It just nails things on visibility, too. Without the trendy rising rear beltline at work here, designers have specified tall windows all around and enabled a clear view outwards in any direction. Headlights are fantastic at night, and the quick, light steering and small turning circle makes parking lot duties a cinch.
There's adequate room in the cargo area, which itself is kitted with a power outlet and cargo cover. Entry and exit up front requires little more than a sideways shift into your seat, and the view of the road ahead is a commanding one. Seating will accommodate a full grown family of five as required, too.
The underlying functional aspects of the Forester's newly enlarged interior will likely impress many shoppers.
Comprehensive safety
The safety aspect may do the same thing. An advanced selection of protective hardware and a Top Safety Pick designation from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) provide top levels of peace of mind.
Of course, with symmetrical AWD is on board, engine power is continually, automatically and seamlessly delivered to all four wheels in a manner ideal for any situation. A set of aggressive Pirelli winter tires installed to the tester, and traction was never an issue.
Set up as such, travels are confidfent, no matter the weather. In fact, the pleasant interior and stable, all wheel drive handling can make wintertime voyages surprisingly enjoyable.
A no-surprises powertrain
There's nothing surprising under the hood- just the same 2.5 liter boxer four cylinder that powers most every other Subaru in its basic form. It delivers 170 horsepower with reasonable smoothness, and low-end torque is notable.
The engine is a proven one that shows the long-term benefits of leaving 'well enough' alone. It doesn't seek to set standards with its sound or smoothness, though it is reasonably punchy, pleasant and decent on fuel. Mileage averaged about 12.5 L /100km during 4 days of extremely cold-weather driving.
The engine's an ideal match for the Forester's intentions, though the five-speed manual would help to make the best of the available power as opposed to the old-school four-speed automatic. It's only when loaded up with a full complement of passengers and cargo that the Forester really starts to feel winded, though it can be had in a turbocharged 'XT' model as well.
There are flashier, fancier and more powerful machines in the marketplace, though with Forester's proven safety, utility and drivetrain, it remains a desirable pick.
photo:Justin Pritchard, Philippe Champoux, Matthieu Lambert
There's adequate room in the cargo area, which itself is kitted with a power outlet and cargo cover. Entry and exit up front requires little more than a sideways shift into your seat, and the view of the road ahead is a commanding one. Seating will accommodate a full grown family of five as required, too.
The underlying functional aspects of the Forester's newly enlarged interior will likely impress many shoppers.
 |
| The 60/40-split flat-folding rear seats create additional storage space. |
Comprehensive safety
The safety aspect may do the same thing. An advanced selection of protective hardware and a Top Safety Pick designation from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) provide top levels of peace of mind.
Of course, with symmetrical AWD is on board, engine power is continually, automatically and seamlessly delivered to all four wheels in a manner ideal for any situation. A set of aggressive Pirelli winter tires installed to the tester, and traction was never an issue.
Set up as such, travels are confidfent, no matter the weather. In fact, the pleasant interior and stable, all wheel drive handling can make wintertime voyages surprisingly enjoyable.
A no-surprises powertrain
There's nothing surprising under the hood- just the same 2.5 liter boxer four cylinder that powers most every other Subaru in its basic form. It delivers 170 horsepower with reasonable smoothness, and low-end torque is notable.
The engine is a proven one that shows the long-term benefits of leaving 'well enough' alone. It doesn't seek to set standards with its sound or smoothness, though it is reasonably punchy, pleasant and decent on fuel. Mileage averaged about 12.5 L /100km during 4 days of extremely cold-weather driving.
The engine's an ideal match for the Forester's intentions, though the five-speed manual would help to make the best of the available power as opposed to the old-school four-speed automatic. It's only when loaded up with a full complement of passengers and cargo that the Forester really starts to feel winded, though it can be had in a turbocharged 'XT' model as well.
There are flashier, fancier and more powerful machines in the marketplace, though with Forester's proven safety, utility and drivetrain, it remains a desirable pick.
photo:Justin Pritchard, Philippe Champoux, Matthieu Lambert
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