Close on the heels of Subaru's November 28 introduction of the 2014 model of Forester crossover SUV, Subaru South Africa has recently revealed that the new fourth-generation Forrester model will become available for purchase in the country by March next year.

Revealing that the new Forester crossover SUV line-up will include five models, Subaru South Africa said that the new base model will feature a 2-litre normally aspirated petrol engine which can produce 109kW and 196Nm. Equipped with a six-speed manual gearbox, this model will be available only with the 'X' trim line.

The next-in-line 2014 Forrester line-up would feature the familiar 126kW/235Nm 2.5-litre motor; and will available with Subaru's Lineartronic CVT gearbox. The model will be available in three trim levels, namely, X, XS and XS Premium.

The high-end model of the 2014 Forester crossover SUV will be the Forester 2.0 XT Lineartronic, which will have a 186kW turbopetrol motor powering it.

According to Subaru SA, all the models in the new Forester line-up will be equipped with the automaker's Symmetrical permanent four-wheel drive system; and will also boast the 'X-mode' function which has been designed to give the motorists better control on slippery and bumpy roads.

So far as the safety aspect of the new 2014 Forester is concerned, Subaru SA said that the vehicle's structure has received a five-star EuroNCAP rating; and added that all the new models will have seven airbags, including one airbag for the driver's knee.