Subaru Forester 2.0 XT

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Launched: Subaru Forester 2.0 XT

Wheels Magazine
March, 2008

New looks, new attitude and a brand-new chassis. Yes, folks, it's all change for the Subaru Forester, the crossover SUV that's always been just that little bit left of centre.

Through two generations, the Forester, with boxy wagon looks and Subaru's whirring flat-four and sophisticated all-wheel drive on board, was never going to be mistaken for a CR-V or RAV4. The pace of the Forester XT Turbo only furthered the cult appeal of Subaru's quirky but highly regarded soft roader.

So what now? At first glance, the Forester's suddenly gone all 'normal' on us. After all the controversy with the Impreza, Subaru's clearly played it safe with this grown-up, roomier Mk 3 Forester whose design is unashamedly mainstream.

Subaru's trademark frameless door windows have gone, too. So less individual now, but maybe a wider circle of buyers will consider the Forester.

The new Forester you see here is a Japan-spec 2.0-litre XT Turbo and gives some idea of what Australia's new Forester will be like when it ships Down Under.

Only an idea, mind, seeing as Oz once again will be getting different 2.5-litre naturally-aspirated and turbo boxer engines, both expected to offer sharper low/mid-range torque than the current gen for better response, among other improvements.

We hear Australia's also in line for uprated front suspension and a set of firmer rear dampers. That, plus the more characterful 2.5 engine, should make for a more involving drive than this Japan-spec Forester turbo which seems set up first and foremost for comfort and civility despite the not inconsiderable appeal of 169kW on tap.

Sure, it has good turbo boost over 3000rpm, cruises easily and scores well for refinement but is, at the same time, pretty soft and languid, with vague steering and plenty of body lean. Not exactly Gran Turismo...

It does 'flow' well, though, and would seem a fine long-distance machine. The long-travel suspension masterfully soaks up bumps, on and off-road, the new shell is impressively rigid and braking is first rate. Underneath, of course, this is essentially a reworked Impreza, with the same platform and new multi-link rear suspension (with struts up front).

Inside, the Impreza connection continues - the dashboard is the same, but so, regrettably, are the hard cabin plastics.

Tech-types will note this is the first Forester to get Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) and Liberty-style SI-Drive throttle management. But Forester transmissions, - a four-speed auto or five-speed manual - while workmanlike, are hardly on the cusp of cutting-edge.

The big space gain is especially felt in the back where there's a level of roominess former Foresters can only dream of. Also, the luggage bay is demonstrably wider, deeper and more capacious all round now.

At first sight, the new Forester may be just what the doctor ordered to increase global sales. At same time, much of the former individuality and character has now been watered down. Guess we'll soon know if Subaru's made the right call.

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 » Get the best price on a new Subaru Forester 2.0 XT