Subaru should find itself a lot of attention at Pittsburgh's auto show this year, thanks to some important new models.

First, the immensely popular Subaru Forester will see its all-new third-generation 2009 Subaru Forester showing up in dealer showrooms as you read this.

The new Forester has a lot going for it -- an all new platform, much roomier interior, classy new style that looks as though it was influenced by the Tribeca, and additional safety features and convenience items.

The new Forester comes standard with Symmetrical All Wheel Drive.

One of the biggest pluses of the new Forester is that its all-new platform provides a 3.6-inch longer wheelbase -- about 103 inches now -- and I'm told that it rides much better and more comfortably as a result.

But in my book, the new wheelbase provides something else -- more interior room, particularly legroom. Subaru says that the new Forester also has more hip and shoulder room, which addresses one of the few criticisms I've ever had of previous Foresters -- inadequate room, particularly in the second row. It also has a more rigid body, a new double-wishbone rear suspension and other improvements that make the car even safer, and more quiet on the road.

All Forester models for 2009 feature standard side-curtain airbags with a rollover sensor, and the Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) stability and traction control system is standard on all models for the first time. With the Subaru Dynamic Chassis Control Concept (Subaru DC3), Subaru optimized all elements of the Forester's chassis to deliver a better balanced ride, handling response, quietness and overall traction performance than offered by competitive vehicles.

Along with standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, the new Forester comes with VDC and four-wheel disc ABS brakes with the Brake Assist safety system.

You can choose from two basic trim levels in the new Forester this year: 2.5 X and Forester L.L.Bean Edition models offer more luxury without compromising the vehicle's sporty nature.

The new Forestser has the unmistakable styling hallmarks of the Tribeca design, including full-wheel openings, a more aggressive nose , and inside the car, a flowing dashboard design much like the Tribeca.

The car also has a larger, more pronounced grill, higher hood line, "hawk eye" headlights and a large, contoured bumper cover with foglights available to give the front end a more confident appearance.

There also are more sharply defined character lines along the flanks of the car, and the boxed front fenders and rear quarter panels accentuate the new SUV profile. Larger light clusters highlight the rear styling.

Did you know that Subaru Forester was among the first crossover SUVs to ride on four-wheel independent suspension? The 2009 Forester continues that practice adding a new rear double-wishbone independent suspension and widened tracks, all of which works wonders for ride and handling.

You'll notice that the interior of the 2009 Forester has been completely changed. For instance, there's a new spaciousness and airy feeling that is a departure from the close, rather cramped accommodations of last year's model.

Subaru also paid special attention to the seat comfort level through the use of specially developed seat cushions and springs.

The overall theme of the interior seems to be providing a "twin cockpit feel" with the kind of rounded shape that is similar to the Tribeca. You'll see brushed aluminum-look insets in the center stack of the dashboard.

The 2009 Forester offers more user technology then ever, including a navigation system for the first time. The standard information center (or available navigation system) is the focal point of the instrument panel. In addition to an input for MP3 players, the center console, when equipped with the navigation system, also includes video jacks that can accommodate portable gaming devices. These can be displayed on the navigation screen when the vehicle is parked.

The Forester's 2.5-liter normally aspirated Boxer engine is modified for 2009 to improve performance, drivability, and economy. The engine delivers 170 horsepower.

The 2009 Forester turbocharged models are powered by a revised 2.5-liter Boxer engine delivering 224 horsepower.

All Forester models for 2009 feature as standard equipment front seat side impact air bags and side curtain air bags that offer additional head protection for front and rear occupants. Intelligent dual-stage deployment front air bags use sensors to determine front air bag deployment strength for optimal occupant protection. Active front head restraints can help reduce potential whiplash injury in a rear collision.

A rollover sensor is added to activate the seat belt pre-tensioners and deploy the curtain airbags. (It should be noted that the previous Forester model achieved a 4-star rating for rollover from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.)

Prices range from $19,995 to $28,195.