Subaru Forester News

The impeccable safety record, the reliable boxer engine and the constant improvements to ride, all contribute to my fondness and expectations. So it’s slightly disappointing to reveal that the latest Forester doesn’t do much for me at all*. And it’s not because it doesn’t deliver in the aforementioned areas – it does. It just looks so damn drab. But that’s no surprise; the Forester has always struggled aesthetically. It’s a real wonder, given our growing demand for style and looks that it has been such a successful car. I suppose ‘successful’ is an understatement; this car has bobbled around in the top three in its class for over a decade. It’s the most popular car Subaru sell. So what’s going on here? How is this happening? Is it because it has such a good reputation? I don’t think these heady days for the Forester can last without dramatic improvements to styling, inside and out. First it was the boxy, two tone brick; now it’s bigger but still boring. The base model interior is plasticky and unimaginative. Like I said, I’m being harsh because I like Subarus. Great engine and safety, and it’s a comfy drive. I just think they can do a lot better in the looks department. Do you agree, people? Am I going crazy and simply missing something obvious? Why are they so popular? Help? *The XT turbo does look a bit better with its big bonnet scoop, buldging guards and wheel arches and other muscular features, but I am talking about the XS, the base model that most of us will be buying.

It’s a lucrative market, and Subaru wants a bigger slice of it for their Forester – the vehicle that pioneered the segment as a crossover 10 years ago. Forester has sold 105,000 here in that time, but apart from a stint as leader in 2006 has mostly been the bridesmaid while competitors like RAV4 take the sales trophy. But now Subaru is making a stated bid to reclaim the crown with a larger, fresher and cheaper third generation line-up. Exchange rates, platform sharing with Impreza and volume — with Australia until recently being the second largest market for Forester behind the US, before being overtaken by Japan with the newcomer — mean that various spec levels will arrive between $1000-$2500 cheaper than the outgoing models. Pricing The base model Forester X has shed $1500, priced now at $30,490 for the five-speed manual (four-speed autos are $2000 more across the range). The XS is $1000 lower at $33,990, as is the XS Premium at $37,490. The manual XT drops $2000 at $38,990, while the auto is $2500 less than the predecessor at $40,990. The top-level XT Premium has trimmed $2400 to hit the market in manual version at $44,990 while the auto is down $2990 at $46,990. Packaging With a more pronounced grille and strongly styled fascia, the new arrival leans more towards SUV cues than the previous wagon-like Foresters. And the strengthened body has also answered the customers’ call for more space. It’s 110mm taller, 60mm wider and 75mm longer on a 90mm larger wheelbase – most of which as been given to the rear passenger and cargo area, while larger openings make for easier access. Overhangs have been shortened slightly for better manoeuvrability and ground clearance has been raised by 20mm to take the X and XS to 220mm and the XT to 225mm, which gives a smidge more leeway but still keeps the Forester in the light offroading category. Drivetrains The 2.5-litre boxer four in the X and XS models brings a 4.1 per cent power boost with 126kW at 6000rpm and a slight rise in torque with 229Nm at 4400rpm. Outputs for the WRX-sourced 2.5-litre DOHC turbocharged four in the XT models – which Subaru is positioning as a `stealth Rex for lad dads’ — remain unchanged with169kW at 5200rpm, but the 320Nm of torque kicks in 800 revs earlier at 2800rpm. There’s no sign of a diesel in the new generation, and while one will arrive in the new Outback next year there are no plans for it to move across to the Australian Forester line-up. It’s a Suby, so drive goes to all four corners and is infinitely variable: changing from 95-front/5-rear bias to 50/50 depending on throttle, load and speed inputs. Transmission choices are a four-speed sequential auto or a five-speed manual with a low range option. A five-speed auto is not available here yet – and there’s no firm word on its future – but Subaru says the four-speed is “significantly different, with improved shift response and timing”. Equipment The base model gets four-speaker audio with controls on the steering wheel, 16” steel wheels with full-size spare and the usual electric bits. Standard safety