Long-term Test: Subaru Forester XS
Forester remains fuss-free after 5000km
Published:
Sat, 15 Nov 2008
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Up at our local 'Hills', the Blue Dandenongs, Subaru's robust wagons are popular transport. It's a trend repeated in leafy glades across the country and it's been that way since the original Sportswagon and L Series... and is now with Forester. Head to your favourite mountain eatery and after the meal you're likely to return to a carpark dotted with Foresters, old and new.
With good reason. Tight, winding, hilly roads catch out careening 'Cruisers and plodding Patrols, while the nimble Subi wagon hustles along with ease, and can offer good carrying capacity and all-wheel drive to boot.
We really like how well the Forester steers around town but it's also wieldy in the hills and over dirt roads. Steering response is good even on loose surfaces, and the wagon's braking is smooth and even, adding driver confidence.
The 2.5-litre four has enough urge to take on the hilly stuff but requires a bit of cog-swapping from top to keep it on the boil.
We're also still averaging around 9L/100km, combining runs to the hills and the highway commute to and from work... Again we're wondering why Subaru Australia is so hesitant to bring a diesel version. We'll get back to you on Forester's consumption after an extended run.
The new model is taller (20mm higher ground clearance, now at 220mm) than the outgoing version, but not so tall that you have to 'climb' into the wagon. In this regard the Forester is similar to one of the Carsales Network's favourite compact SUVs, the VW Tiguan (more here) which also has an 'access friendly' ride height. MY08 Forester drivers are now more likely travelling at the same level as other small 4x4 owners, not wagons.
Forester's new looks have grown on us, too. It's a much 'beefier' looking vehicle now. The restyle has bulked up Forester's appearance from a sedate but capable family wagon to straight-up, more conventional looking compact SUV.
The wagon's interior is still rattle and squeak free. In fact, Forester's cabin is super quiet even over coarse road surfaces, insulating occupants well from tyre and wind noise. The new framed doors for the latest Forester have probably helped in this regard.
By now, though, we've decided we'd probably opt for a sunroof. The Forester's cabin is somewhat dark with charcoal-coloured trim bits and feels enclosing, despite the extra space and good dose of headroom through to the rear.
The dark cloth trim doesn't help matters. The likes of Renault Koleos (more here) offer lighter tones and a more airy cabin experience.
As mentioned in an earlier update, outward vision is good in the new Forester and we haven't uncovered any blind spots after a couple of months of city driving. However, like our long-term test Touareg (more here) the side-view mirrors are large and can obstruct vision at intersections.
For now Forester has been great for the mundane jobs such as the work commute and shopping run, such is its quiet comfort while driving and generous cargo capacity.
But we're really looking forward to some recreation time in it, where we're likely to see yet more Foresters in carparks like Red Johanna. We won't stand out among the SUV crowd, but there's reason for that.
Also read
Subaru Forester long-term test - Introduction
Subaru Forester long-term test - First 1000
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