Subaru Forester Review

Rating

Quick Summary

Average. The quirky old Forester was a bit of a cult classic - especially the raucous 2.5-litre turbo version - but the Forester's now gone all sensible.

Road Test

They've replaced the old jacked-up estate car - the choice of many a land owner for charging around country estates - with this more conventional looking SUV. In fact, the new Forester is really a soft-roader. Perhaps that's no surprise, given how popular the pseudo 4x4 segment of the market has become in recent years. The only problem is it's now a direct rival for established contenders like Honda's CR-V, Toyota's RAV-4 and the Land Rover Freelander. So how does the Forester stack up in this company?

Well it's appealingly priced for a start, with on the road costs beginning well below the rivals we've mentioned. It's also roomy inside, so it's still a very functional machine, if not as utilitarian as its predecessor. Subaru has equipped it generously too, with climate control and cruise control standard on all models.

There are only two engine choices - a 150 bhp petrol and a 147 bhp diesel - the traditional turbocharged petrol is no more, alas. Most people go for the diesel, which shows how sensible the Forester has become. It's a definite contender for the Caravan Club's car of the year...

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