Subaru Vortex Reviews

After unveiling the production version at the recent Frankfurt motor show, Subaru has announced that the funky little softroader will join their Australian SUV range, lining up beside the popular Forester and Outback, and the unloved Tribeca.There’s bound to be some strong attention for the XV, which is based on a jacked-up version of the new 2012 Impreza platform.With demand for compact SUVs continuing to grow Subaru Australia is understandably eager to get this one into the country.Managing director Nick Senior says the XV offers a clear indication of Subaru's design direction from now on."It delivers the driving feel and handling that only the latest Subaru symmetrical All-Wheel Drive platform can, as well as the latest Boxer engine, offering significant fuel efficiency and emission improvements," he said."XV also has the newest manual and auto transmission technology, and there's a new approach to cabin finishes, with incredible attention to detail on soft-touch surfaces, switch gear and instruments."Combine that with our customers' favourite Subaru qualities of All-Wheel Drive, durability, safety and retained value, and XV represents a formidable package.Pricing for the Subaru XV will be announced closer to the launch.

Subaru has kicked goals at every turn since it went all all-wheel-drive. The audacious move saw it go from also-ran to leader of the pack and it has never looked back.If the awesome Impreza WRX is the hero model that gives the brand its zing, the Liberty is the real brand leader.The 2.0R entered the fray in 2006 when it replaced the 2.5i. It was much the same as the 2.5i, but built on the success of its predecessor and brought more to the table in the form of goodies. Most not able among a raft of changes was the engine, which boasted double overhead camshafts where the older model only had a single cam per bank. With better breathing courtesy of the extra cams the flat-four produced 20 kW more than the older engine.A five-speed manual gearbox came standard, with a four-speed auto an optional choice. The big advantage of the Liberty when compared to its rivals is its all-wheel drive system. The others, of course, are all front-wheel drivers.In the Liberty's case the system is a permanent all-wheel drive system so all four wheels are being driven all the time and there's no delay in grip as there can be with systems that are front-wheel drive until it's determined that grip is needed at the rear wheels. With grip on tap all the time there's no loss of poise when things turn slippery on wet or muddy roads.The Liberty simply gets on with the job, no fuss, sure-footed and stable. The upgraded engine of the 2.0R is no fireball, but it has all the punch a family needs. The 2.0R was released midway through the model cycle, so the looks are a bit plain, but that shouldn't deter anyone from buying it. Inside, the cabin is quite roomy and well laid out with comfortable and supportive seats, and with a nice feel to the trim and fittings.IN THE SHOP The Liberty is a well-built car and little really goes wrong with them, at least on a grand scale. They do need regular servicing; oil changes are a must for long  engine life, so look for a service record. Look also for oil leaks  around the engine. The cam belt needs changing every 100,000 km, so check that the changes have been done as required. The front suspension bushes can wear so have them checked. Owners also report having to regularly replace headlamp globes that fail on low beam.IN A CRASHWith all-wheel drive grip, front and side airbags and ABS brakes the Liberty came standard with pretty much everything needed to keep you out of trouble, hence the 5-star ANCAP rating.UNDER THE PUMP Subaru claimed an average fuel consumption of 9.1 L/100 km and that  was backed up by real life results on road tests at the time of the 2.0R's launch. The minimum octane rating was 95, while Subaru said E10 fuel was ok if the minimum octane rating was maintained.AT A GLANCEPrice new: $33,990 to $36,490Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cylinder petrol;121 kW/187 NmTransmission: 4-speed auto, 5-speed manual; AWDEconomy: 9.1 L/100 kmBody: 4-door sedan, wagonSafety: 5-star ANCAP

The Subaru Forester XV concept we saw at the Australian motor show in July was still sporting show prop doors, interior and other features.But the one at Frankfurt motor show is the real thing, carrying a 2.0-litre four-cylinder boxer engine.It’s the latest in Subaru’s efficiency drive, and the carmakers says it will develop 110kW of power and 196Nm of torque while cutting fuel economy from the current 8.9L/100km to 6.8L/100km with the six-speed manual transmission, and from 8.8L/100km to 6.6L/100km with a continuously-variable transmission.

