Subaru Forester 2.0D-L 2015 review

The Subaru Forester cocktail has been 'shaken not stirred' for 2015, just as James Bond would like it. It's no secret that this compact sports utility vehicle had suffered at the hands of not having diesel power with an automatic transmission.

Not only has that been rectified, but the gearbox is the latest Subaru Lineartronic continuously variable transmission (CVT) giving Forester quieter operation, better response and good fuel efficiency.

To this, Subaru has added their signature symmetrical all-wheel drive system, improved interior quality, new multimedia package, plus savings of up to eight per cent, or $3500, and the Forester, like 007, is kitted out to get the better of dastardly rivals. 

Explore the 2015 Subaru Forester range

• Subaru Forester 2015 review
• Subaru Forester diesel auto 2015 review
• Subaru Forester 2.0D-L 2015 review

The mid-range Forester 2.0D-L CVT automatic at $35,490, plus on-road costs, was the perfect example to try of the latest Subaru range.

Designers have ignored the temptation to turn the Forester into a sleek coupe-style SUV softy

Design

Designers have ignored the temptation to turn the Forester into a sleek coupe-style SUV softy. Instead it retains a forceful four-wheel drive wagon look.

That's not to say the MY15 Forester looks outdated. All the modern accoutrements are there: a bold front end with mesh radiator grille, halogen headlights with auto on/off, and front fog lamps.

A shallow curved roofline ensures plenty of headroom for occupants, while privacy glass adds to the premium ambience in the cabin. The 2.0D-L rolls on stylish 17-inch alloys, and the whole thing is topped off by roof rails, rear spoiler and a shark fin antenna. 

Inside, there has been a lift in attention to detail, with particular reference to the most used components such as centre-panel and steering wheel controls, and air vents.

Silver and contrasting piano black surrounds make for a premium, modern appearance, while the instrument panel combines upgraded audio display. The multifunction display incorporates both digital and analogue clock, while the fuel efficiency display is now designed to make occupants more aware of economical driving.

Features

Multimedia is boosted by more intuitive functions for media playback, including Pandora connectivity, and information access, with smartphone-style 7-inch touchscreen incorporating flick, pinch and double-tap functions. List selections can be made using steering wheel switches, and there's voice recognition.

Absent on the Forester 2.0D-L CVT is factory fitted satellite navigation and Subaru's innovative EyeSight driver assistance. Subaru tells us the latter is being adapted for the Forester as we speak.

Engines / Transmissions

Improvements have been made to the Forester's horizontally opposed turbocharged 2.0-litre turbodiesel boosting power output to 108kW at 3600 rpm and 350Nm between 1600 and 2400 revs.

It complies with strict Euro6 exhaust emission standards, while fuel efficiency is improved and vibration reduced. The high torque is taken care of with the Subaru Lineartronic CVT. 

The system switches between continuously variable operation to step shifting. With the transmission in D mode, if the accelerator is depressed by more than 65 per cent, a seven-speed step shift activates. If the movement is less than 65 per cent, stepless CVT operates. Steering wheel-mounted paddles add a further dimension.

A gimmick? Perhaps, but it will pacify drivers who don't agree with the computer's decisions on the correct gear ratio.

Safety

Safety is five-star with dual front and side airbags, full-length curtain airbags and knee protection for the driver. The ABS is augmented by electronic brake-force distribution and brake assist.

Vehicle dynamic control includes traction control and reversing camera keeps an eye on closely positioned obstacles.

Driving

Unlike the Forester 2.5i-S, 2.0D-S and XT Premium, the 2.0D-L misses out on smart key access, being left with electric door unlocking from the fob and turnkey engine start and stop.

Once on board, occupants can settle into any of the five seating positions without feeling shut in, such is the airy ambience. 

Particularly pleasing is the rear seat leg room, with knees given plenty of distance from front seats. Cargo space is a generous 422 litres with seat backs up.

Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive added handling stability in even the sharpest of changes of direction

The 2.0-litre Boxer four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine, with 108kW and 350Nm on hand, is well suited to the CVT auto and had the Forester chuffing along merrily on the highway and coping with town traffic's little obstacles under varying loads.

Fuel consumption worked out at 7.6L/100km on a mix of town and country driving. Subaru puts the combined urban/highway figure at 6.3L/100km

Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive added handling stability in even the sharpest of changes of direction, while the Forester's suspension was particularly impressive, ironing out the bumps on stretches of flood damaged road that would have unsettled many other SUVs.

I'm ambivalent when it comes to steering wheel-mounted paddle shifts. They can add a higher level of enjoyment from manual gear changing in high performance vehicles but on a compact SUV?

The Forester paddles are responsive to touch and move through the seven steps smoothly and silently. And there's the problem: no power surge feedback.