equipment includes Vehicle Dynamics Control, anti-skid brakes with assistive systems for extreme braking, hill start assist, and front, side and curtain airbags – which inflate even in an offset collision to protect your noggin from rebound off the side windows. So while the bar for crash test stars is rising, the Forester still scores five for occupant safety and three for pedestrian. On the creature comfort lists, XS adds front foggies, 16” alloy wheels, automatic airconditioning, stacker and two more speakers with the MP3 audio system and a retractable rear tray with cupholders. The XT gets bonnet scoop, integrated rear spoiler, 17” alloys and auto-levelling xenon headlights with pop-up washers. Premium packs on XS adds leather upholstery with eight-way power on the driver’s seat and sunroof while on the XT you also get touchscreen nav system with DVD/CD player and Bluetooth compatability. Workload The weight penalty is 80kg more on the X and XS models, while the XT has gained between 30-35kg depending on fit-out. This has probably undermined fuel economy improvements, but the manual turbo still manages a significant 7.8 per cent benefit (and the auto 5.4 per cent) at 10.5L/100km each while the base engine with manual trims 3.1 per cent at 9.3L and the auto comes down 1 per cent at 9.6L. Towing capacity remains at 1400kg, which is still useful for a lot of boaties and horse people. And the larger cargo ability could be attractive for the active family vote that Subaru is bidding for. The Forester’s best month ever was 1688 in June 2005 – around the time a deal was done with Europcar — but it generally averages about 1000 per month, which they’d like to see lift to 1100 with the new model. On the road The interior is noticeable larger, with the cargo bay and rear seat leg squeeze that plagued previous models having been pretty well solved, and back passengers are treated even more with reclining seats. The swooping dash lines that are spreading across the Subaru range smarten up the cabin, but while the gunmetal version of the alloy-look plastics looks okay – as long as it wears well – the paler one a poor imitation, and the mock woodgrain/taupe leather combination is well outside the stated `young families’ target market. They’re more likely to appreciate the cobalt and purple graphics on the instruments, especially under the vodka bar blue ambient lighting. There’s good visibility, particularly to the rear – a rarity with most vehicles in the SUV category – and its now much easier to find a comfortable driving position with reach joining the tilt adjustment on the steering column. The versatile centre console in the auto versions can be switched around for a range of storage needs, and can happily take large drink bottles – although normal sized ones tended to rattle around in the caddy. While the turbo (as expected) spat out plenty of energy for the job with a flat torque delivery across the range, the natural breather was no slouch either when hitched to the five-speed manual. Smaller wing mirrors mean less wind rush, although one of the test cars developed an irritating whistle in the passenger side mirror. There’s also less wind noise from the redesigned roof rails and around the A-pillars, making for a quieter cabin overall. Despite being larger and heavier, the dynamics are still there. It doesn’t behave exactly like a sedan, but the slug-like personality of the true SUV never appears. Lower-mounted engines and transmissions give a better centre of gravity and what you get is signature Subaru grip and balance. The ESP appeared a lot earlier in the auto XT model — stepping in every few minutes over a gravel road, while the manual XS over the same stretch only coaxed it out twice — which Subaru says is down to differences in suspension bushing and tyres. We didn’t encounter any terrain that begged for the low range offered with manual transmission, but the previous model was always capable on a beach fishing track and the like. And the compact SUV is these days more of an urban dweller anyway. Inside View Subaru Forester Price: from $30, 490 Engines: 2.5-litre horizontally opposed boxer four-cylinder (126kW@6000rpm, 229Nm@4400rpm) 2.5 litre DOHC turbocharged four-cylinder (169kW@5200rpm, 320Nm@2800)  Transmissions: five-speed manual with low range, four-speed sequential automatic Drive: constant all-wheel-drive, input-variable from 95-front/5-rear to 50/50      

The new compact SUV scored 34.31 out of 37 points for occupant protection, with dual front airbags, side airbags and side-curtain airbags fitted as standard.

