2011 Subaru Forester Reviews

Australia has been waiting a whole decade for a new Forester, but does the all-new model live up to the legend?

When the Forester was introduced to Australia in 1997 it was closely related to the Subaru Impreza hatch. It also reminded Subaru lovers of the Subaru 4WD station wagons. Over the years the Forester morphed into a medium SUV in styling.However, even as it entered the crossover era the Forester still had useful ground clearance so can tackle tougher than average conditions in the bush and on the beach.Forester's suspension has longer travel than the Impreza, and more rugged specs with semi-off-road tyres. The latter may have been replaced by normal car tyres at some time during the Forester's life, so check for this if you're considering doing some mild to medium off-road driving.Early model Subaru Foresters, have relatively long overhangs front and rear, a legacy of being adapted from a car.Handling is reasonable for a vehicle in this class, but keep in mind the Forester is a crossover SUV, not a sports machineGood interior room is a real advantage of the squared-off styling. The front seats have plenty of legroom, width and headroom. The rear seat can take three people without too much of a hassle, though it's better if they are children, rather than adults.Entry and exit to the back seat is easy, partly because of the taller than average styling but chiefly because you don't have to climb up into the seats as you do in an off-road 4WD.There's a good luggage area and practicality is further improved by the Forester having numerous storage areas throughout the vehicle.Handling is reasonable for a vehicle in this class, but keep in mind the Forester is a crossover SUV, not a sports machine, so don't hammer it too hard at bends. However, see the notes on the Forester GT (later tagged as the Forester XT).Subaru Forester first reached Australia in August 1997 and was joined by the Forester GT in September 1998. The latter is a fun little hotshot powered by a slightly detuned Subaru WRX engine.Forester GT was renamed Forester XT in the second-generation model in an attempt to fool the insurance companies into thinking it's not a GT. The Forester GT and XT are performance off-roaders, though certainly not to the same extent as the WRX.August 2003 saw the introduction of the second-generation Subaru Forester. It features a bit more style than the original series, particularly around the multi-faceted tail but, yet again, function takes preference over fashion. The latest version arrived here in 2008 and moved further towards an SUV shape in style.Power for the standard Forester models comes from a 2.0-litre flat-four motor. Upmarket variants received a 2.5-litre motor from 2002 and that larger capacity was continued into all Foresters since then, with improvements in consumption and emissions introduced in several stages.The extra capacity of the 2.5 goes into generating more torque rather than going for pure power - very much in the conservative way of thinking that's so appealing to many Australian drivers.Manual gearboxes are mated to a two-speed transfer case, but the automatic versions only have a single-range. Subaru considers the torque multiplication through the converter largely replaces the need for a low ratio on the auto.Servicing and spare parts are generally reasonably priced though we have heard a few complaints about high prices on some less common parts.Insurance premiums are generally moderate for the standard Foresters, but check on prices on the GT and XT, particularly if you're classed as a young or inexperienced driver; insurance costs could break your bank account.Be wary of a Forester GT or XT that has too much turbo whine or excessive turbo lagA good amateur mechanic should have no trouble doing most jobs. It's always wise to have a workshop manual at your elbow before beginning work. Please leave the safety-related items to experts.Older engines often have that typical flat-four 'dak-dak' beat when they get a lot of kilometres on them. If it seems too bad the engine may be approaching overhaul time. Newer ones are more refined, but it's still wise to have them checked out.Be wary of a Forester GT or XT that has too much turbo whine or excessive turbo lag.On a turbocharged model, check the clutch isn't slipping - this usually shows up on fast upchanges. Subaru makes the clutch a sacrificial component so that it fails first to protect other transmission parts.Check underneath in case the Forester has been seriously used in off-road conditions. The front and rear bumper corners and their mountings are likely to be the first areas to suffer.Scrutinise the door sills, the protection plates under mechanical components and the lower parts of the underbody for signs of damage.Hot versions of standard Subarus seem to lead a harder life than the their equivalent from other makersLook at the condition of the seats, carpets and boot in case the Forester has been knocked about, particularly in off-road use.Lots of sand in the carpet may mean it's spent time on the beach. If you suspect this, taste for salt in the areas under the car.Look over the complete body for signs of crash repairs. The easiest to spot are generally poorly matching paint colours and slight ripples in the panels.

