The new Forester: Ah, that takes me back.
While Subaru’s most popular model has taken up with the hybrid age, changes are mostly cosmetic, including cabin layouts that have not changed much over the past four years, no impediment to the many Forester fans, of which there are many.
Needless to say, there is an impressive list of standard equipment in the Forester, right down to the bargain basement. Things such as Subaru Intelligent Drive (Intelligent and Sport modes), X-Mode with hill descent, front cornering lamps and steering responsive headlights, dual zone air-con, six-speaker audio and EyeSight Driver Assist are on hand depending on the model.
Prices start at $43,490 for the entry-level Forester and includes seven variants, four petrol only and three hybrids, featuring Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive sending constant traction to all four wheels.
A Touring variant, the test vehicle, comes in at $50,990, while the range is topped off by the Forester Hybrid Touring at $55,990. Additions include gloss black radiator grille, leather and suede upholstery and 10-speaker sound system.
Making a debut in the new Forester is Subaru’s next generation Hybrid e-Boxer system mating a 2.5-litre horizontally opposed ICE with 90kW electric motor and 1.1kWh battery, giving the vehicle a claimed range of more than 1000km on a full tank.
Forester petrol and hybrid models are covered by Subaru’s five-year unlimited kilometre warranty and 12 months roadside assist.
STYLING
Subaru says the new SUV shows off a ‘bold evolution’ in Forester design that’s wider, more athletic and purpose-built for Australian conditions, with C-shaped LED headlamps, incorporating LED daytime running lights and cornering lamps for better visibility at intersections.
While aerodynamics was a major consideration in shaping the vehicle – sleeker door mirrors mounted lower, for example – there’s still more than a nod to the original rugged SUV shape.
All models have 18- or 19-inch alloy wheels, depending on the grade. The Touring rolls on the latter and is singled out for gloss black front grille, front and rear bumper accents, plus side mirrors and low-profile roof rails.
Every Forester sports an aluminium bonnet – reducing weight but adding strength with a view to enhancing pedestrian protection – while maintaining a solid SUV identity.
INTERIOR
Seating has come in for particular attention, with Subaru engineers working with anatomy experts to develop better support for the lower back and hips, helping keep the spine aligned and reduce tiredness on long journeys.
Seat rails are mounted directly on to the chassis to minimise sway and absorb vibration giving a smoother ride, while safety is enhanced by a new side bolster design that helps reduce whiplash in a collision.
The Touring takes up leather and suede upholstery in black or brown with brown interior stitching and heated and ventilated front seats.
INFOTAINMENT
Inside, the Forester has been revamped to lift comfort, connectivity and cabin refinement. At the centre of the dash is an 11.6-inch full-HD infotainment touchscreen, designed for ease of use for wireless Apple CarPlay and wired and wireless Android Auto.
An on-screen digital multi-function display and a second information screen are positioned to reduce driver distraction. Below is a wireless phone charge pad.
Front and rear USB ports include high-output USB-A and USB-C connections for faster charging. Front ports offer convenient access for both device connectivity and power delivery, with rear ports enabling passenger charging, keeping tablets and smartphones powered up and ready throughout longer journeys.
The 10-speaker Harman/Kardon sound system with subwoofer supplies audio of a standard far beyond that expected in a mid-range market vehicle.
ENGINES/TRANSMISSIONS
Petrol-only Foresters are powered by Subaru’s tried-and-true 2.5-litre Boxer engine developed for improved reliability and response with less noise, vibration and harshness.
Petrol-powered models feature Subaru’s latest-generation Lineartronic CVT, re-tuned for sharper performance and improved efficiency. A broader gear ratio range (now 8.1, up from 7.0) allows for stronger take-off acceleration and more relaxed highway cruising. Lower first and reverse gears aid hill climbing – even in reverse – while a new eight-speed manual mode enhances driver engagement.
This CVT is paired with Subaru’s updated Active Torque Split AWD system, which dynamically adjusts torque distribution – optimised to the vehicle’s weight balance – to deliver better steering response and more confident handling across varying surfaces.
SAFETY
One thing that has changed dramatically over the years since the first Forester made landfall Down Under is protection of passengers and pedestrians. For a start, new-generation vehicles, across the board, are fitted with nine airbags, including far-side and front passenger cushion.
Latest generation EyeSight Driver Assist technology is standard across the range.
Featured are a new wide-angle monocular camera displaying a wider field of view, and the new emergency driving stop system, Subaru vision assist, and driver monitoring.
Active systems include adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking (front and rear), active torque vectoring, autonomous emergency steering and blind spot monitoring.
The above is backed by emergency lane-keep assist, front side radar, lane centring, lane change and lane-keep assist.
Slow manoeuvres, including parking, is helped by rear cross-traffic alert, rear parking sensors, while traffic sign recognition and tyre pressure monitoring play their part in safe driving.
DRIVING
The 2.5-litre petrol engine produces 136kW of power at 5800rpm and 247Nm of torque at 3700rpm, its broad, flat torque curve ensuring smooth acceleration and strong performance across a wide range of driving conditions, particularly when overtaking or carrying a full load.
A broader gear ratio range (now 8.1, up from 7.0) allows for stronger take-off acceleration and more relaxed highway cruising. Lower first and reverse gears aid hill climbing – even in reverse – while a new eight-speed manual mode enhances driver engagement.
This CVT is paired with Subaru’s updated Active Torque Split AWD system, which dynamically adjusts torque distribution – optimised to the vehicle’s weight balance – to deliver better steering response and more confident handling across varying surfaces.
Subaru rates Forester Touring fuel consumption at 7.9 litres per 100km on the combined urban/highway cycle with 180g/km carbon dioxide emissions. The test Touring recorded a tad over 10 litres per 100km around city and suburbs and less than six litres per 100 kilometres at motorway speeds.
Enhanced cabin insulation and vibration damping have reduced interior noise, while 360-degree Surround View Monitor has increased visibility and hence a pleasing on- and off-road driving experience.
And with Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system, enhanced Australian suspension tuning, plus 220mm ground clearance, the Forester Touring is purpose built for local on- and off-road conditions.
SUMMARY
No worries, the New Age Subaru Forester still has its SUV chops.
RATINGS
Looks – 6
Performance – 7
Safety – 8
Thirst – 6
Practicality – 7
Comfort – 6
Tech – 7
Value – 8
