Reliable Forester starting to show age
Subaru still ideal for fans of outdoors
Pardon the obstinacy, but I still haven’t completely forgiven Subaru for morphing its fun and funky Forester wagon/crossover into the more conventional and less unique sportute body style back in 2008. It’s not that the decision was flawed — the third-generation version achieved better sales and garnered awards, not to mention developed its own following — it’s just that it totally lacked the quirky individualism endemic to the brand. (Justifying my intransigence, please note that Mercedes’ very successful GLK sport-ute more than honours the original and second-generation Forester’s upright wagon design and overly large windows.)
This is not to say the current Forester is deficient, although some aspects of it are in need of updates. Actually, it is still a comfortable and pleasant-driving compact SUV, ideal for both outdoorsy types — thanks to Subaru’s symmetrical full-time all-wheel-drive system and plenty of ground clearance — as well as young families.
With the exception of the XT Limited model, which gets a 224-horsepower turbocharged version, all Foresters are powered by a normally aspirated, 2.5-litre DOHC boxer four-cylinder. With 170 hp to move 1,500 kilograms of sport-ute, it’s no dynamo, but it is in the same ballpark as the base engines of most competitors. There’s also 174 poundfeet of torque, with the torque curve sufficiently broad for most driving conditions. Still, acceleration to 100 kilometres an hour is somewhat leisurely at about 10 seconds, and the engine note becomes distinctly strained when subjected to a heavy right foot. Under less taxing operation, things are quieter. Mated to the engine is the most antiquated part of the powertrain, the optional four-speed manumatic transmission (a five-speed manual is standard). Most of the Forester’s rivals have smoother five-and six-speed autoboxes to even out engine power flow and, in this regard, Subaru needs to step up its engineering game (more on this later).
As for fuel economy, my week with the 2.5X tester yielded an average of 10.6 litres per 100 kilometres in a mix of highway and urban use, on par or better than what I’ve achieved with a number of other compact SUVs in its class.
Things are far more palatable in the ride and handling department, with the Forester a very easy vehicle to manoeuvre in and out of traffic. Some credit must be given to the light but direct steering, but the big kudos should be reserved for the symmetrical AWD system, which ensures stability when cornering, not to mention reassuring traction when needed. Up front is a typical strut-type suspension; at the rear is a double-wishbone rear setup — the end result being a compliant ride with what amounts to car-like responsiveness.
Along with the symmetrical AWD, one can count on standard fourwheel disc brakes with ABS, Vehicle Dynamics Control, electronic brakeforce distribution and brake assist safety systems to keep the ship righted and pointed in a favourable direction. And, no less important as a safety feature, the Forester still boasts better than average sightlines all around the vehicle (though not quite as good as on the original model).
The Forester does begin to show is age when it comes to the cabin and amenities. In comparison with some of the newer crossovers out there (Hyundai’s 2013 Santa Fe being a prime example), the dash layout is pretty basic, and the hard plastics and trim bits look kind of downscale. That said, the front seats are comfortable, the primary controls are easy to locate and there’s more than enough head and legroom front and back for six-footers. Standard on even the base X ($25,995) are air conditioning, tilt and telescopic steering, cruise control, power mirrors, windows and door locks and heated front seats.
There will be new, fourth-generation Forester coming by next spring. Its arrival will address many of the current model’s tiredness, including replacing the five-speed manual with a six-speed unit and the fourspeed manumatic with a continuously variable transmission, as well as improving the AWD system and putting a little more effort into the cabin layout.
This means Subaru will be clearing out its inventory to make way for the 2014 model. While no longer the brightest penny in the piggy bank, the current model is still pretty good and, with the discounts/incentives that will likely be offered, still a respectable consideration.