The Stuff You Need to Know:
Subaru are very proud of this new Forester model for 2010, they think it will out-sell competition and even become the best selling Subaru of the line-up. Another thing they are proud of is the engine, which is just about as Subaru as it gets. What started out as the Boxer petrol, turbocharged to pant-wetting BHPs in the Impreza and Legacy, has evolved into the Boxer diesel. This is the same engine we tested in the Legacy Tourer a few weeks back, where the 2.0 litre unit with around 150 BHP was very impressive indeed. Snowdonia felt like Holland with that car, but with the Forester amazingly losing 100kgs on the Legacy despite its overall size, the power train becomes an even more exciting prospect.
Because you can’t buy a decent dolphin handbag or fox scarf for love nor money these days, Subaru’s transition from a focus on turbocharged petrol to diesel is not surprising. What is surprising is the apparent change in target market. Whether or not Subaru wanted young families to go for the previous Forester, most of the time they didn’t. The old Forester was boxy and about as sexy as nostril hair, where it excelled was off road and that is where it is usually seen. The model we were given, the NavPlus trim level new for 2010, was very different, in fact so different I now have a deep love for gangster rap and rarely leave the house without my bandana.
Things have definitely changed for this car; the Forester is now wooing prospective Toyota RAV4 and Honda CRV buyers with new styling and attractive safety and engineering. I would even go as far as to say Audi and BMW have something to think about, especially with the new NavPlus model which provides everything an X3 or Q5 does.
What is it like on the Road?
The engine dithers a bit in first gear but pulls well through second and third to give its usual excellent performance on the final two cogs. Admittedly even though the Legacy is slightly heavier overall, the estate felt more enthusiastic along country lanes whereas the Forester was a lot more comfortable on the motorway. There is no denying that following a short turbo-lag in second or third gear, the Forester uses every one of its 258 lb fts of torque if provoked; enough to leave you unsure if the heated seats are on or something a lot more sinister has happened.
On more than one of a few bitterly cold mornings the Forester’s gear box was slightly stiff, third gear especially difficult to engage. Once warmed up this problem was resolved and the Boxer Diesel was effective from the moment the start button was pressed. As an SUV the Forester was always going to suffer from some body roll through the corners but overall the car feels refined and powerful despite a jerky experience in the low gears.
What is it Like to Own?
Our model was the range-topping NavPlus which was fitted with every bell and whistle on the market. DVD touch screen satellite navigation, heated seats, blue tooth phone connection and iPod connection are just a few of the toys included, finished in an impressive black leather trim. As mentioned earlier, the black metallic paint job accompanying some rather sparkly 17” allows wheels certainly makes you feel like lil’ 50 puff. The in-built DVD system comes with Dolby Digital surround sound for film or music, sent through a seven-speaker sound system with sub woofer.
People with beards and cardigans that smell like dust will tell you how SUVs are single-handedly wringing the necks of otters and using their skin as disposable chamois leather. The reality is that the Forester represents the best MPG of it class at a quoted 44.8 MPG, beating the Land Rover Freelander, VW Tiguan and Nissan X-trail. It wins on insurance premiums too, a 9E category making it cheaper than a Hyundai Tucson and Kia Sorento, not to mention 167 g/km C02 emissions that leave the BMW X3 red faced. In all honesty, even though Subaru are trying to open up the market with the Forester, it will still be bought by people with wax jackets and Labradors. I was convinced by this when I put the Forester in reverse, the Sat Nav screen showed a rear-facing camera, which although marketed as being a parking aid is actually a great way of seeing lower-class people behind without straining the double chin.
The cabin was extremely spacious with brilliant head room and a spectacular oversized sunroof to play with. For those in the back there was ample leg room and the boot’s notable 450 litres of space roughly equates to five Labradors, one dressage pony or 80 Hunter wellies.
How does it make you feel?
In terms of exterior styling the Forester just about holds its own. The German competition are far prettier, but our model with its alloy wheels and metallic paint was well styled. The Boxer diesel engine emits a lovely sound with the turbo charger kicking in, never giving any clatter and always pulling strong.
Final Judgement.
A great competitor in an increasingly popular sector of the market. The Forester delivers on the road, in the cabin and in front of the bank manager. All the luxuries you would expect for a top of the range SUV are there for a much lower price than some of the competition. Although jerky in first gear and a little unrefined when first driven in chilly conditions, the Boxer diesel has once again proved that being economical doesn’t need to impede performance and usability.
Photography by Jody Coffey
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