Subaru has got its own answer to Toyota RAV-4 and Nissan X-Trail. Subaru has gone old school with this Forester. It is incredibly capable in tough terrain as well as muddy fields. Although the alternatives are much more refined and comfortable but Forester’s package is not to be neglected. The old has a strong following among those living in the country. The Forester’s traditional 4×4 styling results in a spacious interior and big size boot. Its steering feels lifeless in on tarmac. The Subaru Forester engine 2.0 litre turbo-diesel comes in a ‘boxer’ arrangement which means the cylinders give a unique sound great smoothness. This boxer engine is an efficient workhorse and delivers 147bhp, lots of overtaking power. It is refined than most of its rivals.
The six-speed manual gearbox is not that sharp and swap between gears is slow. There is also an option of a four-speed automatic gearbox and should be avoided. The basic five speed is better due to its quicker action. In 2008 a useful diesel option was introduced but the best performance Subaru Forester engine is the 147bhp 2.0 litre. It has the punch, the economy and shares some characteristics with the 2.0 litre petrol. It is quick too with 0-62mph time of 10-seconds. The diesel offers 47.9mpg. Subaru Forester tackles rutted tracks and muddy slopes with ease thanks to its self-leveling suspension and more ground clearance. It might have a low centre of gravity but it’s not good on the tarmac.
It offers plenty of grip and is very good off-road 4×4. The Forester has good grip in corners but is not on the same par as it rivals. The unresponsive steering spoils the fun of driving. Foresters come equipped with host of kit included. You get self-levelling rear suspension, a CD player, climate control, cruise control, mirrors and windscreen wipers and heaters for the front seats. The top range version gets sat-nav, electric seat adjustment and leather upholstery. The Forester matches Nissan X-Trail for its size as there lots of room with a decent boot and reclining rear seats. Subarus are almost impossible to fault when it comes to reliability but it fails in cabin appeal. It has lots of hard plastics which make it less engaging than its rivals.
All Foresters come equipped with front and side airbags, plus curtain airbags for both rows of seats. The petrol model has high running costs which mean it is better to stay away from them. It doesn’t have strong resale value so your investment is not protected. The Forester has competitive prices but to attract more customers it can do with slightly cheaper prices. The boot is generous at 450 litres with rear seats but when you fold them down the boot space increases to a massive 1,660 litres. The wide boot opening makes for easy loading and there is also a big central storage area. Subaru Forester is a tough, practical and good off roader. It is also a capable crossover vehicle which mixed the appeal of four-wheel drove with good handling and compact hatchback body.