The covers alone gave hint to what lies beneath – something much bigger and wider – but is it better?Click here to go to our Melbourne Motor Show page.The third generation Forester tows Subaru’s current line of more spec, more room, more safety, but we will have to wait until its media launch on March 12 to know if it suffers the same comfort zone trade-off as Impreza: a less dynamic drive.Like the rest of the Subaru range, Forester kicked off a cult following when it was first introduced in 1997 as a boxy, low-rise soft-roader with a tendency to wag its tail.Eleven years and 105.000 cars later, the formula is similar – but by aiming at a broader cross-section of buyers, the Forester may lose some of its loyal fans if the drive is ‘dulled’ by such weighty matters.One thing Subaru refused to comment on was the kerb weight of the car.The trim ands spec levels remain segmented as X, XS and turbocharged XT, and the 2.5-litre naturally aspirated and turbocharged engines are carried over. But the car is longer, wider, taller, and carries more features and creature comforts – so does it have the zip of its forbears?This is the question, and while it remains unanswered, Subaru engineers have hinted at a revised front suspension setup and firmer load-carrying rear suspension.It also dodges the aesthetic controversy of the recent Impreza hatch. Media and public alike have gone so far as to draw parallels between Subaru’s new corporate grille and less attractive parts of the human anatomy, but the Japanese carmaker has played it safe with the new Forester.Impreza styling is more obvious once inside, with virtually the same dash and cabin trimmings as the hatch, depending on spec. It also shares its five-speed manual, and (unfortunately) its four-speed auto.It fits with the entire Subaru line in safety, with a five-star occupant safety rating, three-star pedestrian rating (from a maximum four stars). Stability control program (VDC) makes its debut on the SUV and is standard across the range – the lesser Liberty models are now the only cars without standard VDC, and this will change next year.Liberty’s SI-Drive engine management system that allows the driver to toggle between Intelligent (green), Sports and Sports Sharp responses is also available.While full pricing will be revealed in a fortnight at the model’s launch, we can tell you the X spec’s price tag sits at $30,490. This is $1500 less than the current base model Forester. The run-out sales should be blistering…Subaru hopes to raise sales of this new Forester by at least 10 percent to over 1100 cars.Also on the stands is a sped-up Liberty with STI badges adorning its bumpers.It is a failsafe experiment – the last time STI got its hands on the Liberty, all 300 sedans and wagons were sold quicker than you can say “Subaru Liberty GT Spec B Tuned by STI”.Subaru Tecnica International, or STI, draws 194kW and 350Nm from Liberty’s already-potent turbocharged Boxer engine, matched to a six-speed manual or five-speed Sportshift auto and tailed by a more effective sports muffler.The STI sports suspension package includes re-rated Bilstein dampers and hardens up the cars’ corners, while unique 18-inch ENKEI multi-spoke alloys offer low profile grip.A low front spoiler and STI badging completes the exterior modifications, while STI branded seats and bespoke short throw manual shifter lighten up the cabin.The 250 Version 2 sedans and wagons will go on sale on April 8, and retails for $65,990 for either manual or auto, with a $2000 hike for the wagon.Just don’t expect an STI iteration of Forester anytime soon.“We like to focus on two separate channels in our range – Liberty and Impreza on one side, Forester and Tribeca on the other,” said Subaru managing director Nick Senior.“Subaru (Japan) is discussing the possibility of a Forester STI, and there are a lot of younger people getting into our turbocharged XT, but we would need to get the car through (a new set of) ADR and restrictions to sell it here. We would love to have it, but the question is - would it be worth it?”Senior then smiled, answering his own question… 

The world's first common-rail, horizontally opposed turbodiesel has just arrived in Europe in the Liberty and Outback. In Europe diesel is cheaper and demand for diesel-powered cars is high. In the UK

This year has seen the market share of Commodore, Falcon and the Mitsubishi 380 fall to 19 per cent of new passenger vehicles, with only Toyota's Camry more or less immune.And while it was the biggest sales October ever, the share enjoyed by big Australian cars was reduced to 17.2 per cent. The lighter fare from Thailand achieved a best-ever 15.4 per cent. The Vfacts monthly bulletin, released this week by the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries, recorded that 89,289 motor vehicles were sold in October; an increase of 9359 on the same month last year.It beats the previous record for October, set in 2004, by more than 8000 sales. Year-to-date the market is up by 70,000 vehicles as it continues its charge towards breaking the one million mark for the first time.Yet