Subaru Forester Range
The concept of a one-size-fits-all car certainly has a lot going for it. Imagine a vehicle that could corner like a hot hatch, thrash off road like a proper 4x4, have the space to easily carry a family and which had a badge that was steeped in competition heritage. The Subaru Forester comes closer to that ideal than many realise and at prices which few would believe. The latest models have taken a promising formula and refined it still further.
Theres a bolder, stronger look, thorough revisions to engines and suspension, class-leading power and performance and a much nicer interior. All these things should further enhance the Subaru Foresters appeal as the best-driving crossover sports utility vehicle on the market. Prices start from £17,677 for the entry-level 2.0X model (which now, with 158 PS, has 33PS more than before), while the turbocharged range now starts with the 2.
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Under the bonnet, the latest four-cam naturally-aspirated 2.0 litre boxer engine is the most powerful in its class, improving on the previous 2.0-litre variants top speed by 10 mph to 122 mph and slashing the 0-60 mph time from 11.1 seconds to 9.
4 seconds. This substantially beats all 2.0 litre petrol SUV rivals such as the Nissan X-Trail, Honda CRV and Toyota RAV4, yet the Forester offers similar fuel economy and exhaust emissions with, for example, 37.7 mpg on the Extra Urban Cycle.
"Ask yourself if you really need two cars. Chances are the Forester could replace them both"
As far as turbocharged petrol Forester models are concerned (theres still no diesel), Subaru have dumped the 2.0 XT model but uprated its more recently introduced 2.5-litre XT counterpart, giving it an extra 19 PS, raising power to 230 PS and reducing the 0-60 mph time to 5.7 seconds for the manual.
You can also order this variant with a clever new automatic gearbox featuring sportshift manual selection and linked to Subaru Vehicle Dynamics Control. This apparently boosts handling, roadholding and accident avoidance. The importers have attempted to simplify the model range, offering higher value leather-trimmed XEn (on the 2.0) and XTEn (on the 2.
5) versions for those in search of a higher specification. One thing that certainly needed improvement on this car was the rather plasticky interior. Some effort has been made in this regard and, at the same time, the designers have tried to incorporate an extra range of useful touches. For example, a multi-function centre console between the front seats now offers a multitude of uses.
These include an armrest which slides forward, hinges vertical and flips backwards creating a small table. It also slides far enough rearwards to provide the rear-seat passengers with two cup-holders. The console also has a console pocket able to hold four CDs, while a 12-volt power outlets allows driver and passengers to recharge their mobile phones. The loadbay now has a clever luggage-restraining system.
This includes four hooks for holding a net and bar hangers to allow karabiners and hooks to be attached to form a hammock-type net. All of these restraining devices are fitted below the conventional load-cover, enhancing security. In order to improve rear-seat comfort, the seat base has been extended by 50 mm, while front seat fore and aft adjustment is now via an easy to access full-width towel bar. Finally, in keeping with its active lifestyle role, the Foresters seats and doors feature water-repellent material.
Despite wanting to make the latest Forester look like more of a serious off roader, Subaru didnt want it to handle like one. Hence a series of dynamic improvements aimed at producing sharper driving responses and less of a rolly polly ride. Strengthened suspension mounts and revised spring and damper settings better control wheel movement best appreciated when undertaking sudden lane-change movements. As before, the Foresters front and rear struts are fitted with rebound springs which reduce pitch and better control body roll.
The coil springs and damper valves have been fine-tuned, geometry tweaked and suspension bushing revised to give a linear response to the slightest of steering movements. As before, self-levelling rear suspension is standard and brings with it the advantage that the ground clearance for covering unmade tracks and rough terrain remains constant even when the car is fully laden with passengers and luggage. Moreover, thanks to larger 16 ins wheels with 215/60 tyres on the naturally-aspirated models and 17 ins featuring 215/55 tyres on the turbos, the 2.0-litre models have more ground clearance, 205mm, with even the 2.
5 XT managing 200mm. Otherwise, its pretty much as before. Everything functions superbly, the car is comfortable and its competitively equipped. You wont buy a Forester for all its gadgets however or for its luxury ambience.
The key appeals are the ground clearance and the promise of as much four-wheel driving ability as you can probably cope with. Compact and wieldy, its big on practicality, roomy, versatile and, if recent customer satisfaction surveys are to be believed, almost impeccably reliable. Whichever Forester you select, the design features a lower centre of gravity than any of its full-time four-wheel drive rivals, yet it still offers that extra ride height - over say a Legacy - that could make all the difference on bumpy tracks. Subaru learned the value of this in the forests of Carlisle, the gravel of New Zealand and the snow and ice of Scandinavia.
The unsung Subaru Forester has built up a minor cult following. Ask yourself if you really need two cars. Chances are the Forester could replace them both. Becoming a cult member never looked so appealing.
FACTS AT A GLANCE
CAR: Subaru Forester range
PRICES: £17,677-£25,252 - on the road
INSURANCE GROUPS: 11-18
CO2 EMISSIONS: 220g/km
PERFORMANCE: [2.0] Max Speed 122mph/ 0-60mph 9.4s
FUEL CONSUMPTION: [2.0] (urban) 23.0mpg / (extra urban) 37.7mpg / (Combined) 30.4mpg
STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Twin airbags, ABS, full-time 4wd
WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: Length/Width/Height, 4450/2006/1590mm
