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2019 Subaru Forester Long-Term Introduction | Bring us your dogs

A 2019 Subaru Forester is officially entering the Autoblog long-term vehicle fleet. Subaru completely overhauled the Forester for the 2019 model year, so we’ve snagged one to start a year-long test. The new, small Subaru crossover left quite an impression on us when we drove it for the first time. It was much more refined and advanced than before, even if it doesnÂ’t look that different.  For example, the new Forester adopts SubaruÂ’s Global Platform and a new direct-injection 2.5-liter flat-four engine. The interior gets a massive overhaul with a new design, upgraded materials and impressive technology. What does it lose? The turbo. That's right, the 2019 Forester cannot be had with the outgoing model's 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder or any sort of engine upgrade. WeÂ’ll see how much weÂ’re missing the grunt by the time our year is up. What we got Subaru offers the Forester in five different trim levels, and we got the highest of them all: Touring. This means all the tech and luxury goodies are onboard, but it also means a $35,270 base price after the $975 destination charge is tacked on. All-weather floor mats and a rear seatback protector nudged our carÂ’s final price to $35,495. The other tempting trim option was the Sport, but we decided to pass on the slightly ridiculous red-orange accents — our eyes will thank us. Instead, our Subaru exudes class, or at least as much class as a Subaru can, in Horizon Blue Pearl.  As we mentioned, our Forester comes with the naturally aspirated 2.5-liter boxer four-cylinder. It makes a whopping 182 horsepower and 177 pound-feet of torque. At no point does it feel quick, but itÂ’s not painfully slow either. However, weÂ’re afraid to see what might happen with a full load of people and gear on a weekend getaway. Look out for updates on that one.  As for the extras we get with the Touring trim, there are many. Luxuries include LED headlights and foglights, 18-inch alloy wheels, leather interior trim, a 10-way power driverÂ’s seat, heated front and rear seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, navigation and a Harman Kardon audio system. Coolest of all, is SubaruÂ’s Driver Focus system with the infrared camera mounted on the dashboard, only available on the Touring. It watches your face to make sure youÂ’re alert and watching the road ahead, reminding you to look if it detects your inattention. An added benefit to this is facial recognition, allowing driver profiles to be set.

Subaru recalls certain 2017-2019 Impreza and Crosstrek models

Subaru will begin two recalls covering hundreds of thousands of vehicles on December 13 for engine-related issues. The first recall covers 466,205 vehicles and includes 2017-2019 Imprezas and 2018 and 2019 Crosstreks. This recall is for an Engine Control Module that could continue to power the ignition coil after the engine is shut off. That could result in a short circuit and blown fuse. Dealers will update the vehicle's software to fix the issue, and some vehicles may also need their ignition coils replaced. The second recall applies to 2017-2018 Impreza and 2018 Crosstrek models totaling 205,000 vehicles. Certain models are equipped with aluminum Positive Crankcase Ventilation valves that can come apart. If that happens, the separated components could potentially enter the engine and cause a loss of power while driving. Dealers will inspect and replace the PCV valve if necessary, unless the separated bits can't be found, in which case the engine will be replaced, free of charge. Owners with affected vehicles can contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614.

West Coast labor dispute hampers Japanese automakers' US plants

The ongoing labor dispute between the International Longshore and Warehouse Union and port owners along the West Coast is starting to affect more Japanese automakers building vehicles in the US. The issue already forced Honda and Subaru to take the expensive option of airlifting some parts into the US weeks ago, and according to USA Today, Toyota and Nissan have begun doing so, as well. The choice hasn't been cheap, though, and Subaru's chief financial officer estimated that the decision cost around $60 million more per month than sending components by cargo ship. The effects continue to radiate, according to USA Today, and shortages of some models are possible. Honda is slowing production at its factories in Ohio, Indiana and Canada because the automaker doesn't have enough transmissions and electronics for some vehicles. Toyota already cut back on overtime at some factories. Nissan has only seen a small effect from the issue, though, because of its local suppliers. Dock workers and port owners have been negotiating on a new contract since last year, and the union has organized work slowdowns in response. According to USA Today, the automakers could move shipments to Canada or Mexico, but it would take longer for parts to arrive. News Source: USA TodayImage Credit: Mark Ralston / AFP / Getty Images Earnings/Financials Plants/Manufacturing UAW/Unions Honda Nissan Subaru Toyota shipping port labor dispute