The hotrod WRX and STi will continue into the next generation of Subaru small cars, despite a body split from the Impreza, but it's BRZ that is going to become the brand's new hero. The initials stand for Boxer Rear Zenith and reflect the mechanical package in the Subaru sports car being jointly developed with Toyota. Boxer is the car's four-cylinder horizontally-opposed engine, Rear is rear-wheel drive, and Zenith is for the car's top-end positioning. The drip-feed introduction of the BRZ continues next week at the Frankfurt Motor Show in Germany, where the car's technology will be reflected in a display that reveals the car's direct-injection engine, 4.2-metre overall length, 1770mm width and 2635mm, 1270mm height and 2570mm wheelbase. There is still no decision on a BRZ plan for Australia, although a go-ahead is expected within three months. But Subaru Australia is fast-tracking the introduction of its newest safety technology, the EyeSight system that uses stereo cameras and high-tech computers for everything from cruise control to automatic braking, lane-departure warning and even safer parking. In all, it has seven different safety sub-systems. It will be fitted to the top-end Liberty 3.6R Premium and Outback 3.6R Premium as the prelude to a rollout across the Subaru family. There is no word yet on pricing, or its availability as an option on other cars, but Subaru is keen to see it boosting its safety following. "There are some EyeSight features that have previously only been available on premium priced cars, in some cases, costing up to four times what our vehicles will," says Nick Senior, managing director of Subaru Australia. "We have plans to roll it out on other models over the next couple of years and before the end of the decade it is likely to be standard across the range."

This is the car that has been developed in conjunction with Toyota. The latter's version is known as the FT-86. The jury is still out on BRZ as a name, but Subaru is planning to exhibit another, nearer to reality concept at the Frankfurt motor show in a few weeks. The acronym has apparently been taken from B for Boxer engine, R for rear-wheel drive, and Z in the word Zenith. Zenith I hear you ask? Let's just say if you fired a rocket into the air the highest point that it reached before plunging back to Earth would be the zenith. Let's hope Subaru's new BRZ doesn't crash and burn. Subaru says the name embodies ultimate passion for the new sports car and confidence in its distinctive constellation trademark and core technology the horizontally opposed Boxer engine. Production of the new sports car is due to start in the northern spring of 2012, but a decision has not yet been made on whether the BRZ will be coming to Australia. That's expected sometime later this year. Subaru is making plenty of noises about the car not being all about power and speed, suggesting that it's going to be no WRX. Think Peugeot RCZ and you are probably going to be closer to the mark _ a car that's fun to drive but that's not going to win any races? The concept shown has a third generation, naturally aspirated, direct injection version of the 2.0-litre four cylinder boxer engine that is found in the Impreza. We're told considerable work has gone into the chassis development. Subaru said rather than simply developing a frame and body that focuses purely on speed, development has produced a chassis that delivers a sporty driving experience and ride, and stable driveability, offering driver confidence. The Boxer sports car architecture does not depend solely on engine power output instead it achieves the fundamental characteristics of a rear-wheel drive sports car, delivering sporty performance and agile response from its short wheelbase. Subaru's distinctive suspension setup has been used, incorporating struts at the front, and a double-wishbone layout at the rear, to provide outstanding stability and control. Short front and rear overhangs reduce any yaw moment of inertia and provide a higher level of stability, control and handling. The finished product is expected to be unveiled at the Tokyo motor show in December.