Ewan Kennedy reviews the Subaru Forester as a used buy.

Sales of little soft-roaders have grown faster than any new vehicle segment in our overcrowded new-car market.Last year there were just over 60,000 small SUVs sold, up 53 per cent on 2011. The category parameters have changed and now some models previously considered compact are classified as medium. But sales of the smallest SUVs have increased for the past three consecutive years.The appeal lies in several attributes, not the least of which is in looking more adventurous than domesticated. There's the draw of fuel economy, though the reality is that certain of these models do not perform much better than the big cars they've supplanted.Then there is the versatility of the interior, the elevated driving position and the visibility it affords, and the perception of being unassailable by other road users.The three brands on this page argue about who started the soft-roader craze. Each has a worthy case.Toyota is synonymous with off-road passenger machinery that has a reputation for reliability and capability. The RAV4 introduced a suburban level of versatility to the Japanese brand when it lobbed here in 1996 (there was the Tercel and AWD Tarago before it, but let's not go there).The RAV had the look and lineage to carry off the compact SUV concept. With a new model not far from the showrooms there are bargains to be had in the outgoing vintage.Subaru's all-terrain wagon heritage harks back to the 1970s, when 1600cc (and, later, 1800cc) wagons with transfer cases and raised bellies showed you didn't need a big burly 4WD to get seriously off the beaten track. The Forester might not have retained the forebears' dual-range lever within the transmission console but the spirit remains.Another company with four decades of history in the realm of small, lightweight off-roaders is Suzuki. The original Jimny and Sierra lightweight 4WD wagons were tiny, nimble and bulletproof machines and the modern descendant the Grand Vitara has retained much of the off-road ability without succumbing to the soft-roader sookery.(Search for hundreds more choices) 2011 Toyota RAV4Engine: 2.4-litre 4-cyl petrolTransmission: 4-speed automaticThirst: 9.6L/100 CARSGUIDE SAYSThe dependable Toyota reputation offsets any styling shortfall. While not a rock-hopper like its LandCruiser big brother, it doesn't mind getting its wheels dirty. Dual airbags, descent and stability control, Bluetooth and USB connection are among the features.2009 Subaru Forester XS PremiumEngine: 2.5-litre 4-cyl boxer petrolTransmission: 4-speed automaticThirst: 9.6L/100km CARSGUIDE SAYSThe Forester has been a segment leader on sales volume and is one of the more versatile of the all-terrain brigade -- some models still have low range. The XS Premium has leather trim, sunroof, stability control, climate control, six airbags and rally-bred heritage.2009 Suzuki Grand Vitara WagonEngine: 2.4-litre 4-cyl petrolTransmission: 5-speed manualThirst: 8.9L/100km  CARSGUIDE SAYSThe brand builds bikes as well as being responsible for the original small off-roader. The Suzuki Grand Vitara has old-school 4WD and genuine off-road ability. Anything but a soft-roader, it's light and nimble off the beaten track and useful around town too.

Ewan Kennedy reviews the 1997, 1998, 2002, 2003, 2005, 2007, 2009 and 2010 Subaru Forester as a used buy.

