Test drive Subaru Forester 2.0D Lineartronic: smooth operator

Subaru's tech surprises were never uncommon, but this time the Japanese engineers have outdone themselves.

Thanks to the technological progress of the last decades, car manufacturers now have the opportunity to choose between different designs and operation of transmissions and optimally adapt them to the nature of their products - some companies prefer dual clutch mechanisms, while others remain true. classic automatic with torque converter. The fact that there are fewer supporters of variator mechanisms than others has its own explanation. Unlike small and compact models that can take full advantage of the smooth shifting and efficiency of CVT mechanisms, the high torques of powerful engines in larger vehicles, including SUV models, create serious problems with the operation, control and reliability of this type of mechanism. Subaru is known for its penchant for original and rarely used technology solutions, and from this point of view, the use of continuously variable automatic transmissions is strategic. The Japanese company works closely with Luk specialists, and after the successful application of Lineartronic in the Subaru Forester petrol range, engineers managed to control the high torque of 350 Nm in the diesel boxer and petrol XT-Turbo, creating a special HT. ("High Torque") version with a modified circuit, CVT wheels and modified control electronics.

End of the "rubber band"

The impact of their efforts on the Subaru Forester 2.0D Lineartronic powertrain is as impressive as it is unique to the Subaru brand. Thanks to intelligent control that monitors the position of the accelerator pedal and changes the Lineartronic operating mode from the classic smooth (pedal deviation below 65%) to almost seven-speed in the style of classic automatic mechanisms, the unpleasant effect of "elasticity" is completely eliminated - there is no annoying noise from an unnatural discrepancy between the increase in speed and increase in speed when accelerating, and the driver has the feeling of driving a car with a classic automatic or a well-tuned DSG. At the same time, the transmission has retained its efficiency (consumption is only 0,4 l / 100 km higher than the version with a six-speed manual transmission), and the driver has the opportunity to switch to a manual transmission at any time seven gears from belts to the steering wheel .

Boxer with 147 hp has also undergone major upgrades and is already Euro 6 compliant thanks to the reduced amount of nitrogen oxides through the use of a low pressure exhaust gas recirculation system. The design features of the machine allow achieving an extremely low center of gravity and, together with the Subaru Forester dual transmission system, ensure optimal weight distribution and traction on the wheels of both axles. The automatic X Mode off-road mode is in perfect harmony with the new transmission, and its activation with a button in front of the gear lever allows amateurs to successfully cope with difficulties on rough terrain.

A good balance of asphalt and off-road behavior makes a good impression - body vibrations typical of an SUV in high-speed corners are minimized, and comfort when slowly passing through large and uneven bumps remains at a more than decent level.

The absence of most of the modern electronic driver assistance systems Subaru Forester makes up for with a clear and carefully executed interior space with excellent space in all places, a spacious trunk and rich equipment. The quality of the materials used makes a good impression on a vehicle of this class, and the center display with a diagonal of 7 inches allows convenient operation of the infotainment system with the possibility of integrating smartphone applications.

CONCLUSION

The exotic Subaru Forester 2.0D Lineartronic powertrain combination produces extremely good results that will surprise even the fiercest CVT opponents. Along with good driving dynamics and the brand's notorious off-road competence, the Japanese have managed to create a model with excellent driving comfort, which matches well with the nature of the drivetrain and has the cost advantages of modern diesel.

Text: Miroslav Nikolov

Photos: Subaru

2020-08-29