Subaru is a hidden gem of the UK automotive market. Elsewhere, in nations such because the US and Australia, the Japanese firm’s vehicles are extra appreciated and promote in a lot larger numbers.
The model’s succesful 4x4s are famend for his or her sturdiness and house owners are intensively loyal, holding onto their vehicles for longer than any rivals.
Nonetheless, right here in Britain, shopping for a Subaru is seen as a left-field alternative – and the range-topping Forester is a major instance.
Don’t get me mistaken, the all-new fifth technology mannequin is an enchancment in nearly each space in comparison with its predecessor, but it surely’s nonetheless not an choice that springs to thoughts when consumers are searching for a SUV.
The brand new Forester now has inexperienced credentials to go together with its formidable status with the inexperienced welly brigade.
Badged as an ‘e‐BOXER’, hybrid know-how sees Subaru’s distinctive four-cylinder 2.0-litre ‘boxer’ petrol engine working in tandem with a small (13.5kWh) lithium ion battery pack and electrical motor.
The 164bhp of energy and 193lb ft of torque is delivered to all 4 wheels through a CVT computerized gearbox.
Most velocity is 117mph, the 0-62mph sprint takes a leisurely 11.8 seconds, whereas gasoline consumption is 34.7mpg and CO2 emissions are 185g/km.
With a beginning worth of £36,335, there’s little doubt that you just get huge bang in your buck with the Forester.
About the identical measurement as a Land Rover Discovery Sport, Nissan X-Path, Toyota RAV4 and Mitsubishi Outlander, it’s full of goodies as commonplace, together with computerized LED headlights, rain-sensing wipers, heated entrance seats, keyless entry, a push-button begin system and an 8.0-inch infotainment touchscreen.
It’s additionally one of many most secure vehicles on the street. Geared up with Subaru’s acclaimed ‘EyeSight’ know-how, it was awarded a most 5 stars in Euro NCAP crash testing, scoring 97% for grownup occupant safety in addition to 91% for the kid occupant class and 80% for pedestrians.
Externally, the brand new Forester appears a lot the identical. In different phrases, it’s distinctive and conservative.
Inside there’s been a step-up when it comes to high quality, however the dashboard look is much from the present minimalist pattern with no finish of button and dials. The central touchscreen is modestly sized and the graphics are hardly state-of-the-art, whereas the small high show appears superfluous.
That mentioned, there’s a sense of monumental house and light-weight within the cabin, with loads of room for 3 full-sized passengers to loosen up in consolation on the rear.
Baggage capability is a wholesome 520 litres, rising to 1,779 litres with the again units folded.
On the street the Forester feels huge and sure-footed. It could shift, but it surely does really feel a handful in quicker corners, however that’s not the place it excels. With its supple journey that soaks up bumps with ease, it’s a pleasure simply cruising alongside.
Nevertheless, there isn’t a getting away from the CVT gearbox which signifies that the revs climb a bit of too excessive and issues get a tad noisy underneath onerous acceleration. Utilizing the steering wheel-mounted gear paddles helps, however you’re extra prone to average your driving model to accommodate this quirk.
On the plus aspect, the hybrid tech permits seamless switching between EV and engine mode and it’s a refined expertise if you happen to maintain it regular.
However now we come to the Forester’s piece de resistance. Take it off-road and its everlasting symmetrical all-wheel drive comes into its personal.
The X-Mode dial down close to the gear selector means that you can swap between regular, snow/grime and deep snow/mud modes.
To say that it’s easy on the tough stuff could be an understatement. Like its smaller stablemate, the XV, its agility and the diploma of traction obtainable is nothing wanting exceptional.
Frankly, it’s no surprise why this automotive is held in such excessive regard – particularly with house owners in rural areas the place climate extremes aren’t uncommon.
However right here’s the factor. There’s little doubt that the Forester is nice worth for cash, however real-world MPG within the late 20s/early 30s is disappointing given the hybrid know-how on faucet.
Verdict: The all-new Subaru Forester is a stable SUV alternative. Competitively priced, secure, spacious, generously geared up and vastly spectacular off-road, it’s backed up with Subaru’s enviable status for sturdiness.
Subaru UK