Living in a consumer-driven nation is Nirvana for those who are stress-free enough to dream and actually have the money to afford the dream.It has created an industry of dream makers - manufacturers who will, at a price, make you anything you want. And if you've ever yearned for more power for Subaru's perpetual Forester, you can stop dreaming.The S-Edition is the offspring that resulted after a one-night stand between a Forester and Subaru's performance arm, STI. It gets a massaged turbocharged engine and STI-inspired extras inside and out but retains the practicality and spacious cabin that have fortified Forester through a barrage of attacks by newcomers.VALUESleeping with STI isn't cheap. The Forester S-Edition is based on the XT Premium model but costs $5500 more because of the more highly-tuned engine, the five-speed automatic transmission (why don't all Subaru Imprezas get this?), a leather and Alcantara mix for the upholstery and a few other bits and bobs.Pretty much everything else is from the XT Premium's goody list, such as the huge sunroof, leather trim and top-notch radio/sat-nav system. But while it's comparative in price to similarly equipped rivals, the Forester doesn't look as stylish and the $50,990 doesn't translate into metal.DESIGNThis is where it all goes a bit wonky. The Forester is a very practical wagon that isn't made in Germany only because Subaru created the shape first. It's based on the time-old line drawing of two boxes - one big, one small - backed into each other and while some of us admire the pragmatic sketch, it's not stylish.It's also been around for a while. Against the Volkswagen Tiguan, Kia Sportage and Hyundai ix35 for example, it's dated. Effective, but dated. That aside, it has a lot of clever family-friendly features.I love the flexibility of the cabin - there's flip-up cupholders in the rear seat cushion, remote levers for lowering the back seat, and the back seats are higher than the front so kids have a clear view out the side windows.TECHNOLOGYSTI has either breathed more mumbo into the 2.5-litre turbo-petrol from the XT Premium or detuned the WRX engine. Regardless, it's the hottest box on the Subaru block with 193kW/347Nm, a jump from the XT's 169kW/320Nm. Yet fuel consumption is identical at 10.5 litres/100km average.Best news is the five-speed automatic from the Liberty. This is the only Forester with this box and Subaru goes the extra distance by equipping the S-Edition with paddle shifters on the steering wheel column. Cool.The rest is constant all-wheel drive, MacPherson struts at the front and double wishbones at the back. The S-Edition tightens up the screws in the suspension for flatter cornering and this means it misses out on the self-levelling rear end that's a feature of its sisters.SAFETYFive-star crash rating, electronic stability control, six airbags and lots more little nanny aids in the electronics all make this one safe little truck. The high seat height is arguably a potential safety feature, as is the full-size spare tyre.DRIVINGThis was driven back to back with the normally-aspirated 2.5-litre XS model with the four-speed auto. Pointless me talking about which I prefer. The S-Edition has a delightful linear bottom end that gets a kick about 3200rpm as the turbo becomes fully awake. It is, in fact, two engines.Drive it smooth and you'll get decent economy and no ugly photographs in the mail of you in the car. Give it a boot and it raises its head and really gets going. The bonus here is for overtaking, as in the country when passing a truck, for example. Not on the freeway.It's a nice drive but it's no WRX. Part of the problem is it feels like it's on stilts - which it is in comparison to the WRX - and there's some nervous jiggling and hints of some vagueness in the suspension and steering when the power is up.Personally, I'm not confident about pushing this anywhere near as fast into a corner as a WRX. That's not the aim. It's just a quick wagon in the same mold as the Mazda CX-7 turbo and some much more expensive Euro-wagons.VERDICTNo doubting this is a lot of fun. The auto is superb and really makes it an easy drive in the city. It's roomy, comfortable and well equipped but you have to ask yourself if there's value here particularly when there's the less powerful and (only) four-cog auto version in the XT Premium.Perhaps the S-Edition is for the WRX owners who just wants a bit of comfort. Or room for the kids.SUBARU FORESTER S-EDITION Price: $50,990Engine: 193kW/347Nm 2.5-litre turbo-petrolTransmission: Five-speed automatic, AWD Warranty: 3 years, unlimited kmResale: 54%Service Interval: 10,000km or 6 monthsEconomy: 10.5 