against this bumper backdrop, 15,382 Australian-made units were shifted last month, mostly to fleets.Japanese-made cars continued their dominance but Thailand is where Honda's CR-V, Civic and Accord sedans are made. These and others, including Ford's Courier, which accounted for 13,825 sales in October.In sharp contrast to ever-diminishing local sales, that Thai-built percentage has increased by almost 50 per cent so far in 2007.Petrol prices are blamed for the decline of the great Australian six-cylinder. But the fact four medium-sized SUVs sold more than 1000 units each last month gives the lie to that.Yes, light cars, spearheaded by 1193 sales of the new Mazda2, experienced a sales surge, but the truth for the big Aussies is grimmer than the rising cost of the stuff that makes them go. The fact is that given wealth of choice, fewer and fewer Australians want the types of cars made in Australia.FCAI chief executive Andrew McKellar says the locals have never had it tougher.“The intensely competitive situation in the motor-vehicle market is being driven to a significant degree by the ongoing strength of the Australian dollar,” he says. McKellar says 4400 Commodores (excluding utes) were moved last month, so with about 300 more sales than the Corolla, it is the nation's number-one seller.Toyota's eggs are in more than one basket with the ever-competitive Yaris, Camry, RAV4 and Prado prominent among its 20,212 October sales. Holden managed 11,415 and Ford 8206. It was the first time that Toyota had outsold the combined total of Holden and Ford in any single month.Year-to-date Toyota leads Holden by 71,360 with the launch of the new LandCruiser this month.If Toyota's lead is unassailable, surely the success story is Mazda.At number four, the leading full-imported marque sells not a single car to fleets or rental companies. They all go to private buyers.October's best-ever 7271 sales represented Mazda's 10th record month in a row. Mazda's year-to-date total of 64,929 already surpasses its 2006 full-year sales result of 63,664.  Snapshot   Country of originJapan 31,838Australia 15,382Thailand 13,825Korea 9830Germany 3901South Africa 2434Belgium 1525US 1448Spain 1422France 1206 The biggest sellers1 Holden Commodore (Australia) 44402 Toyota Corolla (Japan) 41233 Mazda3 (Japan) 31254 Ford Falcon (Australia) 24395 Toyota Camry (Australia) 19946 Hyundai Getz (Korea) 18967 Toyota Aurion (Australia) 18318 Mitsubishi Lancer (Japan) 14469 Honda Civic (Thailand) 140910 Honda CR-V (Thailand) 129111 Toyota RAV4 (Japan) 129312 Toyota Prado (Japan) 127313 Suzuki Swift (Japan) 119714 Mazda2 (Japan) 119315 Ford Territory (Australia) 119016 Toyota Kluger and Subaru Forester (both Japan) 117317 Holden Astra (Belgium) 111818 Mitsubishi 380 (Australia) 110019 Holden Captiva (Korea) 109320 Nissan Tiida (Thailand) 1087 

A late call on a new Impreza sedan could have cost Subaru Australia another showroom record this year.The new Impreza hatch has just landed, with more models on the way, but short supplies from Japan will limit the number of cars Subaru can deliver to the end of the year.The sedan will boost Impreza sales by about 200 cars a month, from a hatch estimate of 1000 cars a month. But it will not join the local line-up until the third quarter next year.It is lagging behind the hatch because the car was originally developed for the US and it took time for Australia to make a business case.Before then, Subaru will also have a facelifted Tribeca people mover, a new Forester and the high-performance Impreza STi. An Impreza diesel is also on the way.So the head of Subaru Australia, Nick Senior, believes he will not have enough cars to claw back lost ground this year.Sales are up but the 3 per cent improvement trails in an industry that has grown by more than 9 per cent to the end of August.“We'll struggle to do another record this year, to be honest. We cannot get enough cars,” Senior says. “There is simply not enough time. We're expecting some solid months to the end of the year, but we won't claw it all back.”He believes the safer new Impreza will be a hit but admits the plan has changed following the late development of the four-door sedan.“The intention with the new Impreza was to have one variation globally and that was the hatch,” he says. “Relatively late, the US decided that to maximise the potential of the car in their market they would like a sedan.“When the decision was made to build a sedan for the US we were asked if we had an interest, so we researched the potential. We thought we could add some incremental sales, but the timing meant we would have to wait 12 months.“There will only be the North American market and Australia having both hatch and sedan. But in the past we've had a foot in both camps, with half a wagon and half a hatch.”He believes Australian buyers could take up to 350 sedans a month but, with some hatch substitution, is aiming for total Impreza sales of about 1200 cars. That would make it the company's No.1, ahead of the chunky Forester.But that could change with the arrival of the new Forester early next year. 

