The Subaru Forester has always been an impressively capable vehicle, which has gathered a large following around the world. The UK is no exception, and the fourth generation is now available for order, starting at £24,995. Having sold 170,000 examples last year (27 percent of the brand’s total sales), 15,000 of which in Europe, Subaru expects the crossover to become their most popular model.
The new Forester gets sharper styling, an improved interior and revised engines, the most popular of which is expected to be the 145 hp (147PS) 2.0-liter boxer diesel, which returns a claimed 49.6 mpg UK on average, and puts out 150 grams of CO2 for every kilometer driven. There are also two petrol engines, both displacing 2.0 liters – a naturally-aspirated unit making 148hp (150PS) and a turbocharged direct injection variant, which is considerably more powerful, being rated at 236hp (240 PS).
The latter only comes with a Lineartronic CVT automatic transmission, which is also available as an option on the non-turbo model – a six-speed manual comes as standard. In addition, cars fitted with the CVT will also benefit from the introduction of X-Mode, a new all-wheel drive control system “includes Hill Descent Control and makes traction even better than the outgoing model’s.”
Inside the new Forester, those familiar with the old model will immediately notice the extra room inside, which was obtained by an increase in the wheelbase, and the general dimensions of the vehicle – it’s bigger in every way. Subaru also says quality is up too, through the use of “higher grade materials”, especially on “the controls and areas touched by the driver, such as the steering wheel and gear shift.”
Safety-wise, it gets all the latest necessities, including the all-important Electronic Stability Control, which they call VDC, as well as Trailer Stability Control and a complete array of airbags. All models come with a 100,000-mile warranty, and buyers can choose from three different trim levels, depending on the budget – X, XC, XC Premium and the top spec XT.
By Andrei Nedelea
