Subaru Is A Safe Bet

Sydney Morning Herald

Friday October 26, 2007

David Berthon

It may lack sex appeal but the Forester is still a low-risk, high-performance 4WD.

With more than 1 million sales around the world since its launch in December 1996, the Subaru Forester remains one of the most enduring four-wheel-drives.

It was the best-selling compact 4WD in Australia in 2005 and, despite an upgrade for 2006, it has lost its sales crown to the newer Toyota RAV4. More recently it was edged into third place by the Honda CR-V.

Now freshened up with a new grille and revised bumpers, tailgate and lights, the Forester is still perhaps the least trendy of the current frontrunners in its class. But what it lacks in looks it makes up in safety, performance, off-road capability and value for money.

Resale has always been its strong point although it also benefits from the assurance of Subaru's DataDot anti-theft vehicle identification and a five-star crash safety rating.

There's a choice of horizontally opposed boxer engines - each of 2.5 litres in naturally aspirated (121kW, 226Nm) and turbocharged (169kW, 320Nm) form.

The latter is a detuned version of that in Subaru's hero model WRX.

Performance is best in the 2.5-litre turbo XT variant although this model uses more fuel.

The 2.5-litre normally aspirated Forester X and XS use on average 9.6 litres/100km in manual, 9.7L/100km in auto while the corresponding turbo figures are 11.4L/100km and 11.1L/100km. The turbo needs higher octane 95 petrol.

The Forester now has firmer suspension and although it handles corners securely, it comes at a cost to comfort.

It doesn't soak up small bumps as well as some of its softer-tuned competitors.

Nor is it as quiet on a range of surfaces compared to some newer rivals.

The boxer engine becomes noisy with a heavy load while the tyres grind on course chip road surfaces. It retains a four-speed automatic, though some of the newer competitors have five-speeders. It lacks the stability control of the Honda CR-V. It is available only on the XT.

Nevertheless, it is a pleasant and rewarding vehicle to drive.

The benefits from Subaru's reputation for consistent high build quality and low service costs are backed by a three-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty.

BASE FORESTER X

The base Forester X is normally priced from $31,990 plus on-road costs but Subaru is promoting the manual 2.5-litre five-speed for $31,990 drive-away. Four-speed auto adds $2000, metallic paint another $350.

Another deal adds 16-inch alloy wheels valued at $2000 or buyers can choose Subaru accessories to the value of $1500.

Standard Forester X features include two front, side and curtain airbags, anti-lock brakes, cruise control, air-conditioning, remote central locking, a CD player and power windows and mirrors. The manual Forester X also comes with a dual-range transmission.

Other features include height adjustable driver's seat and steering column.

FORESTER XT

This 2.5-litre turbo model sells for $40,990 in manual, $42,990 in four-speed auto.

In addition to the XS features, it gains 17-inch alloy wheels, a leather-wrapped gear knob and steering wheel with audio controls and self-levelling Xenon headlights with washers.

There is an XT Luxury for $44,490 in manual, $46,990 in the four-speed auto, which has a manual SportShift function.

This luxury pack adds a double power sunroof, full leather trim, a leather-wrapped gear knob and steering wheel with audio controls.

Satnav and stability control are a $2990 option pack on this luxury model.

FORESTER XS

The price of the 2.5-litre XS model climbs to $34,990 for the five-speed manual and $36,990 for four-speed automatic.

Over the X model, the XS gains colour-coded bumpers and mirrors with roof spoiler, climate control air-conditioning, self-levelling rear suspension, a six-disc CD player with seven speakers, 16-inch alloy wheels, front foglights and privacy glass. Metallic paint adds $350.

An XS Luxury model for $38,490 in manual, $40,490 in automatic, has a double power sunroof, leather trim and leather-wrapped gear knob and steering wheel with audio controls.

Satellite navigation is a $2990 option.

SUBARU OUTBACK

The more conventional all-wheel-drive 2.5-litre Outback wagon at $36,490 in manual and $38,990 in automatic is a good alternative with more room than the Forester XT. It lacks the turbo's engine performance but matches a lot of the equipment for less money.

Standard fare on the base 2.5i (127kW) model includes front, side and curtain airbags, anti-lock brakes, stability control on the automatic, climate control air-conditioning, cruise-control, 17-inch alloy wheels, DataDot security and an engine immobiliser. Metallic paint is included.

It also has remote central locking, power windows and mirrors, leather-wrapped gear knob and steering wheel and front foglights.

© 2007 Sydney Morning Herald

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