The latest automaker to delve into the ubiquitous realm of noir, Subaru has announced a new 2018 Forester 2.5i Black Edition Package. Available exclusively on the 2.5i Premium variant of its popular AWD compact SUV, the Black Edition combines a selection of appropriately color-keyed cosmetic touches plus several functional upgrades. Offered in Crystal Black Silica, Dark Gray Metallic, Crystal White Pearl and Ice Silver Metallic, this new Subaru features 18-inch black-finished alloy wheels plus black accent trim on its foglamps, mirrors and badges while the chrome-framed grille carries blacked-out wing elements. It also boasts steering-responsive LED headlamps from the Forester Touring/Limited.
Embracing the dark side
Inside, this latest Forester variant gets exclusive black cloth upholstery with faux leather side bolsters, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, plus shifter paddles for its CVT automatic that control six virtual gears – a touch previously only available on XT Turbo models. Rounding out the $1,150 option group are the All-Weather Package, traction-enhancing X-Mode with Hill Descent Control, a rear cargo tray and Welcome Lighting.
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For 2018, the Forester lineup returns in 2.5i, 2.5i Premium, 2.5i Limited and 2.5i Touring spec with a 170-horsepower/2.5-liter naturally aspirated 4-cylinder boxer engine as well as 2.0XT Premium and Touring models with a 2.0-liter turbocharged flat-4 that turns up the volume to 250 horsepower. Beyond the new 2.5i Black Edition, all 2.0XT models add Reverse Automatic Braking and High Beam Assist headlamps while the 2.0XT Touring trim also gains Active Torque Vectoring culled from the WRX and WRX STI.
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Pricing for the 2018 Subaru Forester 2.5i with a 6-speed manual transmission opens at $23,710 – a bump of $200 over its 2017 sticker — and upgrading to the CVT adds $1,000 to that figure. The Forester 2.5i Premium commands $26,510 (6M) or $27,100 (CVT) while the CVT-only 2.5i Limited starts at $30,310, the 2.5i Touring at $34,005, the Forester 2.0 XT Premium at $30,410 and the 2.0XT Touring at $37,005, all including $915 in destination.
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