Test drive: Subaru Forester 2.0X
Test Drive

Test drive: Subaru Forester 2.0X

Although not a model, he is practical, full of self-confidence and with a fantastic 4x4 drive, very capable. Subaru expects a lot from the new Forester because it has given it a more elegant and powerful design that rarely goes unnoticed. Add to this the extraordinary and safe road behavior, charisma and extraordinary pride that is in every Subaru car ...

We tested: Subaru Forester 2.0X - Car shop

The Old Forester was a boxy, not particularly handsome, elevated wagon. The new one is more like an SUV, more elegant, smoother and rounder. Compared to its predecessor, it has grown in all directions. The fenders are thrown out more in order to increase aggression, and the front and rear bumpers are much more attractive than their predecessors. The headlight group has a split section for high and low beam headlights, and turn signals are installed on the sides of the headlights. The front bumper is made in a combination of matte and lacquered surfaces, and only the lower part around the fog lights is made of black plastic. The sills and the lower part of the bumper are made of the same material, in full width. The tail light clusters are cleverly integrated into the rear sides, with the rear fog light mounted in the left beam and the tail light mounted in the right. In general, the new Forester looks fresh and modern, but at the same time very recognizable and original, which is what Subaru buyers expect. Vladan Petrovich, our six-time and current rally champion, was also pleasantly surprised by the design of the new Forester: “I can say that the new Forester is an apology for the look of the old model. The car looks very attractive and recognizable, which means Subaru stays true to its car design philosophy.”

We tested: Subaru Forester 2.0X - Car shop

As we've noted, the next-generation Forester has grown in all directions. In addition to the increased wheelbase, the height (+85 mm), width (+45 mm) and length (+75 mm) have also increased. This brought more rear-seat space, which was often criticized by the previous generation. The rear seats have been redesigned, and passengers are now more clearly marked for the seat and lumbar section, making driving more comfortable. Both the driver and front passenger were satisfied with the previous generation Forester. The new generation boasts larger front seats and more elbow room for the driver and front passenger, as well as more knee room. As for the cab, the design is "borrowed" from the Impreza model with minimal changes and adjusted to the dimensions of the car.

We tested: Subaru Forester 2.0X - Car shop

It's a Subaru and it's expected to print driving performance in all caps. Vladan Petrovich also confirmed to us that the Forester does this: “The body is very clear, with a lot of light, which I especially like. The steering wheel is perfectly balanced and the shifter is precise and light. I note that Subaru improves the quality of the interior, but the quality of materials still lags behind its German competitors. The plastic is still hard, but high quality and well packaged. Finishing at the highest level. When it comes to organizing space, Subaru has always been good at this, so it's the same now. Everything happens where we expect it and it doesn't take time to adjust to this car. The small three-spoke steering wheel deserves special praise, which sometimes resembles the Imreza WRX STi's "workplace". The last "station" in the interior was the trunk, which increased by 63 liters compared to the previous generation to a solid 450 liters. The rear seat backs can be folded down, and then you get a volume of 1610 liters. On the left side of the trunk there is a 12V power connector, and in the trunk floor there is a spare wheel with related equipment. However, we did not linger in the trunk, because the state champion carefully closed the door and briefly, in rally style, commented: “What a difference in liters. This is Subaru." And immediately got behind the wheel.

We tested: Subaru Forester 2.0X - Car shop

After turning the key, the low-mounted boxer growled, indicating that you are sitting in a Subaru car. The 2-liter engine does not scatter with power (150 hp), but it is enough to start a car weighing 1.475 kilograms from zero to 100 km / h in 11 seconds. “The paper data may not be impressive, but the Forester can be very lively ... However, if we want to use all the horsepower, we have to "spin" the engine at higher rpm, which is a feature of the boxer engine concept. Let's not forget that Subaru cars also have permanent all-wheel drive, which makes the engine work much more difficult. But for the more demanding, there are turbocharged engines that will satisfy those who expect a little more from a car, with all the benefits that Subaru AWD offers. ” Excellent four-wheel drive has left its mark on the consumption of this gasoline engine. During testing, we covered about 700 kilometers and recorded the expected fuel consumption of a Subaru of this concept. When driving around town, the Forester 2.0X consumed about 11 liters of gasoline per 100 kilometers, while in open traffic it consumed about 7 liters / 100 km. During operation on the highway, the consumption was about 8 l / 100 km. Considering the car's weight, permanent four-wheel drive and higher aerodynamic drag, we find this to be a satisfactory result.

