Tokyo Motor Show: Subaru Forester tS set for Australia

Subaru to set to release an even faster Forester on Australia in 2016 with the arrival of the limited-edition tS model, based on the facelifted MY16 model.

Sharing the current Forester XT's 177kW/350Nm 2.0-litre turbocharged flat-four, the tS won't be any faster in a straight line, but Subaru's STI performance division has waved its wand over the popular SUV to improve braking and handling.

Larger brake rotors are matched with four-pot front and two-pot rear Brembo calipers behind 19-inch forged aluminium BBS wheels wearing 245/45 R19 Bridgestone Turanza ER33 rubber.

A front strut-tower brace reduces flex, as do stiffening arms in the front and rear suspension. STI-developed dampers front and rear tighten up the Forester's handling.

Subaru Australia say that the car's local specification is yet to be confirmed, however based on the previous Forester S-Edition we'd expect the braking and handling upgrades to be offered.

Unfortunately, we won't receive the higher output (206kW/350Nm) engine reserved for the Japanese market, the extra grunt courtesy of a retuned ECU, while the CVT transmission receives an oil cooler.

Local pricing will be confirmed closer to launch, however just 300 Forester tS models will be imported.