Coming off 2001 as its most successful year ever, the all-wheel drive (AWD) Subaru Forester boasted sales in excess of 100,000 units. However, it has been completely redesigned and re-engineered for the 2003 model year and will hit Subaru showrooms any day now, if it isn’t there already.

Debuting in 1997 as a 1998 model, the Forester has received numerous awards including Money Magazine’s “Best Buy,” AAA’s “Best buy priced under $25,000 and Consumer Reports Best Buy as well as the New England Automotive Press Association’s “Best Winter Vehicle” award. Subaru marketeers say their strategy is to piggyback on the success of the current model with this new and improved version.

According to Hideki Ishido, project general manager for Forester, “The product concept is that of a global crossover vehicle that pursues the ‘best of both worlds’ — car and SUV. Subaru believes the Forester will distinguish itself from other SUVs by its superior overall safety, handling characteristics and comfort. They could be right.

I had the opportunity to drive the 2003 Subaru Forester at its press introduction last month in Birmingham, Alabama. My driving partner for the event was one of my favorites, internationally known off-road and rally driver Sue Mead, with whom I’ve driven several times before. We had the opportunity to really put the new Forester through its paces on a wide variety of roads and terrain that included interstates, two lane backcountry blacktops, dirt roads and at the world-famous Talladega Superspeedway. All the way around, the new Forester was much more impressive than the previous model.

Powered by a 165 horsepower, 2.5 liter, 16 valve, SOHC 4-cylinder, aluminum alloy, horizontally mounted engine, the Forester comes standard with a 5-speed manual transmission. Optional is a gated 4-speed automatic. Subaru’s popular hydraulic clutch with its “Hill Holder” feature is standard on the stick.

The Forester offers high ground clearance (7.5 inches) as well as a unique height and size that presents what Subaru terms a “command view” of the road, coupled with 100 percent, full time AWD.

The 2003 Forester comes in two trim levels, the 2.5 X and 2.5 XS. Its overall size is slightly smaller, while interior room is increased. The completely redesigned interior emphasizes functionality. It features performance style instrumentation similar to the Impreza. The climate control system utilizes three large dials that are easy to comprehend and work. One nice touch is that the power window switches are illuminated on all doors, not just the driver’s. Dual vanity mirrors are standard as is an AM/FM/CD with weather band radio. Another thoughtful touch is a 12-volt power outlet mounted inside the console box with small opening for the cell phone cord.

On the highway, the Forester offers more power and better acceleration than previous models. It’s also noticeably quieter.

Handling is improved by the fact the front and rear track is widened as well as use of a front cross member that is mounted between front wheel centers. This, combined with the reduction of yaw because of the type and positioning of the engine not only improves handling, but also adds to fuel economy and improves crash worthiness as well. Then there’s the Variable Gear Ration (VGR) rack and pinion steering which adds certainty as well.

The rear cross member boasts increased rigidity and redesigned struts decrease body roll when cornering, changing lanes or off-road.

Subaru’s Electronic Brake Distribution System (EBD) is standard on 2.5XS models. Front to rear braking pressure distribution is controlled by the ABS unit for reduced stopping distances.

In addition to the general maneuvers we took the Forester through, there was a handling and slalom as well as an obstacle course set up at Talladega. The Forester aced them all. Talladega is a very highly banked oval track — so steep that while running in the bottom lane and looking up through the sunroof, the only scenery is the other five lanes of asphalt above.

Thanks to the Forester’s AWD system, it was impressive in its ability to hold the road at high speed — 100+ mph — even on Talladega’s bank, and to slide right into the slalom without any kind of braking necessary and without any worry about loss of control.

Whines: Although acceleration is improved, it can still be a little sluggish on the hills.

Applause: This is hands-down a better car than the previous model — which wasn’t bad. Towing capacity is a respectable 2400 pounds with the manual and 2000 pounds with the automatic. Both come with trailer brakes. There is also increased forward, front and rear side visibility for reduced blind spots.

Bottom Line: This is a great little car. The AWD system works flawlessly, and at entry level pricing, it’s easy to see what a great value the new and improved version of Forester really is as well. This car should get more even accolades than the previous Forester.