With the local car industry now at the halfway point in the 2007 sales race, it is easy to see who's winning and who's losing.Toyota is basking in the glory of not only being No.1, but also cementing its sales lead so convincingly that — barring a catastrophe — it will take out the sales crown this year.The Altona-based Japanese company is 40,404 vehicles clear of its nearest rival, Holden. It is also relishing the positive spin of the Corolla knocking off the Holden Commodore last month.But apart from Toyota, other players are also revelling in the good times.Of the importers, Mazda, Subaru, Suzuki and Peugeot managed strong June sales.Mazda sold 6932 cars, with the Mazda3 being the strongest seller on 3037.The company experienced the biggest market share gain of any importer.Its record half-yearly result is 20.3 per cent up on the same time last year, lifting market share from 6.7 per cent in 2006 to 7.5 per cent, a gain of 0.7 percentage points.Subaru's tally was 4085 for the month, with the Forester, Impreza and Liberty all breaking through 1000 sales.Suzuki, like many importers, was buoyed by keen end-of-financial year deals.It sold 2368 cars for the month, bringing its year-to-date tally to 10,910 vehicles, a 43 per cent lift over last year.Of the French, an ever-expanding Peugeot line-up continues to bolster sales, but Renault flops around due to a lack of new product.Peugeot sold 1016 vehicles last month, bringing its year-to-date run-rate to 4549, a 13 per cent lift over last year. The 307 continues to be Peugeot's best seller.By contrast, Renault has a year-to-date total of 1431 vehicles, 32 cars fewer than last year.Even Saab experienced some solid growth, albeit off a low base, as the 9-3 turbodiesel helped lift the marque's appeal.Saab sold 336 cars last month, its best month for 10 years, taking its year-to-date tally to 1148, a 170 per cent lift over last year.The X-Trail, Tiida and Navara continue to drive Nissan sales. The Japanese importer sold 5845 vehicles last month with 31,176 year-to-date, a 20 per cent lift over last year.The Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries monthly Vfacts figures show that most of the extra volume last month was generated by the light, small and medium car segments.A breakdown of large car sales shows that Holden sold 5588 Commodores last month, Ford 3206 Falcons, Toyota 2626 Aurions and Mitsubishi just 877 380 V6s.All three were eclipsed by the new four-cylinder Corolla, which secured 5890 sales.But a finer look at the figures shows that much of the Corolla's success was down to fleet purchases and pent-up demand for the new car, which spiked figures.But a sale is a sale. Holden's own figures point out that 29 per cent of VE Commodores are bought by private buyers, as opposed to 18.6 per cent for the VT Commodore.Apart from the Corolla, other small car stars were the Mitsubishi Lancer with 2143 sales, Holden Astra 1763 and Ford Focus 1550.Of the tiddlers, Toyota again ruled last month. The Yaris managed 2926 sales against 2486 for the Hyundai Getz, 1361 for the Kia Rio, 1351 for the Suzuki Swift and 1392 for the Honda Jazz.Despite the dominance of the light, small and medium segments, large cars were up 3.7 per cent in June and, in year-to-date terms, are running 5.1 per cent ahead of last year.However, Ford's overall market share has slipped 2 per cent and Holden's by almost 1 per cent, despite its Korean strategy, which was hoping to deliver an increased share.Mitsubishi is a bit stronger, experiencing a 0.6 per cent overall drop in share and, despite Toyota's increasing sales, its share has increased by only about 0.6 per cent.One of the more interesting results was for the Ford Fairlane.Ford sold 149 Fairlanes, bolstered by the news that the long-wheelbase sedan will be axed at the end of the year.Dealers are also reporting a slight pick-up in interest for the car from fleets.Overall, the year-to-date sales figure of 524,376 means that a record 1 million market is likely by December.   Top 10 makes  1 Toyota 24,5392 Holden 14,2563 Ford 10,3044 Mitsubishi 81945 Mazda 69326 Nissan 58457 Honda 57508 Hyundai 50239 Subaru 408510 Volkswagen 2848 Top 10 models1 Toyota Corolla 58902 Holden Commodore 55883 Toyota HiLux 42494 Ford Falcon 32065 Mazda3 30376 Toyota Yaris 29267 Toyota Camry 26458 Toyota Aurion 26269 Hyundai Getz 248610 Mitsubishi Lancer 2143 