Without trying to sound macabre - which we are - here's some of the famous people no longer with us because of the car. On a brighter note, lots of people are still with us because of the car - or more specifically, the ambulance.1. James Dean (Porsche 550 Spyder): Dean's status soared to cult levels after his untimely death in September 1955. In fact, so did the status of the car he was driving, a Porsche 550 Spyder that was the predecessor to today's Boxster. Dean died while driving when an approaching car turned in front of him. His passenger, mechanic Rolf Wutherich, survived that accident but died in a car crash in 1981.2. Diana, Princess of Wales (Mercedes-Benz S280): On August 31, 1997, the world woke to the shocking news that Diana, Princess of Wales, was killed in a car accident in Paris. Her partner Dodi and driver were also killed. The accident is alleged to have been caused when the Mercedes was avoiding pursuing paparazzi.3. Princess Grace Kelly (Rover SD1): The former American actress and princess of Monaco died in 1982 after suffering a mild stroke at the wheel of her car, causing it to roll down a mountain in Monaco. Coincidentally, revered British motorcycle racer Mike Hailwood (1940-1981) was killed in a car accident a year earlier driving a similar car.4. Marc Bolan (Mini GT): Bolan, lead singer of glam rock group T-Rex, was killed instantly in 1977 when the purple Austin Mini GT in which he was a passenger failed to negotiate a bridge and hit a tree. Ironically, Bolan never learned to drive, fearing his untimely death in a car. The driver was his girlfriend, Gloria Jones.5. Peter "Possum" Bourne (Subaru Forester): Amiable New Zealand rally driver Possum Bourne was on a course inspection in 2003 on the "Race to the Sky" track at Cardrona in NZ's South Island when he collided head on with a Jeep Cherokee. He never regained consciousness. A statue of Possum is set on the mountain on an isolated rock overlooking the Cardrona village.6. Jackson Pollack (Oldsmobile 88): The reclusive artist crashed his 1950 Oldsmobile convertible while under the influence of alcohol, killing both himself and his passenger instantly in 1956. Pollock was aged 44.7. Jayne Mansfield (Buick Electra): In the early hours of June 29, 1967, Hollywood sex symbol Jayne Mansfield, died after the 1966 Buick Electra 255 in which she was a passenger smashed under the back of a slowing semi-trailer. Mansfield, her boyfriend Sam Brody and the driver were killed instantly. Her three children including Mariska, all in the rear of the car, survived with minor injuries.8. Desmond Llewelyn (Renault Megane): In 1999, one of the UK's most recognisable figures; Desmond Llewelyn, better known as Q in the James Bond films, died in a car crash aged 85. He was driving home from a book signing when his car collided head on with a Fiat.9. Lisa "Left Eye" Lopez (Mitsubishi SUV): In 2002, Lopez - singer with popular RnB group TLC - was thrown from the vehicle and died from injuries. The Mitsubishi was forced off the road by an oncoming truck that was trying to overtake a car on a Honduras road.10. George S. Patton (Cadillac Series 75): The famous United States general died from complications 12 days after a car accident near Mannheim, Germany. He was aged 60 years.

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).

With the focus firmly on electric cars as the preferred future form of transport, natural gas has dropped off our radar. But natural gas is here now and could be a cheap and clean alternative fuel for the medium term, if not the long term. Australia is blessed with vast reserves of natural gas and it's already being piped into our homes for use in heating and cooking, so it's a small step to using it to fuel our cars. The issue with natural gas is, like electric cars, the range you can achieve. In the case of a natural gas the volume of the tank you can realistically fit into a car determines the range. Typically, the tank you would need to do 400 km between refills is too large to be practically fitted to a passenger car. That rules natural gas (CNG) out in a single-fuel use, but it doesn't rule out its use in a dual-fuel application, much as a dual-fuel vehicle uses LPG and petrol. Systems are in place that combine CNG and petrol systems that give vehicles an attractive running cost equation along with the flexibility of use of a regular petrol-fuelled car. The natural gas is stored under pressure in a tank in the car, and fed to the engine through lines under pressure before entering the engine in much the same was as with an LPG system. The same electronics that drive the car's petrol system are used to control the CNG system, the two systems work in tandem in the same way the current fuel injection and LPG systems work together. There is little difference in the way the cars drive on CNG and petrol and there is little difference in performance once the timing is adjusted for the lower energy value of natural gas. Cars running on CNG now have a range of around 150-160 km between refills, which makes it ideal for day-to-day commuting. The issue right now is refilling the car with natural gas. There are few commercial outlets where it can be done, but that problem is likely to be solved when home refilling stations become available. They are in use in other countries and are on trial here. When they become available commuters would be able to refill their cars overnight simply by plugging into the refilling station, which would be installed in their garage at home. Refilling is a rather slow process with CNG, it could take as much as six hours to fill the tank being used in cars today, but it could easily be accomplished overnight while we're tucked up in bed and be ready to go the next morning. The advantage of CNG in a dual-fuel application, unlike an electric car, is that the same car can be used as cheap commuter during the week and a regular long distance cruiser whenever needed.

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

The opening weekend from last Friday to Monday saw 80,000 people flock through the doors - a 27 per cent increase over the same period at last October’s show in Sydney, and a substantial 41 per cent over that timeframe at the last Melbourne show in March 2009. Event director Russ Tyrie says the attendance figures are an indication that the event’s new July date is a success. “The move to July has been met with approval by visitors and exhibitors alike,” said Mr Tyrie. “The clear space around the show on the international motor show calendar has allowed manufacturers to bring in drawcards such as the Audi e-tron, BMW Vision EfficientDynamics concept, Lamborghini Aventador, Lexus LF-Gh, Maserati GranCabrio Sport, Mazda Shinari concept and Toyota FT-86 II concept. “The Melbourne public hasn’t had a show for the last two years, and the combination of a host of star cars and the winter school holidays has seen people return in good numbers.” The Australian International Motor Show runs through until Sunday 10 July at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre.