Sumo wrestlers to introduce the new Subaru Forester? Makes sense. After all, these amusing characters (did you see the ads on television?) vividly embody the Japanese tradition, so it's likely that no one will mistake Subaru or the Forester for a Swedish product ever again.

The Subaru Forester sports a redesigned bodywork for 2009; yet, it remains fairly classic.

More realistically, though, the company wanted to make a strong statement to consumers and turn a big spotlight on a vehicle making its first-ever dramatic styling evolution.

With about 20 different models to choose from in the compact SUV segment, led by the Ford Escape and Honda CR-V, a conservative approach was no longer an option. However, as sexy as they may try to be, these sumos won't attract huge crowds of potential buyers into showrooms. At best, they will inform brand loyalists about the improvements made to the Forester while titillating other consumers.

Room, at last!
If these drivers are looking for a compact yet versatile package, they won't be disappointed. The 2009 Subaru Forester is finally roomy enough to comfortably sit four adults. Talk about making real progress! In previous years, this vehicle could have been considered as a "2+2" given how tight the rear passenger quarters were.

Such improvement is attributable to the new exterior, which is 7.5-cm longer, 5-cm wider and 11-cm taller. The wheelbase and tracks have also been extended. These gains translate into more legroom and foot room in the back. On the other hand, while the wider-opening rear doors make access easier, the door step remains fairly high.

Obviously, adding a few centimeters here and there also meant increasing the vehicle's weight. In the case of the Forester 2.5X, which I got the opportunity to try out, we're talking 60+ additional kilos. What's more, the 2.5-liter, 4-cylinder boxer engine (2.5X, Touring and Limited models) produces three horsepower less than its predecessor (170). Yet, acceleration times from 0 to 100 km/h aren't any slower! It took me a little over 9 seconds with the 5-speed manual transmission.

If you want to go faster, you'll have to select the turbocharged Forester 2.5XT. At 224 horsepower, it reaches the century mark in under 7 seconds.

The naturally-aspirated 2.5L 4-cylinder engine of the Forester 2.5X produces 170 horsepower.