Subaru's latest incarnation of the Forester follows the path of improved manners to make the most of the SUV trend.
Car makers have concentrated on providing buyers with a more civilised on-road package that can still get its wheels dirty with confidence.
Subaru has taken its successful Forester – it is consistently near the top of its segment and is one of Subaru's top sales performers – and made some changes that have improved what was already a competent and value-for-money proposition. The nose is substantially altered, with a pushed-up look that may not be to all tastes, but the remainder of the vehicle is unmistakably Forester.
The cabin has undergone some aesthetic changes, not the least of which is a new centre console that provides some storage as well as being an armrest – rear passengers also get two cup holders and a sliding mini-tray.
While rear seat space is still at a premium, the seat base has been extended by 50mm to boost thigh support. Overall, the seats feel a bit too firm and could do with a little more lateral support, but the cabin is generally comfortable enough to spend some time in.
Around town, the improved insulation from engine noise and vibration is immediately obvious, with the more powerful engine proving quite energetic when pushed, supplying the Forester with ample pace.
Light steering and easy gearbox controls make the Forester an easy vehicle to drive, almost regardless of the surface.
On the bitumen, the SUV behaves like a normal wagon, albeit with a little more body roll than is comfortable if hustling through the bends, but it never feels as though it is without grip.
Road-biased tyres help the Forester handle adequately on bitumen, but once unsealed surfaces are encountered, its dirt road manners prove even better, despite the road-biased rubber.
Rapid transit along B-grade dirt roads is easily handled by the Forester, with a tail-out rally attitude only achieved after considerable provocation.
The MacPherson strut front suspension and the dual-link strut rear-end have undergone some changes to bushing, spring and damper rates, as well as changes to cross-members, and the alterations have had an effect.
The all-wheel-drive grip and suspension changes have improved a driving package that was already pretty good.
SMALL TORQUE
Priced to go
FORESTER XS starts at $34,990 for the manual, rising to $36,990 for the four-speed automatic.
A luxury pack also is available, which increases the price to $38,490 for the manual and $40,490 for the auto.
Power play
THE 2.5-litre, flat-four single overhead camshaft engine develops 121kW of power at 5600rpm, up from the previous vehicle's 112kW.
Subaru Forester 2005: X
| Engine Type | Inline 4, 2.5L |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type | Unleaded Petrol |
| Fuel Efficiency | 10.0L/100km (combined) |
| Seating | 5 |
| Price From | $3,740 - $5,500 |
Pricing Guides
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.png)
.jpg)
.png)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.png)