l/100km; 248g/km CO2Safety: six airbags, ESC, ABS, EBD, EBA, TCCrash rating: 5 starBody: 5-door, 5 seatsDimensions: 4560 (L); 1795mm (W); 1700mm (H); 2615mm (WB)Weight: 1585kgTyre size: 225/55R17Spare tyre: Full-size alloyRivalsSKODA OCTAVIA RS 147TSI-compare this carPrice: $39,490Engine: 2-litre, 4-cyl turbo-petrol, 147kW/280NmTransmission: 6-spd DSG automatic, front-driveBody: 5-door wagonThirst: 7.7L/100km, 95 RON, CO2 179g/km MAZDA CX-7 LUXURY SPORTS Price: $45,990Engine: 2.3-litre, 4-cyl turbo-petrol, 175kW/350NmTransmission: 6-spd automatic, AWDBody: 5-door hatchThirst: 11.5L/100km, 95 RON, CO2 273g/km VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN 147TSI - compare this carPrice: $42,990Engine: 2-litre, 4-cyl turbo-petrol, 147kW/280NmTransmission: 7-spd DSG automatic, AWDBody: 5-door wagonThirst: 8.8L/100km, 95 RON, CO2 205g/km

AUSTRALIAN motorists love compact SUVs which have taken over as the new family vehicle. The segment is one of the few experiencing growth and it's no wonder with 25 models available with a range of variants with diesel power, manual and automatic transmissions, plenty of cargo space and room for a family of five and even their pooch.Today every maker needs a compact SUV in their range. Over at Volkswagen Australia managing director Anke Koeckler says:. "The Tiguan is one of the volume sellers in our plan to become a significant player in Australia."The current Tiguan's about to be replaced by a second-generation model and is in short supply as is the Toyota RAV4 so they couldn't make this comparison of five compact petrol-powered automatic SUVs that includes top sellers, a European and the two emerging Korean models.We asked the Tranter family - Ross and Julie and their children, Joshua, 7, and Samantha, 5 - to come with us for a drive through city traffic, highway touring, rural roads and a picnic in the country in our full-day comparison test. They own a Mazda2 and admit that in a couple of years they will look at an upgrade, possibly to a compact SUV.VALUEPricing and feature fit-out is keen in this highly competitive category. Our five vehicles are mid to high spec, according to what was available from the manufacturer, but they only vary in price by $5000 from the Hyundai ix35 at $35,490 to the Subaru Forester at $40,490 which comes with a comprehensive info/navigation/entertainment system with reversing camera.The Renault Koleos is listed at $36,990, but our test vehicle was fitted with a leather package ($2500) that includes black leather seats, electric driver's seat, heated front seats and quick-release rear folding seats. It also comes standard with a built-in Tom Tom navigation system, auto wipers, front and rear parking sensors, and a chilled glovebox.The top-spec Kia Sportage Platinum is fitted out at similar levels to the Hyundai. It costs an extra $1230 but adds rain-sensing wipers. Both have rear parking sensors, sunroof, rearview camera, auto headlights, fog lamps (front only on Kia) and heated side mirrors.In the middle is the X-Trail at $38,490 with roof rails, auto climate control and cooled/heated cup holders.All come with what are considered essentials in a family car these days - remote locking, cruise control, comprehensive stereo connectivity for Bluetooth phones and iPods, fog lights and climate airconditioning.Resale values are similar, but slightly better for the Renault and Subaru at 54 per cent and the lowest was the X-trail at 50 per cent.TECHNOLOGYAt the heart of all these models are four-cylinder petrol engines of similar capacity. Even though the Hyundai and Kia share a 2.4-litre engine compared with the 2.5-litre units in the others, power and torque are almost the same across the group.Power varies only 5kW from 125kW in the X-Trail to 130kW in the Koreans and torque 9Nm from 226Nm in the Koleos and X-Trail to 235Nm in the Forester. All models also offer a diesel variant which are worth considering for economy if you're doing long distances and for their driveability. The Forester transmission is an old-fashioned four-speed auto, while the Koreans have six-speed torque-converter automatics; the X-Trail and Koleos have continuously variable transmissions with six selectable steps.Most are front-wheel drive switching to all-wheel drive when they sense rear-wheel slip, while the Subaru is permanent all-wheel drive. All have hill descent control and hill-start assist, but only the Renault, X-Trail and the Koreans have a locking diff function.Economy is fairly close across the group but interestingly the X-trail is the best at 9.1 litres per 100km compared with 9.5L/100km in the Koleos which runs the same engine, but weighs about 