Japanese customers have been treated to the Subaru Forester tS – an STI-tuned special edition with sporty styling and mechanical enhancements.

Distinguishing the Forester tS from the outside are STI and tS badges, cherry red pinstripes on the black front grille and rear bumper, unique front and rear lower spoilers, metallic silver fog light surrounds and lower door mouldings, and black side skirts, mirror caps and roof spoiler.

The tS wears 19-inch forged alloy wheels by BBS wrapped in Turanza tyres, which sit in front of 17-inch Brembo brakes with STI logos. The STI tuning extends to the suspension, which is 15mm lower than the regular Forester, and the special edition SUV’s flexible tower bar, draw stiffener and support subframe.

The engine and transmission control units have also been exclusively tuned for the tS.