Subaru Forrester Is A No Nonsense SUV

  • Added:
    Oct 20, 2012
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Subaru Forrester Is A No Nonsense SUV

Though the Subaru Forrester is becoming more compact every time a new model is released, the new third generation still sets itself apart from its rivals such as the Honda Cr-V, Ford Kuga and Toyota RAV4. It has built a strong reputation for its rugged nature despite being a soft roader. The Subaru Forrester engines include a 145bhp 2.0-litre diesel and a 2.0 litre petrol with 148bhp. The gear box options are a six speed manual and a four speed automatic gearbox. Another option is a five speed manual with low range transfer box, best for off road driving giving it an edge over its rivals.

The new Forrester is taller and wider than the car it has replaced but the design is still Subaru which shows no nonsense approach and rugged look as opposed to its rivals such as Nissan X-Trail and Ford Kuga. The innards are protected by a plastic/metal cover from water or mud. All of the Forrester range is well equipped with alloys, climate control, cabin lighting etc. There are four trim levels to choose from – X, XC,XS and XS Nav Plus. The top of the range XS version gets a Bluetooth, xenon headlights, rear view camera for parking and many other features. The Nav Plus gets a satellite navigation system which is a bit outdated. The cabin has a logical design but the materials used have a cheap feel.

The petrol version has a smooth drive but it’s neither fast nor fuel efficient. The diesel is the best choice, it might not be as fast as rivals Volkswagen Tiguan or Kia Sportage but the Forrester has more muscle. It has a high driving position giving an all round view of the road. The controls are light and direct. The Forrester has Impreza’s base keeping it well balanced on the road. The Forrester hasn’t been awarded a Euro NCAP rating yet, but that doesn’t make it less safer. Standard safety features include front, side and curtain airbags, electronic stability control and side impact beams in the doors. Further, there is Subaru’s Symmetrical four wheel drive system for wet weather. The Forrester comes with a three year or 60,000 miles guarantee for buyer’s peace of mind. Though the material used inside the cabin are not up to the standard, but overall the Forrester looks very well built.

The Forrester has a very spacious cabin that is capable to easily accommodate five adults. The boot space is 450 litres which increases to 1,660 litres on folding flat the rear seats. Apart from this there are many storage spaces for bits and bobs. It is very useful for towing thanks to the four wheel drive and a self leveling suspension. The Forrester is not so environment friendly, specially the petrol engine that does an economy of 40mpg with massive 173g/km of carbon emissions, hence the high road tax bill. The diesel engine returns 44.8mpg and emits 167g/km of CO2. The tax band remains the same as of its petrol counterpart. Therefore the entry level model might be a good value, but there is no point in going for the expensive XS Nav Plus. The servicing cost is also on the high side. Plus it struggles to retain its market value. Despite all these, Forrester has always remained popular among those who earn their living from land.

Author's Profile

Patria Mitchell is an expert in Subaru Forrester Engine. If you are interested in learning more about quality Reconditioned Subaru Engines, please contact us by visiting: Reconditioned Subaru Engines or by calling us at 442085960396


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