Subaru's Forester grows up

What is it?

The third generation of Subaru's mid-size SUV moves closer to its mainstream rivals in looks, but it still retains the details that make it unmistakably a Subaru. A 'boxer' four-cylinder engine still lies under the bonnet and drives through a transmission that also features a low ratio transfer 'box (which is very rare in this class) for some genuine off-road ability. While keeping its unique appeal that has seen previous Foresters developed a loyal band of customers, the new car has styling that is much more in the vein of the Land Rover Freelander and Nissan X-Trail, and less like the estate-on-stilts appearance of previous Foresters. In revising the styling, Subaru has also found more ground clearance and created a very spacious cabin at the same time. From launch, the only engine on offer is the 2.0-litre petrol unit with 148bhp. It comes with a five-speed manual gearbox as standard or an optional four-speed automatic. A turbodiesel will join the Forester line-up in September and will greatly increase the appeal of Subaru's mid-size SUV.

Is it any good?

Those who liked the previous Forester are going to love the new model. It does everything the old car did, only better. That also means the new Forester has greater appeal for those who might not have considered the Subaru before. It looks suitably stylish enough for those wanting a family car with a high-set driving position and the interior offers masses of space for those in the front or rear. Build quality is also every bit as solid as you'd expect of a Subaru and the boot is one of the biggest in this sector, with the 60:40 split rear seats raised or lowered. Basing the new Forester on the same platform as the latest Impreza brings benefits in how the Forester drives. There's noticeably less body lean in corners than before and the Forester feels more composed on twisting back roads as a result, though the electrically-assisted power steering offers little in the way of sensation or feedback in such situations. However, it's light enough to make town driving and parking manoeuvres easy work. Along with handling that puts the Forester among the best in its class, it also copes with rut-spattered roads admirably well. There's a slight firmness to the suspension at town speeds, which is a pay-off for the reduced body roll at faster speeds, but the Forester is very comfortable. It underlines the Forester's family-friendly credentials, while self-levelling rear suspension also makes it an ideal choice for those who tow a trailer, horsebox or caravan. The only disappointment is the 2.0-litre engine's shortfall when it comes to mid-rev muscle. There's only just enough oomph at lower revs to keep the Forester from feeling sluggish in manual gearbox form, while the auto falls on the wrong side of slow. In automatic guise, the Forester goes from 0-60mph in 12.3 seconds, while the manual covers this in 10.6 seconds, though both return the same 33.6mpg combined economy. Subaru has improved carbon dioxide emissions considerably compared to the previous Forester, with the manual car emitting 198g/km of CO₂ and the auto 199g/km.Whichever gearbox is fitted (and we'd recommend sticking with the manual), the engine has to be worked hard. Even when cruising on the motorway, there's sometimes the need to drop a gear to overtake or ascend steeper slopes. This has a knock-on effect on refinement, which is a pity as wind and road noise are otherwise sealed out very well. A turbodiesel engine is due to be offered as an alternative to the petrol motor in September and this will broaden the Forester's appeal considerably.

Should I call the bank manager?

It might be worth a trip to the bank, but you'll need to borrow considerably more if you plan to buy the Forester in 2.0 XS guise. It costs a sizeable £3,900 more than the 2.0 X and for that you get leather seats with electric adjustment for the driver's pew, CD autochanger, sunroof, alloy wheels and keyless entry. Save yourself the premium for the XS and the 2.0 X offers heated front seats, climate control CD stereo, cruise control and six airbags. You might also consider waiting until the turbodiesel engine joins the range later in the year.

Summary

The new Forester is a thorough update of Subaru's mid-size SUV and offers its traditional core of customers everything they love about this car but just better in every area. Its new looks make the Forester more appealing to those looking at the likes of the Nissan X-Trail or Land Rover Freelander, but until the Subaru has a turbodiesel engine on offer in September, its appeal will remain limited.

Alisdair Suttie

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