The new Subaru Forester has arrived on the local market bringing with it improved space, revised styling and innovative technologies.
The new car features a more aggressive visual treatment than that of the current car, with a deeper front apron sporting vertical vents at its outer edges and a more angular headlamp design.
Despite featuring a footprint identical to that of the current model, the new Forester will serve up even more passenger and cargo space thanks to a reduction in the size of the transmission tunnel, raised seating and a more compact centre console. The luggage capacity has increased from 336 to 505 dm3 in models with a manual tailgate (488 dm3 for models with electrically operated tailgates).
There’s a choice of three horizontally opposed engines (a 2,5-litre and a brace of 2,0-litre units – one naturally aspirated and one turbocharged) available in the five-model Forester range.
The entry-level 2,0 X develops 110 kW and 198 N.m and is mated with a six-speed manual gearbox. This model completes the 0-100 km/h sprint in 10,6 seconds and returns an average fuel consumption of 7,2 litres/100 km. Despite its entry-level label, this model still plays host to such features as a multifunction drive display with reversing camera and multifunction steering wheel.
Next up is a 2,5-litre unit producing 126 kW and 235 N.m mated with a CVT transmission. This powertrain setup is spread across X, XS and XS Premium models. The 0-100 km/h sprint takes 9,9 seconds on the way to a 196 km/h top speed and the average fuel consumption is 8,1 litres/100 km.
XS specification ushers in such features as alloy wheels, an electric driver’s seat and xenon headlamps. XS Premium adds such extras such as a panoramic sunroof, leather upholstery, auto lights and wipers, keyless entry and go, and a powered tailgate.
The turbocharged engine in the range-topping 2,0 XT also features a CVT transmission and develops 177 kW and 350 N.m of torque. This unit propels the Forester to 100 km/h from standstill in 7,5 seconds and on to a top speed of 210 km/h. XT specification adds 18-inch alloy wheels and a sports front valance to the aforementioned XS trim.
In addition to X-Mode off-road traction control on CVT-equipped models and 220 mm of ground clearance, the Forester also plays host to a raft of safety features including seven airbags, Isofix child-seat anchors, Vehicle Dynamics Control incorporating ABS, EBD, ESC (electronic stability control), TCS (traction control), LSD (Limited Slip Device) and BA (brake assist). Subaru’s SI-Drive module is also included in the package. It features a two-stage drivetrain management system on the 2,0 X and 2,5-litre models, while the 2,0 XT gets a three-stage system. As ever, all of the Forester models are underpinned by Subaru’s symmetrical all-wheel-drive system.
The new Forester comes with a three-year/75 000 km maintenance plan and a three-year/100 000 km warranty.
Pricing:
2,0 X: R329 000
2,5 X CVT: R359 000
2,5 XS CVT: R389 000
2,5 XS Premium CVT: R429 000
2,0 XT CVT: R529 000