Pricey but Enjoyable Compact SUV
Built exclusively for the Canadian market, the Subaru Forester 2.5X Special Edition not only offers its driver sure-footed
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| The Canadian only Subaru Forester 2.5X Special Edition offers a few extra goodies. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, Canadian Auto Press) |
handling, a state-of-the-art all-wheel drive system and a 2.5L, 16-valve, horizontally-opposed four-cylinder boxer engine producing 165 horsepower, but also a few extra goodies, making it an exceptional value - well, at least it's an exceptional value for a Forester. The Special Edition Forester includes a leather-wrapped steering wheel, gear selector and parking brake, a retractable cargo area cover, dual-level heated front seats, plastic rear cargo tray, and my favourite, a massive tinted glass moonroof with sunshade, all for an additional $1,000, making the total price a mere $28,995.
Stepping into a Subaru has always been a treat, with or without all the goodies. From sitting in the finely crafted front bucket seats, to gripping the superbly molded
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| It is the Forester's snow- and rain-dancing abilities that impress me the most. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, Canadian Auto Press) |
steering wheel, to shifting the close-ratio gearbox, the Forester never fails to impress.Speaking of impressions, it is the Forester's snow- and rain-dancing abilities that impress me the most. The electronically controlled multi-plate transfer clutch with symmetrical full-time all-wheel drive works at its best when pushed in inclement weather. Due to the warm winter that the West Coast has "endured", the snow had already melted away, plus there was minimal rain during my test week. Unfortunately, I could not work the 2.5X's magic in the conditions that it is best suited for. But nevertheless, this gave me a chance to see if Subaru's AWD makes any difference in dry conditions.
