Subaru Forester 2003 review

It takes just 6.4 seconds and you are not only doing 100km/h but side by side with the likes of the Mercedes C32 AMG or the Nissan 350Z. And, right on the bumper of V8 counterparts.

No, you are not in the Porsche Boxster S but Subaru's new 2.5 XT Forester, the soft-roader with a pile of grunt and style to match.

Power flows from the turbocharger with no lag and an extremely responsive right pedal.

This is helped by Electronic Throttle Control which does away with the accelerator cable, replacing it with an electronic connection between pedal and throttle for more responsive control.

Gear changes are made quick and easy thanks to the sporty-feel five-speed gearbox, with short throw just in case the power is not enough to make you feel like you are in a sports car.

The clutch is heavy, as you would expect from a turbo, but this is offset by hillholder, the anti-roll back mechanism that one can only wish will some day be standard on every manual.

The all-wheel-drive takes the Forester to the next level in terms of handling and responsiveness on and off the beaten track.

The XT is just as comfortable on the road as off.

And comfort is a key of the XT package. Whether it be negotiating the ever growing pot holes on the suburban street or rougher terrain the independent suspension evens out the ride.

While the XT xould benefit from 17 inch wheels the standard 16inch 215 Yokohama Geolander tyres still allow responsive and accurate handling.

Unusual is the positioning of the steering wheel which is tilted backwards more than usual.

The seating position is upright and high making it easy to negotiate tight spaces while the wagon is not too long to make parking tedious.

The Forester XT sits at the top of the Forester food chain with the 2.5 X, the 2.5 XS and XS luxury priced underneath. The interior has been widened an extra 1.45cm with more room to stretch your legs in the front and rear.

The interior has more than enough features including cup holders, overhead consoles, centre console and cargo power outlets but without the clutter.

There are plenty of pockets and gadgets and the boot easily handles a full load of shopping or all your gear, that would require some cars to add a trailer.

The instrument panel is clear and easy to read limiting concentration loss and averted eyes.

The Forester XT is priced between $39,490 (standard manual) and $44,990 (luxury automatic).

The 4 cylinder DOHC intercooled turbo with AVCS produces 155kw @ 5600rpm and 320Nm @ 3600rpm which after 14.8 seconds sees you 400m from the cars still lagging behind at the lights.

It is a little guzzly on the gas.

It is claimed the XT is an economical 11.2km per litre but testing showed a little higher, hovering around 13km per litre. The luxury model found its way into our garage which boasted full leather trim, dual front and side airbags and a sunroof that bathes not only the front occupants but the rear as well.

Yet, the standard model is nothing to sneeze at with ABS with Engine Braking System, 6 stack CD, cruise and climate control, power everything, 16 inch alloys, sporty fog lamps and roof rails as standard.

The XT might be at the top end of the price bracket but as a whole package is reasonably priced.

The luxury pack is especially appealing offering the style, performance and comfort of a fully imported sports car but with a tag that comes in cheaper than most top of the line family sedans.