Subaru's big five-seater Forester SUV is the brand's best-seller in Ireland, writes Trish Whelan.
It may not be the most stylish of SUVs with its rugged looks, particular with a dark exterior colour which turns it into a real toughie, but it is a truly excellent all-rounder vehicle both on- and off-road.
It is also a very practical car for a family's everyday use.
A 2018 upgrade ensures it keeps its status as one of the most capable and versatile SUVs in its class. Improvements are to do with safety, convenience, comfort and refinement.
Five models are offered, starting at €36,995 for the turbo-diesel 147hp 2.0D X, and €37,005 for the petrol 150hp 2.0i XE Lineartronic auto (198Nm of torque). A six-speed manual gearbox is fitted as standard to 2.0D models with Subaru's Lineartronic CVT automatic transmission available as an option (€3,000). It comes as standard with the petrol engine which was my test car (€390 road tax). Official combined fuel consumption are 6.9 L/100kms (40.9 mpg) to 6.1 L/100kms (46.3mpg). Since January, Subaru reports a definite move towards petrol, particularly noticeable in urban areas.
For those who like a bit of adventure, Forester ticks all boxes. The latest-generation four-cylinder Boxer engines contribute to the low centre of gravity and aid balance, road holding and handling so you have better control of the car. Forester will take you almost anywhere (within reason) over rough terrain with its ground clearance of 220mm and Subaru's unique Symmetrical AWD which assures surefootedness in all conditions.
This technology is enhanced further with the X-Mode on Lineartronic CVT models; a control system that includes Hill Descent Control that makes traction even better than that of the outgoing model. Use it for coping with tricky conditions when you want to just concentrate on the steering. I've tested it down a very steep muddy forest slope and it came out with top marks!
Subaru intends to make the safest cars in the world and their advanced Eyesight driver assist technology lets you avoid the unexpected. Two stereo cameras mounted on either side of the rearview mirror monitor the road ahead for up to 100 metres and merge together to make an accurate 3D image. It recognises obstacles and is offered with the higher XE spec. Functions are Adaptive Cruise Control, and two pre-collision warning systems. Higher specced XC and XE Foresters have Subaru's Rear Vehicle Detection which includes Blind Spot Detection, Lane Assist and Rear Cross Traffic Alert.
My car was equipped with seven airbags, front fog lamps, heated door mirrors, roof rails, power rear tailgate, Cruise Control and Speed Limiter, Bluetooth, dual-zone climate control, Paddle shift, remote central locking, Hill Start Assist, DRLs, and Subaru's electronic stability control system with trailer stability (it can haul 1,800kgs (up to 2,000kgs with Lineartronic version), child proof rear door locking and ISOFIX child seat anchors.
The cabin is comfortable and spacious with leather upholstery - front ones can be heated and the driver's has 8-way power adjustments and two memory settings. Rear seats get really generous legroom. You sit up high and enjoy the excellent all-round visibility aided when approaching roundabouts by the side mirrors being placed onto the door panels giving a really open field of view. A large sunroof allows extra light in.
Keeping sunshine out when needed were two sun visor extension plates that prevented glare through the gap between the edges of the sun visors and the rear view mirror.
The Starlink infotainment system allows you access the audio system, make phone calls and set the sat nav and a big touchscreen proved user-friendly; there's also a multi-info display in the instrument panel that gives all the details of your trip including how many kms are left to empty.
The 505 litre wide boot takes four large suit cases or bulky adventure gear and is expandable to 1,557 litres when the rear seats are folded. A power tailgate, wider door openings and lower side sills can all help you load and unload with ease (standard on Premium versions only as was my car). The boot floor had a removable, rubber mat for easy cleaning. Below the floor is a divided compartment area and a temporary spare. You can change how high the tailgate opens with the memory height button on the driver's side of the dash.
I appreciated how well this car drives on-road and the responsive feel you get from the steering wheel and even if you don't take it off-road, the AWD is very reassuring when driving in wintery conditions. Driving modes are Sport Sharp, Sport and Intelligent Mode.
Forester has been awarded the maximum five-star safety rating from Euro NCAP and comes with Subaru's extended five year, 160,000km warranty.