80kg more. The Koleos also requires 95Ron fuel.If towing is important, the X-Trail and Koleos have 2000kg capacity compared with 1600kg in the Koreans and 1400kg for the Subaru.DESIGNThe group can be split into two on styling - the boxy Nissan and Subaru versus the more curvaceous Hyundai, Renault and Kia. It comes down to taste, but the Tranters liked the "modern" look of the ix35."I like a car with a lot of curves," says Julie.To us the X-Trail and Subaru are starting to look a little old-fashioned, even though both have had major makeovers only a couple of years ago. Of the "rounded" models the Kia has a little more pizzazz with LED daytime running lights and coupe-like rear roofline.Statistics for cargo space never give a real-world indication of how much luggage can be fitted, but with picnic baskets, esky and our photographer's kit bags loaded, all seemed to hold a fair bit of gear. The Renault is the only model with a split rear tailgate which Ross liked, but Julie thought it would make it more difficult to reach luggage items at the back of the cargo area. However she liked the underfloor storage area with slide-out tray in the Nissan."I'd probably use it as a permanent storage area for sunscreen, the kids' hats and snacks," she says.The X-Trail's cargo floor was the only one in the group not carpeted, a virtue according to Nissan for outdoor types. In the cabin, the Nissan again looked a little tired, while the others appeared modern and fresh, although the Renault is a little quirky and difficult to get used to all those knobs and controls. The Tranters found cabin space good in all but praised the Subaru for having the best legroom space in the rear for the kids in their booster chairs.SAFETYAs a fire and rescue officer, Ross Tranter places a strong emphasis on safety."There are things I've seen at crash scenes that I'd rather forget," he says.The Tranters own a Mazda2 and bought the top spec just for the extra airbags in the back, so they were impressed that all models, except the XTrail, get a five-star safety rating with full-length curtain airbags and stability control.They also commended all for their good forward visibility and praised the Kia and Hyundai for their reversing camera conveniently located in the centre mirror. There was high praise, too, for the high driving position of all, which at least gave them a feeling of safety.All vehicles come with three anchor points in the rear, but the Tranters found the Subaru was the only vehicle that was easy to fit the seats as the belt clasps were not spaced wide enough in the others. On the theft safety front, the Subaru also has Data Dot protection.DRIVINGIt was the Tranters' ninth wedding anniversary but they enjoyed our test loop through Brisbane city and out into the country for a picnic, then later McDonalds for the kids. Stepping up from their Mazda2 to the compact SUVs was easy for the Tranters who commented that they liked the high seating position and good forward visibility of all models.They liked the Subaru: easy to drive, plenty of room in the back for the kids, a big boot and a quiet and comfortable ride. They found the Hyundai a bit noisy on some surfaces, comfortable with a lot of extras they enjoyed but they didn't feel it was as stable as the Nissan in the dirt. Praise came for the Renault's handling and steering feedback."I didn't feel like I wasn't in total control at any time. It's not wanting for power either. I could put my foot down and it was there when I wanted it," Ross commented. Julie found the Renault's quirky controls a bit confusing to start with. And Ross didn't like the Kia's seat. "It has good support down low but not up high."We found the Koreans' automatic gearboxes had to work hard to keep things humming along, while the Forester, Koleos and X-Trail felt more lively and responsive, even the Subaru with its four-speed box. We're no great fans of continuously variable transmissions, but the CVT boxes in the Renault and Nissan are among the best we have driven and kept the revs in the sweet spot for difficult terrain.Most of these will tackle a rough bush track and even a beach, but be aware they are not meant for heavy duty off-roading. Subaru is fitted with Yokohama Geolanders which we have found the best compromise between highway and track. The Forester also has the best ground clearance at 220mm while the Koreans have the lowest at 170mm (Hyundai) and 172mm (Kia), but you should take into account a load and passengers will reduce these clearances.VERDICTIf rough country roads were on our agenda, we'd pick the Subaru or X-Trail as both vehicles not only handled the terrain with poise but also