The Royal Automobile Club of Victoria has just completed its annual cost of ownership survey of a range of current models.The survey looks at total running cost and is based on vehicles travelling 15,000km a year, which is the Australian average.It factors in the cost of a typical car loan, depreciation, registration, club membership, comprehensive insurance plus servicing, fuel and tyre costs.Fuel costs were calculated on an unleaded petrol pump price of $1.26 a litre, $1.31 for diesel and 47c for LPG.Fuel prices have risen significantly since the survey was finished so true running costs will be even higher.The survey results show the cheapest car costs about $6000 a year to run, compared to $18,500 for the most expensive.The most affordable car was Hyundai's Getz at $116.54 a week, followed by Holden's Barina ($120.85) and the Toyota Yaris ($125.88).Go up a size and Toyota's Corolla was the winner at $154.49, followed by the Ford Focus ($156.49) and Holden Astra ($158.12).The medium class sector was won by Toyota's Camry at $193.05, followed by the Mazda6 at $197.85, and Honda Accord Euro ($218.07).Large cars are, as expected, more expensive to run but, surprisingly not that much more.The best was Mitsubishi's 380 at $200.44, so it is cheaper than the Honda Accord. Toyota's Aurion was next best ($217.60), followed by Ford's Falcon ($229.13).For large families, the Kia Carnival people mover at $216.68 beat the Honda Odyssey ($228) and Toyota Tarago ($267.61).Diesel and hybrid cars were cheaper to run but don't forget diesel cars initially cost more and replacement batteries for hybrids are hellishly expensive and have a short lifespan.The cheapest was the Honda Civic hybrid at $175.29, beating the Toyota Prius at $200.63. A VW Golf diesel was better than the Prius on the wallet at $187.93.A Ford Falcon running on LPG cost $211.43 a week, while the dual-fuel Commodore came in at $225.10.The popular compact SUV market was headed by Honda's CRV at $203.86, followed by Nissan's Xtrail ($207.36) and Subaru's Forester ($208.52).Medium SUVs had the Holden Captiva out in front at $225.16, followed by the Ford Territory ($234.47) and Toyota Prado ($286.16).At the expensive end of the running cost spreadsheet were the big four-wheel-drives.The cheapest was Nissan's Patrol at $269.53, while the Toyota LandCruiser cost $357.51 a week.

There is a clear-cut champion in the compact four-wheel-drive class.It is the Subaru Outback, which does easily the best job for the majority of shoppers who want the size, comfort and command driving position of a soft-roader but don't plan to do much of the rough-and-tough weekend work in the bush.The Outback is a high-riding and tougher-looking Subaru Liberty wagon, which means it is a new-age station wagon for people who are convinced that four-wheel-drives are the best bet for the 21st century.But it's not the only way to go in a class which is as varied as any in Australian motoring.The all-paw smalls are a split-personality line-up which ranges from serious bush buddies to suburban shopping trolleys, with everything in between.Some talk the talk, but don't go remotely close to walking the wilderness, and others are surprisingly capable despite their soft-form looks. And looks aren't always the best – or easiest – way to make a choice.The Daihatsu Terios has the high-rider style you expect to see in a serious four-wheel-drive, but it could have come just as easily from the world's best-selling carmaker – Matchbox.The Suzuki Jimny is much the same, though it can really romp in the rough and is priced from just $17,990.At the other end of the action, there are several contenders which push past $40,000, including the over-priced and under-done Land Rover Freelander.The compact class also opens the options between "all-wheel-drive" vehicles focused on blacktop work and "four-wheel-drive" vehicles with serious off-road grip and dual-range gears, in a battle which rages all the way to the $100,000-plus machines in the luxury four-wheel-drive world.The split between the soft-road and hard-rock vehicles means it's important to split the winners, with the Nissan X-Trail taking top honours for real off-road work and the Subaru Forester and best-selling Toyota RAV4 – now with a punchier 2.4-litre engine – scoring on the soft side. The Outback was completely updated last year and picks up the five-star safety and top quality from the latest Subaru Liberty.But it also gets a tougher look, extra ground clearance, rough-road tyres and all the other gear you need for weekend expeditions.The price is pretty rich in a class where most of the action is below $30,000 – the H6 engine can lift it from $31,180 to more than $50,000 – but it's the one to recommend to friends and family if they can afford it. The Nissan Patrol is a heavyweight four-wheel drive star and you can see and feel the family connection to the X-Trail.It has the stumpy looks of a serious off-roader and backs it with a 2.5-litre engine hooked to a grippy drivetrain and a tough body.Nissan has also created a funky cabin for the X-Trail, with all the right stuff for twentysomething owners.It's not cheap, with pricing from $31,990, but the price is right for the class and the competition. The Forester, like the Outback, was developed for rougher roads than the regular all-paw Subaru family wagons.So the Forester sprang from the Impreza, as the Outback did from the Liberty, but with a much bigger change to the body.The Forester looks like it will work off the bitumen and it does, provided you recognise its limits.It also comes with a punchier turbo engine, though it's not WRX, and Subaru Australia has just rejected a Forester STi which would have really rocked the compact four-wheel-drive scene.