2015 Subaru Forester Reviews

Based on our experience, the best towing vehicle is either a full-size 4x4 ute or wagon with a turbo-diesel engine and automatic transmission.

Derek Ogden road tests and reviews the 2015 Subaru Forester 2.0D-L, with specs, fuel consumption and verdict.

Chris Riley road tests and reviews the Subaru Forester diesel with specs, fuel consumption and verdict.

Most SUVs are made for the suburbs, but some still cater for those looking to live the great Aussie dream.

With the loudest cooee coming from the bush, Subaru has answered the call by adding a diesel automatic to its model year 2015 Forester range, as well as chopping prices by up to $3500, the latter on top of the $1000 trim announced at the beginning of this year.At the launch of the realigned range, Subaru Australia managing director Nick Senior, said: "We know through our dealer network there is significant pent-up demand for Forester auto diesels, not least in regional and rural areas, where the benefits of fuel efficiency in long-range driving really come to the fore."Mr Senior said the addition of the continuously variable automatic transmission was a huge boost to the range and he predicted sales of around 200 Forester 2.0D automatics per month.For 2015, improvements have been made to the Forester's horizontally opposed turbocharged 2.0-litre diesel boosting power output to 108kW at 3600 rpm and 350Nm of torque between 1600 and 2400 revs.It complies with strict Euro 6 exhaust emission standards, fuel efficiency is improved and vibration reduced. The high torque is taken care of with the Subaru Lineartronic CVT featuring a step-shifting control method linked to engine speed.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.Unlike many of its rivals such as the Mazda CX-5, Toyota RAV4 and Kia Sportage, that have gone in for a slick profile, the MY15 Forester errs on the side of tradition, leaning more to the original squared off wagon shape.The fuel efficiency display is now designed to make occupants more aware of economical drivingInside, it's a different matter. Across the range 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 vent grilles.Silver and contrasting piano black surrounds make for a sumptuous yet striking appearance, while the instrument panel combines upgraded audio display and, in the upper-spec models, factory-fitted satellite navigation in the central dashboard.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.Depending on model, infotainment 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 using steering wheel switches, plus voice recognition.The entry-level Forester 2.0D-L packs all the features of its petrol-powered counterpart, adding 17-inch alloy wheels. The top-of-the-range 2.0D-S adds automatic cargo door, electric sunroof, leather upholstery with heated eight-way powered front seats, and door mirrors, Xenon low-beam dusk-sensing headlamps with pop-up washers, sat nav and 18-inch alloys, and full-size spare wheel.Safety is five-star with dual front and side airbags, full-length curtain airbags and similar knee protection for the driver. ABS anti-skid brakes are 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.According to the manufacturer, Subaru's innovative EyeSight driver assist system is in the process of being calibrated for use in Forester diesels in Australia.The Lineartronic CVT remained unhurried and quiet at all timesOn an extensive drive programme in country Tasmania, the entry-level 2.0D-L CVT and top-specced 2.0D-S CVT, the pair proved worthy examples of the advantages of combining automatic transmissions with diesel engines. This included frugal fuel consumption of 7.6L/100km and 7.9L/100km respectively.Whether in continuous mode or stepping through its seven ratios the Lineartronic CVT remained unhurried and quiet at all times, the Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive adding handling stability in even the sharpest of manoeuvres.The Forester's suspension was particularly impressive, ironing out the wrinkles on stretches of dirt road many other SUV's would have baulked at.

Craig Duff road tests and reviews the Subaru Forester at its Australian launch.

Full-of-fruit Forester maintains the brand's staple qualities but the opposition is catching up. Two years ago I was quite taken by the new Subaru Forester. The chunky midwest American styling grated and the cabin quality was down a bit from what I expected. However, it drove well, had more space and the price was