gave a feeling of being solidly built and reliable. The Renault has the same X-Trail underpinnings and urges you to have a go at the rough stuff thanks to a pretty slick engine/transmission combination and slightly more compliant suspension. It is a much under-rated vehicle with only 310 sold fo far this year.Most of the vehicles in this class are suburban run-arounds doing the grocery, school and sports ground circuit. Here, the modern styling of the French and Korean models look the part. For the record, the Tranters liked the style of the Hyundai but when it came to family practicalities their vote unanimously went for the Subaru for its space, comfort and quiet ride.SUBARU FORESTER 2.5 XS PREMIUMPrice: $40,490Engine: 126kW/235Nm 2.5L 4-cyl petrolTransmission: 4-speed auto, AWDBody: 5-door wagonThirst: 9.3L/100km  CO2: 220g/kmSafety: 5 stars, 6 airbagsTowing: 1400 (braked), 750kg (unbraked)Warranty: 3-yr, unlimited kmService: 12,500 or 6 mnthsResale: 54%NISSAN X-TRAIL ST-LPrice: $38,490Engine: 125Kw/226nM 2.5L 4-cyl petrolTransmisson: CVT, 4WDBody: 5-door wagonThirst: 9.1L/100km  CO2: 214g/kmSafety: 4-stars, 6 airbagsTowing: 2000 (braked), 750kg (unbraked)Warranty: 3-yr/100,000km, roadside ass.Service: 6 mnths/10,000kmResale: 50%HYUNDAI ix35 2.4 HIGHLANDERPrice: $35,490Engine: 130W/227Nm 2.4L 4-cyl petrolTransmission: 6-speed auto, AWDBody: 5-door wagonThirst: 9.2L/100km  CO2: 219g/kmSafety: 5 stars, 6 airbagsTowing: 1600 (braked), 750kg (unbraked)Warranty: 5-yr, unltd kmService: annual or 15,000kmResale: 52%KIA SPORTAGE 2.4 PLATINUMPrice: $36,720Engine: 130kW/227Nm 2.4L 4-cyl petrolTransmission: 6-speed auto, AWDBody: 5-door wagonThirst: 9.2L/100km  CO2: 221g/kmSafety: 5-stars, 6-airbagsTowing: 1600 (braked), 750kg (unbraked)Warranty: 5-yr/unltd kmService: 1-yr or 15,000kmResale: 52%RENAULT KOLEOS DYNAMIQUEPrice: $36,990 ($40,290 as tested)Engine: 126kW/226Nm 2.5L 4-cyl petrolTransmission: CVT, AWDBody: 5-door wagonThirst: 9.5L/100km  CO2: 228g/kmSafety: 5 stars, 6 airbagsTowing: 2000 (braked), 750kg (unbraked)Warranty: 5-yr/unltd km, roadside assistService: 1-yr or 10,000kmResale: 54%SHOWROOM SUCCESSSALES success in the highly competitive compact SUV category is fickle, changing every month. Nissan X-Trail was the leader in June, Hyundai ix35 in May, Subaru Forester in February, April and July, Toyota RAV4 in January and March.So far this year Subaru Forester is the top seller with 7574, even though sales are down 13.1 per cent on last year. This repeats its top-selling success in the category since 2008. The new Hyundai ix35 was second with 6806, RAV4 third (6472), X-Trail fourth (6430) and Dualis fifth (5156). Despite the Renault Koleos being a Nissan X-Trail with French dressing, it has sold only 310 so far this year to rank 20th out of 25 models in the category.The compact SUV segment is one of the few recording growth with an increase of 2.1 per cent so far this year while the SUV category is down 2.9 per cent and the total new vehicle market is down 5.9 per cent. The only faster-growing categories are luxury SUVs (317.4 per cent) and utes (6.2 per cent).SAFE AND GREENOWNERS of any of our tested vehicles can rest assured they are safe and green. They all have six airbags, stability control and anti-skid brakes as a minimum, while some have more driver aids such as Hyundai's Vehicle Stability Management which adds steering assistance in low-traction situations. All get a five-star crash rating from the Australian New Car Assessment Program, except the X-Trail which was last tested in 2007 and scored four stars.The Australian Green Vehicle Guide gives all vehicles better than average scores for greenhouse air pollution and economy. The Kia and Hyundai score closely because they basically have the same drivetrain. The Hyundai scores 6 greenhouse rating out of 10 and 8.5 for air pollution gaining four stars. The Kia scores a 5.5 greenhouse rating because its CO2 levels are 2g/km higher. Next is the Subaru with 6 for greenhouse emissions, 6.5 for air pollution for 3.5 stars and Koleos with 5.5, 6.5 and 3.5 stars. There are no results listed for the X-Trail.Most of these models have been around for a while in some shape or form and are good buying second-hand. Subaru Forester and Honda CR-V are the only used compact SUVs rated as a "safe pick" by the Automobile clubs of Australia. In their recent annual buyer's guide to used car safety ratings, they gave five stars to the Forester (02-08) and CR-V (02-06). Four stars were awarded to the Kia Sportage (98-03), Toyota RAV4 (06-09), Ford/Mazda Escape/Tribute (01-06), CR-V (97-01), Forester (97-02), Suzuki Grand Vitara (99-05) and RAV4 (01-06).

