Subaru FORESTER 2.0-litre XT
Most 4x4s Are Dull To Drive. Not This One. Jonathan Crouch Checks Out
Subaru's Forester XT
A compact four-wheel drive vehicle is the thing to have right now - or so the sales figures would seem to suggest. Certainly, this is the sector being targeted by Subaru's capable Forester.
The way the importers tell it, this is a rather clever vehicle. Though not intended for extreme off road conditions, it can nevertheless cope with muddy tracks, rocky roads and most of the other conditions encountered by the average 4x4 owner. You pay, in other words, only for the ability you need. Not surprisingly, thanks to this approach, the all-wheel drive hardware is simpler and lighter.
| Build |
 |
| Comfort |
 |
| Depreciation |
 |
| Economy |
 |
| Equipment |
|
| Handling |
|
| Insurance |
|
| Performance |
|
| Styling |
|
| Value |
|
Which means better fuel consumption, more agile handling and crucially, pokier performance. Exactly how much can be achieved through this approach is emphasised particularly by Subarus potent Forester 2.0-litre XT. Since under the skin, the ordinary Forester 2.
0-litre X model is based entirely on the company's entry-level Impreza hatchback, the use of the 2.0-litre turbo unit from the potent Impreza WRX for the Forester 2.0 XT is a logical step forward. Nevertheless, it still comes as quite a shock to discover that a car as practical as this can make sixty in 7.
7 seconds on the way to 125mph. Thats not quite as quick as the equivalent Impreza but only because
Subaru has re-tuned the turbo engine to provide more usable power for 4x4 work. The result is that the XTs peak torque of 181lb ft is down on the Imprezas 214lb ft, but crucially, its produced at 3,200rpm as opposed to 4,000rpm. Those desiring even more power can upgrade to the 210bhp 2.
5-litre Forester XT model which returns a 0-60mph time of 6.0s.
"It comes as quite a shock to discover that a car as practical as this can make sixty in 7.7 seconds...
"
Its nice to know theres an abundance of torque on tap when youre ploughing through boggy conditions and need plenty of low-down grunt to keep you moving. This also means that the 2.0 XT is as good as the standard 2.0-litre Forester for towing caravans and heavy trailers.
In fact, its better: the braked towing limit is up from 1,500 to 1,800kg. If you were familiar with the old first generation S-Turbo Forester, youll need to know that hollow camshafts, lightweight valve gear on the turbo engine have made it smoother, more tractable and cleaner. Other XT tweaks include larger diameter anti-roll bars, modified power steering and a limited slip differential for the rear axle much as youd find on an Impreza WRX. As you might expect, the brakes have also been upgraded to cope with the extra performance, with 375mm ventilated discs on the front and ventilated 350mm discs at the rear.
Like the ordinary Forester, ABS is standard; you do however, get beefier 16-inch alloys shod with 215/60 R16 tyres on the XT. Just in case the neighbours overlook all of that, theres an Impreza WRX-style bonnet scoop. Which is a useful reminder out on the road that this boxy 4x4 shares plenty of its siblings manic exuberance. To be frank, it feels even quicker than it actually is, the sheer unlikeliness of this unprepossessing estate cars turn of pace prompting pedal to the metal progress.
It corners superbly too, flat and hard, all of a piece. Try to upset it and it behaves very tidily. Overall, there aren't too many sports coupes that can hold a candle to the Forester when it comes to handling. Part of the reason why is that the development staff at Subaru are all mad about cars in the same way that possibly only
Porsche and
BMW M division employees are. They live, breathe, eat and sleep performance and the Forester is evidence of that trickle down effect. The emphasis is clearly on dynamic excellence.
This second generation Forester is slightly shorter than its predecessor but a handy bit wider, especially when it comes to rear
seat accommodation. Weight saving seems to have become something of a preoccupation. The bonnet, roof rails, sunroof frame and bumper beams are now fabricated from lightweight aluminium. Even the anti roll bars are now hollow tubes.
Interior ambience still isnt the Foresters strongest point, despite the obvious improvements that have been made to the second generation model. Having said that, its easy to see why so many customers prefer it to traditional 4x4s. For a start, you dont have to step up and in. The inviting seats, reached via an easy sideways shuffle, provide tremendous support.
Firmly bolstered and fitted with fold-down armrests, they help the car score highly in the comfort quotient stakes. Other nice touches include a foam-padded compartment above your head to hold a pair of sunglasses and a secret flip-top box for valuables under the floor. There are, in fact, no fewer than twenty three separate storage spaces throughout the car, including a special fishing-rod compartment and, would you believe, a plastic bucket in the spare wheel. Its purpose? According to the importers, it depends upon your mood.
Choose between washing up and chilling Chardonnay. All Foresters are fitted with remote central locking, a Thatcham Category One alarm, a CD stereo, dual airbags, windscreen wiper de-icers and climate controlled air conditioning. Electric windows and mirrors, a tilt adjustable steering wheel and dual 12v power outlets are also fitted. The 2.
0 XT adds alloy wheels, cruise control, heated front seats and a gigantic electric sunroof. You wont buy a Forester for all its gadgets however. The key appeals are its luxury car ambience, the 200mm of ground clearance and the promise of as much four-wheel driving ability as you can probably cope with. Whichever version 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 ground clearance - 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. What it means in real terms, however, is high-speed stability and handling that are the equal of many of a class-leading family saloon. A wide track and a carefully tuned suspension system help further here, plus of course that four-wheel drive system means that traction on wet and slippery roads can be taken for granted. Foresters remain sought after and you can see why.
At first glance, this one might seem to represent an acquired taste but its one you could easily end up hankering after.
FACTS AT A GLANCE
CAR: Subaru Forester 2.0-litre XT
PRICE: £21,400 - on the road
INSURANCE GROUP: 17 C02 EMISSION: 253g/km
PERFORMANCE: Max Speed 125mph/ 0-60mph 7.7s
FUEL CONSUMPTION: (average) 29mpg
STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Twin airbags, ABS, full-time 4wd
WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: Length/Width/Height, 4450/2006/1590mm
<< Back to Subaru car reviews
<< Back to car reviews homepage
Find New & Used Cars in the UK |
New & Used Subaru Cars For Sale UK