We tested: Subaru Forester 2.0X - Car shop

The new Subaru Forester is "softer" than its predecessor. When we add to that the fact that it is 100 millimeters taller, we expect the curves to slope more. “Yes, the new Forester is much softer than the old one, and the lean in corners is more noticeable at higher altitudes. But everything was done very deliberately.” Petrovich explains. “Many years of experience in rally competitions has found its expression. Even the Forester can be driven in rally style. You can get the rear end whenever you want, but that only adds to the fun of driving this car. In fact, with the Forester it's all up to the driver. If you want a comfortable and smooth cruising, Forster will afford it whenever possible, and if you want to drive aggressively, the car will allow you to control the skid. The Forster is very friendly and it's amazing for a car of this concept that you can play with it however you want, all with a high degree of safety. I think this suspension concept easily supports more powerful turbo engines. Because, despite the high height, let's not forget that the boxer engine is mounted very low, which gives more freedom when driving and a more precise trajectory when cornering. – concludes our national rally champion.

We tested: Subaru Forester 2.0X - Car shop

The comfort of the heavier generation Subaru Forester, as well as roominess, is at the highest level. Rear passengers will not push the front seat backs with their knees, regardless of their height. With regard to driving comfort, we have already noted that the new model is "trimmed" softer than its predecessor, which will especially please the rear passengers. The Forester will “ignore” even the biggest potholes as the passenger compartment remains completely motionless. With its large wheelbase, lateral irregularities are also an easy task for this machine. As our only driving complaint, we have to point out a lot of wind noise at high speeds because the car is tall and the mirrors are large.

We tested: Subaru Forester 2.0X - Car shop

Although few people think about the capabilities of this car in off-road conditions, we will answer this question as well. Modestly. Although it left a good impression on the rough, gravel tracks, with the symmetrical all-wheel drive rushing forward confidently, the first major hurdle proved insurmountable. A relatively small "clearance" did not allow to overcome rocky passes, and climbing with large climbs on muddy ground was limited to tires that did not have "off-road" characteristics. “This is not an SUV that can go where no man has gone before. Therefore, the behavior on the pavement deserves praise. So here the 4×4 drive serves more for safety than heavy off-road use. After all, statistics show that more than 90% of this type of car owners will not go to the Dakar Rally and that the biggest obstacles that have to be overcome when climbing high curbs and driving on ruined asphalt roads are full of potholes of considerable size, and this is what where Subaru feels like a fish in water. I would especially commend the traditional downshift, which helps a lot during extreme climbing. Even when there are more people in the car, the Forester gets out of the car with ease, even on the steepest hills.” Petrovich notes.

The standard equipment of the Subaru Forester is very generous and includes most of the details an average driver needs (if a Subaru driver can be average at all). Therefore, the 21.690 € price that is worth setting aside for the cheapest Forester version seems quite reasonable. Because the buyer receives a vehicle with a high level of practicality and roominess, which behaves in an unusual and safe way on the road, as well as with charisma and unusual pride inherent in every Subaru car.

We tested: Subaru Forester 2.0X - Car shop

Driving the third generation Subaru Forester, we were pleasantly surprised by the work of GARMIN. navigation device marked Nüvi 255w. In Serbia, the system worked very accurately, which is what we expected from GARMIN, and the names of the smallest places, as well as the intersections of the main roads with side roads, could be read on the wide screen of the device. The accuracy of the device and the map is sufficiently evidenced by the fact that even at the maximum magnification, the arrow showing our position was always on the line indicating the road. The GARMIN also deserves credit for the visibility and contrast of the screen, because we could easily monitor our position even in the hottest sun. 

Video test drive: Subaru Forester 2.0X

Test - Review Subaru Forester SG5 2.0 XT

Add a comment