It’s eyes on the road as SUV gets new tech S
UBARU has been something of a niche player in the UK car market, having an excellent reputation for ruggedness and reliability - but their cars are sometimes seen as being a bit ‘left field.’
In fact, it is in fields where the marque’s greatest fans spend much of their time as the farming and country set are big buyers of Subaru SUVs like the Forester - our test car this week.
With tough ‘Boxer’ horizontally opposed four cylinder engines, an excellent four wheel drive system and large load capacity, the Forester has been an off-road hit since the first versions appeared in the late 1990s.
A few new models and a lot more up to date tech later and we get to the 2018 version, which now can be had with Subaru’s muchlauded EyeSight system and X-Drive hill descent control. Using twin windscreen mounted cameras EyeSight has features like adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking and throttle management, lane departure warning and lane keeping assist.
Our test car was the 2.0i petrol XE Premium Lineartronic version, which start from £31,495 on the road and come with a comprehensive kit list including EyeSight, self-levelling rear suspension, climate control, a seven inch touchscreen infotainment system with DAB radio, an electrically adjustable driver’s seat, adaptive cruise control and heated front seats, mirrors and windscreen wipers, sat-nav, power tailgate and leather upholstery.
As well as our 148bhp petrol engine, there is a 145bhp 2.0-litre diesel and, for those wanting a bit more performance, a turbocharged 237bhp 2.0-litre petrol. You can also choose between a six-speed manual or CVT automatic gearbox and three different trim levels - with our Premium version being the top spec.
All Foresters have four-wheel drive as standard and I have to say that having one during some very wintry weather proved reassuring as I have previously seen just what Subaru models can do during offroad press driving days.
Inside there is the usual comprehensive Subaru dashboard layout with a wealth of driving information at your fingertips plus rock-solid build quality.
A high driving position and large glass areas mean it is light and airy with excellent visibility - complemented by big door mirrors and a reversing camera - but it does leave you feeling a bit like you are sat on, rather than in, the car.
There’s loads of space inside, especially for the driver and front passenger, but the Forester’s boot is smaller than some rivals.
The Forester scored the maximum five stars for safety from Euro NCAP, doing particularly well for adult occupant and child occupant safety and all Foresters come with Subaru’s five-year or 100,000-mile warranty and 12-year anti-corrosion guarantee.
Numbers-wise our lower power petrol version does a claimed shade over 43mpg combined (although we only managed mid 30s during a week of mixed driving) and 51 on a long run.
Top speed is 119 and the 0 to 62 dash comes up in 11.8 seconds, although the car does feel quicker than that. The Forester range starts from £26,495 for the entry level XE model.
Last month, to mark the launch of its already award-winning entry level XV model (which we hope to be testing soon), Subaru signaled a change in direction in the marketing of its cars with the brand campaign – ‘Better Where It Matters.’
The company says the new campaign: “Strips to the true essence of Subaru, highlighting its core values; Safety, Capability and Reliability... focusing on what really matters to prospective Subaru customers in today’s day and age.”
And I, for one, can’t argue with that after a week at the wheel of the latest Forester. More info at subaru.co.uk. THIS 1959 Austin A35 HRDC spec race car - owned by former Dragons’ Den TV star Theo Paphitis - will be on sale at Silverstone Auctions Race Retro Competition Car Sale later this month.
The historic A35 road car was built to the required HRDC Regulations in 2016 for the famous businessman.
Since the build the car has competed successfully in the ‘Academy’ series, a new class of historic saloon car racing for A35 models.
It also appeared at the Goodwood Revival in 2016, when Theo was teamed-up with Le Mans legend Tom Kristensen, and at the Silverstone Classic in 2017.
The Silverstone Auctions Race Retro Competition Car Sale takes place at Stoneleigh Park in Warwickshire as part of the Race Retro weekend, on February 23. Visit silverstone auctions.com.