Hot on the heels of its international reveal a month ago, Subaru South Africa has confirmed that the new Forester will go on sale here in March 2013, and they've also announced a five-model line-up.
There's a new entry-level 2-litre normally aspirated petrol engine that produces 109kW and 196Nm. This will be available only with the 'X' trim line and with a six-speed manual gearbox.
Next up is the familiar 126kW/235Nm 2.5-litre motor, which will be available with Subaru's Lineartronic CVT gearbox and in three trim levels - X, XS and XS Premium, the latter fitted with idle-stop fuel-saving technology.
At the top of the pile is the Forester 2.0 XT Lineartronic, which is powered by a 186kW turbopetrol motor.
Based on our previous discussion with Subaru SA, a 2-litre turbodiesel engine is also part of the plan, but it won't form part of the initial line-up.
As before, all models are kitted out with Subaru's Symmetrical permanent four-wheel drive system and the latest version has an 'X-mode' function designed for better control on slippery and uneven surfaces.
On the safety front, the new model boasts seven airbags (including one for the driver's knee) and its structure has proven good enough for a five-star EuroNCAP rating.