on variants to be launched in Australia have yet to be confirmed. More details will be released at the Melbourne show.

New Forester goes on sale in the United States in May, where Subaru estimates it will sell 57,000 in 2002 and 60,000 in 2003.