1 Jan 2000
The first generation Forester facelift saw almost every panel changed.
The nose was all new (including a redesigned nudge bar) while the rear revealed a more rounded end than before. The cabin’s trim and instrumentation was also revised.
Other worthwhile changes included standard dual front airbags (and side bags on the GT) and a rear centre lap-sash seatbelt across the range.
The base model lost its GX designation.
On the driving front the handling and ride improved thanks to a series of suspension modifications. A CD player and more cupholders were also made standard.
In December ’00, as part of the slightly revised MY01 Forester range, the GT gained an extra five kilo Watts and Newton metres, bringing the total to 130 and 245.
A Special Edition value-added pack in both base and Limited variants followed that in January ’01 and February ‘02.
The Mk1 Forester generation continued until the all-new MY03 model arrived in July 2002.
