How do you rate the Subaru Forester?
How do you rate the Subaru Forester? I wouldn't use the back seats, but I do like comfort and a nippy response.
Pat Lough (Co.donegal)Apr 2015 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Pat,
As luck would have it I have the latest version of the Subaru Forester on test this very week. It's powered by the 148hp 'boxer' diesel engine, which also has 350Nm of torque. Paired with the 'Lineartronic' automatic transmission it's surprisingly responsive. That's a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) and it seems to do a great job of keeping the engine at its optimum operating speeds for a variety of situations. We've not fans of these gearboxes when fitted to petrol engines, but they work well allied to diesel and in the Forester it's a good match.
Officially this Forester 2.0D XC Lineartronic does 0-100km/h in 9.6 seconds, but even at motorway speeds it has plenty of go and it happily cruises above 120km/h.
In terms of comfort, the Forester scores well too. The suspension is quite soft and absorbent so bumps are dispatched with ease and it's relatively quiet on the motorway. The upright seating position is comfortable too.
Shame you don't need the back seats, as they're massively spacious.
Further reading:
Subaru Forester review (2013 manual model)
Shane O' Donoghue - Complete Car Adviser@Shane_O_D