“Smarter, Safer, Further” is the way Subaru NZ are describing the new Forester in their marketing, even going as far to say “It can if you can”. We travel to a summery (but still rather breezy) Queenstown to see if it can…
What is it?
An SUV, okay? It’s DEFINITELY an SUV and if you say it isn’t, then you are clearly an IDIOT!
Well, that’s not quite how Subaru New Zealand put it at the launch of the new-generation Forester, but the implication was pretty clear.
You see, the venerable Forester tends to get overlooked when motoring journos (and probably the buying public) think of car-based SUVs (Don’t say ‘softroaders’, no-one likes that term anymore…) and it’s not quite clear why. It has better ground clearance (an impressive 220mm) than the majority of the obvious SUV opposition and is at least as capable, if not far more capable than most others off the sealed stuff. It is most likely the fact that it has more of a wagon-esque body style, as opposed to the taller, more traditional SUV body style.
But that doesn’t matter, because it IS an SUV. And don’t you forget that…
Anyway, the all-new Forester range is available with a choice of three horizontally-opposed four-cylinder engines and two transmissions, although not all are hooked up to each other. The engine range opens with a 2.0-litre naturally aspirated jobbie that pumps out 110kW of power and 198Nm of torque and is only available with a six-speed manual transmission.
This is followed by a 2.5-litre naturally aspirated engine that boasts 126kW and 235Nm and is only available with Subaru’s ‘Lineartronic’ CVT transmission.
Then comes the performance king of the Forester engine range – the direct injection 2.0-litre turbo that is based on the engine out of the freshly-minted Subaru BRZ/Toyota 86 twins. It pumps out 177kW and 350Nm and, again, is only available with the CVT transmission.
Rounding out the range is the 2.0-litre turbo diesel engine that produces 108kW and 350Nm. At the moment it is only available with the manual transmission, but will be getting the auto later in the year.
Prices start at $39,990 for the 2.0i manual, with the 2.5i dropping in at $44,990. The entry models get auto stop/start, Bluetooth, remote central locking, steering wheel mounted audio, phone, cruise and display controls, climate control, cruise control, reclining rear seats, USB connection, a rear spoiler, roof rails and 17-inch steel wheels as standard, along with the full compliment of standard safety features. The $45,490 2.5i adds 17-inch alloy wheels to the package.
The 2.5i Sport adds colour-coded door mirrors with integrated indicators, front fog lights, a leather steering wheel with paddle shifters, rear privacy glass, Subaru’s SI drive (with Intelligent and Sport drive modes) and a sliding centre console and costs $$47,990.
The 2.5i Premium steps up to $54,990 but adds an automatic tailgate, an eight-way power adjustable driver’s seat, an electric sunroof, Subaru’s EyeSight adaptive cruise/lane departure warning system, heated front seats and door mirrors, rain-sensing wipers, automatic, self-levelling xenon headlights, satellite navigation, keyless entry and start, 18-inch alloy wheels, aluminium pedals and a Harmon Kardon audio system.
The 2.0 XT turbo adds the grunter boxer engine, a power passenger’s seat and an extra SI Drive mode to the Premium spec for $59,990, while the 2.0 Diesel model adds dual zone air con, 17-inch alloy wheels, and a different grille to the base spec and drops in at $49,990.
What’s it like?
Like an SUV that does a very good impression of a wagon on the road.
The Forester feels rather unsurprisingly similar to the likes of an Outback or Legacy wagon on the road except, being based on the Impreza platform, it actually does feel more nimble than its Legacy-based siblings.
The interior is well-built and sensibly laid out, eschewing the previous Subaru predilection for hard-plastics in favour of higher-quality materials. Seats are comfortable, with the cloth pews in the lower-spec models being better by virtue of NOT being slathered in fake leather and by being both softer and more supportive.
Steering is nicely weighted and possesses a reasonable amount of feel, while the nose turns in nicely. The ride is slightly firm at low speeds, but evens out nicely the faster you go, especially over gravel surfaces.
While we didn’t get a chance to sample the 2.0i and 2.0 Diesel at launch, the 2.5i is an impressive engine, with a lovely, creamy torque spread that actually makes it better suited to the Forester than the more powerful 2.0 turbo. That’s not to say the turbo isn’t an impressive engine; it is very much so, but the more relaxed power delivery and low-down torque of the 2.5 is just more in keeping with the Forester’s character.
What’s good about it?
It is extremely capable and comfortable on the road, and even more so off it. X-Mode works remarkably well over rough terrain and the CVT transmission works beautifully with the 2.5 engine in an off-road setting (yes, I really did just say that about a CVT…)
It is handsome and well-specced, and is large enough for the average Kiwi family without being overly massive.
What’s not so good?
Despite the fact that the CVT transmission is one of the best around, it is still a CVT and, as such, horrible at full throttle.
The XT Turbo is a bit confrontational for some tastes and the power rear tailgate seems to have a mind of its own a lot of the time and reacts badly to being rushed…
First impressions?
Very good indeed. The Forester has everything you expect from a family wagon and then some. The up-spec models are remarkably well-equipped and even the base models aren’t left wanting.
It is comfortable, handles well and will go far further off the beaten track than the average owner would ever dream of. Sounds like the perfect lifestyle vehicle really…
Specifications
Models/prices
2.0i (manual) – $39,990
2.5i – $44,990
2.5i (alloy wheels) – $45,490
2.5i Sport – $47,990
2.0 Diesel (manual) – $49,990
2.5i Premium – $54,990
2.0 XT – $59,990
Powertrain
2.0-litre horizontally-opposed four-cylinder petrol producing 110kW/198Nm; six-speed manual transmission; four-wheel drive, 2.5-litre horizontally-opposed four-cylinder petrol producing 126kW/235Nm; continuously variable transmission; four-wheel drive, 2.0-litre horizontally-opposed four-cylinder diesel producing 108kW/350Nm; six-speed manual transmission; four-wheel drive, 2.0-litre horizontally-opposed four-cylinder turbo petrol producing 177kW/350Nm; continuously variable transmission; four-wheel drive
Fuel consumption: 7.2L/100km (2.0i), 8.1L/100km (2.5i), 5.9L/100km (2.0d), 8.5 L/100km (XT)
CO2 emissions: 168g/km (2.0i), 187g/km (2.5i), 156g/km (2.0d), 197g/km (XT)
Safety
ANCAP/EuroNCAP rating: 5 star
Air bags: 7
Stability control: yes
Lap/diagonal belts: 5
