> 2016 SUBARU FORESTER

Base price/as tested: 2.5 6MT: $29,995 / $29,995 2.5 CVT: $31,295 / $31,295 2.0 XT: $37,995 / $37,995 Add-ons: $1,675 freight and PDI Type: Compact 5-passenger SUV Propulsion: AWD Cargo: 1,940 litres Engine: 2.5L naturally aspirated boxer four; 2.0L twin-scroll turbocharged boxer four Transmission: 6-speed manual; CVT Power/Torque: 2.5L — 170 hp/174 lb-ft 2.0 XT: 250 hp/258 lb-ft Fuel consumption (L/100 km, Regular fuel required): 2.5 6MT: 10.6 City, 8.4 Hwy., 9.6 comb. 2.5 CVT: 9.6 City, 7.5 Hwy., 8.7 comb. 2.0 XT: 10.2 City, 8.5 Hwy., 9.4 comb. Brakes: 2.5: Ventilated discs front, solid discs rear 2.0 XT: Ventilated discs front and rear Tires: 2.5: 225/60 R17 98H Yokohama Geolandar G91 M+S All-seasons 2.0 XT: 225/55 R18 97H Bridgestone Dueller H/L 400 M+S All-seasons Standard features: 60/40 split rear bench seat, 12V socket, steering-wheel controls, Bluetooth connectivity, iPod/USB integration Accessibility: Excellent Competition: Ford Escape, Hyundai Tucson, Honda CR-V, VW Tiguan, Toyota RAV4, Mazda CX-5, Jeep Cherokee What’s best: Sporty, spacious, permanent AWD What’s worst: X-Drive only with CVT, small display screen on less loaded models What’s interesting: Subaru Canada expects to sell 13,000 Foresters in 2015 — a quarter of its projected fleet sales. Manufacturer’s website: Subaru.ca Looks: Well-finished and attractive Interior: Refined and comfortable Performance: Adequate for 2.5L, very good for 2.0L XT Technology: Very good — full connectivity, and smart AWD capability What you’ll like about this car: Sporty drive and car feel What you won’t like about this car: You don’t sit as high as many other SUVs. Score: 8/10