Whatever Subaru's game plan is, it seems to be working. Sales are up despite the fact that the cars are more generic than ever, with design that ranges from the sublime to the ridiculous.The Forester is a good case in point. Over the years it has morphed from a knockabout, all-wheel drive station wagon into a just another high riding, roly-poly SUV.Be that as it may, earlier this year, Forester became Subaru's biggest selling model of all time, eclipsing even the Impreza — with sales in excess of 150,000 since launch in 1997.It comes as no surprise then that Forester leads the fiercely contested SUV segment in Australia and has done for the past three years.For whatever reason, it has struck a chord with buyers.But one wonders whether time is running out for the niche Japanese car maker, with its "symmetrical" all-wheel drive mantra.The thing is, all wheel drive is starting to lose some of its gloss, with electronic braking systems able to achieve the same level of safety these days.And you end up paying more for all-wheel drive at the pump, because driving all four wheels all the time by necessity pushes up fuel consumption.Having got that off my chest, I'd like to now sing the praises of the new Forester and its new third generation 2.5-litre boxer engine.It might have lost some of its character, but the new model distinguished by a new front grille exudes a real feeling of quality and is a pleasure to drive, with a sporty spring to its step thanks to the Boxer engine.TECHNOLOGYThe new FB engine which makes its debut in the Forester offers no additional power but there has been a small increase in torque.The flat four definitely feels more refined and responsive and the switch to chain drive means no more cam belts to replace.The new engine, the first completely new design in 21 years, puts out 126kW of power at 5800 revs and 235Nm of torque at 4100 revs, with 0-100km/h taking 9.2 seconds.Fuel consumption is rated at 9.3 litres/100km, compared to the previous model's 9.6 litres (we were getting 9.8).Sadly, however, while the engine might be new, we're stuck with the same old five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmissions, although we're told the auto has been improved.The rest of the world has moved on.Our test vehicle, the base model Forester X with a five-speed manual, has dual range gearing (low and high range).DRIVINGThe engine sounds fabulous and the ride is exemplary, but pushed hard the wagon with its higher centre of gravity exhibits plenty of body roll.Corners taken at speed will spark an extreme reaction from the electronic stability control system.Low range is handy for slippery boat ramps and the like, but off road the Forester can get further than you think in the hands of an experienced driver, with 220mm of ground clearance.Steel wheels are standard fitted with 16 inch Bridgestone 215/65 Duellers and a full sized spare wheel is provided.Inside you get cloth trim and manual airconditioning, but it lacks outlets for rear seat passengers.The dash include a darker finish and darker tone metallic-type highlights for enhanced appearance.Cabin noise levels are reduced through use of an enlarged, higher density, under bonnet noise insulator.Bluetooth is also standard and there's a 12 volt outlet plus AUX and USB ports in the centre console box, with controls for the phone and audio mounted on the wheel.AT A GLANCEPrice: from $30,990Warranty: 3 years/ unlimited kmSafety: 5 star ANCAP2 occupant safety rating , Symmetrical all-wheel drive, ABS, EBD,VDC, SRS Airbags – dual front, dual front side and curtain, Active Head Rests.Engine: Horizontally-opposed Boxer 4-cylinder, petrol engineBody: 5-door WagonTransmission: 5-speed manual transmission, 4-speed automatic transmission with manual mode.Thirst: 9.3L/100km, CO2 220g/km

Subaru Forester X and Holden Captiva go head-to-head in this comparative review.

