Subaru Forester Review

Subaru Forester

The four speed automatic gearbox has very similar figures; the 0-60mph time is the biggest difference taking 12.3seconds and the top speed is 115mph. Relative fuel economy figures are posted as 25.2mpg (urban), 40.9mpg (extra-urban) and 33.6mpg (combined) with 199g/km CO2 coming from the tailpipe.

The test car had the revised automatic transmission, with a new ‘Sports Shift’ feature allowing normal, sports or manual tap-shift changes. However, it was a little disappointing. It is supposed to be smoother than before with greater sensitivity but the electronics linked to the drive-by-wire throttle, really couldn’t make up their mind when to change; sometimes at the wrong time making it unpredictable and sometimes it had to be forced to change up by slightly lifting off the accelerator.

As befits an SUV, the Subaru Forester retains its full-time all-wheel-drive system with Active Torque-Split and the automatic. This on-demand system generally splits the torque in a 60:40 ratio, in favour of the front axle (50:50 manual), but changes in milliseconds as and when needed in order to maintain grip. On top of this, both versions have Vehicle Dynamic Control, which controls over- or understeer, helping to keep the car shiny side up.

So, we have a new platform, AWD, four-wheel independent suspension, and a boxer engine with a low centre of gravity, which is positioned 10mm lower than before for extra stability. The expectation is that the new Forester is planted, stable and agile. And, to a certain extend, it is and certainly comparable to its main competitors but we tend to expect more from Subaru.

My partner, who has enjoyed Subaru delights before, had an opportunity to drive the Forester on some twisty A-roads and complained that it felt too light and not at all confidence inspiring. While I was in the unusual position of sitting in the passenger seat, I found out that without the benefit of a steering wheel to hold on to, you tend to move around quite a lot even on relatively slow bends.

The front passenger is also at a disadvantage because they sit low, which was commented upon more than once. The driver’s seat in the XS has powered adjustment; fore, aft and height, while the passenger has just mechanical fore/aft adjustment. This is not unusual but quite a disparity when you take in to account that both front seats have heating.

Subaru Forester