..,popping and banging sideways through the forests south of Perth. The Forester S-Edition doesn't have a rollcage or the super-grippy rally tyres either, but that's no reason not to give it good consideration.Back on Planet Earth, we have to perform the daily duties - school runs, commuting, family roadtrips and the like - none of which is much fun for passengers in a rally car.Even so, we're driving the most powerful (says Subaru) Forester yet unleashed on Australian roads - remember they've had STi versions of this model in Japan.VALUESubaru is asking $50,990 for the Forester S-Edition - a $3500 jump up from the (25kg lighter) XT Premium automatic.The extra cash buys an additional 24kW and 27Nm, a paddleshift five-speed (the rest of the range has only four and no paddles) auto, STI-style wheels (but the same 17in diameter), the sports interior trim with blue alcantara inserts on the sports leather seats, an upgraded instrument panel and blue hue to the interior lighting.The features list also includes a large electric sunroof, electric folding rear seat function, dual-zone climate control, a six-speaker CD/DVD touchscreen sound and satnav system (which failed to switch screen display when in Auto mode), Bluetooth phone link and a trip computer.TECHNOLOGY The S-Edition packs a solid shove from the re-tuned WRX motor - the turbocharged 2.5-litre flat-four offers 193kW at 6000rpm and 347Nm of torque between 2800-4800 rpm, with variable valve timing among its arsenal.Don't look for any stratospheric ratio tallies here - the Forester S-Edition has the five-speed paddleshift automatic transmission from the WRX STI, which has paddleshifters but feels as though it could do with six gears to keep the 2.5 in the meaty section of the tacho.Given that the rest of the range has a four-speed auto and a five-speed manual on offer, perhaps we shouldn't complain.The all-wheel drive set-up has variable torque distribution - 45/55 front/rear is the norm but it changes as required, something which you get a taste of on the dirt before the electronics kick-in.Even with the driver aids retarded, the nursemaid system still smacks your hand if you attempt to emulate the WRC boys, but swift, secure and sensible dirt road driving is easily achieved without incurring the car's wrath.DESIGNA big, square-rumped bull-nose box with air intakes a-plenty, the Forester has thankfully not yet started to look like the Outback and Liberty.The cabin has a useful amount of room for passengers and cargo, with no shortage of headroom and enough legroom in the back for me to sit behind my own driving position.In-cabin storage is good, with plenty of space in the doors and centre console.SAFETYThe Forester S-Edition has the variable (but not front-biased thankfully) all-wheel drive system, as well as stability and traction control which can be toned down but not disabled, giving it the dynamic ability to avoid misfortune in many cases.The passive safety features include dual front, side and curtain airbags, as well as a reversing camera.DRIVINGThe tall Forester is not all show and no go, that is for certain - 193kW and 347Nm equates to a claim of 6.5 seconds to 100km/h, which is not dawdling for some sportscars, let alone an SUV - gunning away from standstill does little to cast doubt on the numbers.The five-speed auto is smooth but a little on the slow side for shift speed and sometimes get caught snoozing, made worse when the revs fall to the bottom third of the tacho.Flicking the selector across to Sport mode does alleviate some of the tardiness, or the driver can use the elegant paddles behind the steering wheel, complete with grippy rubber backing, but the car will over-rule and up-change rather than tickle the limiter, in the same annoying way the STI auto does.On the plus side, it does have 225mm ground clearance and that is better than many of the alleged soft-roaders, and it will tackle unsealed surfaces comfortably.The Yokohama Geolander tyres fall into the category of Jack of All Trades - useful on most surfaces but not excelling on any either. Early-onset mild understeer is the diagnosis when pushed in corners, with a little bit (but not excessive) body roll, but once settled the Forester covers winding roads at a decent pace - but slower in and faster out being a better cornering option.The S-Edition will also zip quietly through traffic and does it without too much tyre or engine noise (something the STI wanna-haves might miss), riding firmly and with a little too much chatter over the bumps - a check of the tyre pressures revealed normal amounts.The satnav screen is clear and bright, but despite several attempts it would not go to its night display using the Auto mode - a manual change needed to be selected, which can only happen at rest.VERDICTThe top-selling Subaru all-rounder packs plenty of punch and can carry the brood with ease, but it's not yet perfect, better rubber would help.OWNERSHIPPrice: $50,990Warranty: 3 years, unlimited kmResale: 74%Service Interval: 10,000km or 6 monthsEconomy: 10.5l/100km, on test 13.8, 95RON PULP; 248g/km CO2Safety Equipment six airbags, stability and traction control, ABS, EBD.Crash rating: 5 starEngine: 193kW/347Nm 2.5-litre turbocharged flat-fourTransmission: five speed auto, all-wheel driveBody: 5-door, 5 seatsDimensions: 4560mm (L); 1795mm (W); 1700mm (H); 2615mm (WB)Weight: 1585kgTyre size: 225/55 R17 YokohamaSpare tyre: full size alloy