The high performance choice also displaces 2.5 liters within its four cylinders but those cylinders are force fed by a turbocharger pulling air through an intercooler, resulting in 224 horsepower and 226 pound-feet of torque. While the non-turbo engine is more than task-ready at any given time, the turbocharged powerplant is nothing short of exhilarating when called to duty.
At present, the turbocharged powerhouse is only obtainable with a 4-speed automatic transmission equipped with Subaru's 'Sportshift,' electronic manual mode shifting. In place of the aforementioned autobox, the base engine can be secured to a 5-speed manual gearbox featuring 'Hill Holder' assist.
Improved ride and engine refinement
Within a block of driving, it was quite apparent that much had been done to improve the Forester's operational refinement. Any vestige of coarseness has been laid to rest, especially when equipped with the automatic transmission. Engine harmonics have become more consistent with premium-level vehicles rather than econo-boxes.
Ride quality has moved up several notches as well. Along with effectively absorbing the roughness that ulcerates typical city streets, the Forester filters-out road and wind noises that afflict many compact SUV-crossovers, making this buggy's cabin a pleasurable locale from which to behold the passing scenery.
Off road capability not compromised by refinement
I was shocked. Shocked that the Subaru team had the nerve and confidence (or should that be reckless abandon) to encourage journalists to hammer the Forester up some of the steepest and rockiest - not to mention perilous - trails to be found in Southern California.
With basic tires and without low-range gearing, the Forester chewed its way to each summit I pointed its nose toward. Subaru's AWD system is very robust for this class of vehicle. The new Forester also boasts 'best in class' ground clearance.
Active and passive safety made standard
All Foresters come equipped with a vehicle stability program and traction control as standard equipment, along with antilock disc brakes, electronic brake-force distribution and Brake Assist. Most notable though is the presence of side impact airbags and side curtain airbags with rollover protection as standard equipment.
Goal met
In the Forester's rebirth, Subaru's goal was to enhance the vehicle's SUV characteristics in an effort to meet the needs of an "active lifestyle." Goal met. In doing so, they also took the Forester upscale and uptown.
The new Forester should hit dealer showrooms sometime in April. Pricing is TBA but not expected to be disappointing.
photo:Rob Rothwell
At present, the turbocharged powerhouse is only obtainable with a 4-speed automatic transmission equipped with Subaru's 'Sportshift,' electronic manual mode shifting. In place of the aforementioned autobox, the base engine can be secured to a 5-speed manual gearbox featuring 'Hill Holder' assist.
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| With basic tires and without low-range gearing, the Forester chewed its way to each summit. |
Improved ride and engine refinement
Within a block of driving, it was quite apparent that much had been done to improve the Forester's operational refinement. Any vestige of coarseness has been laid to rest, especially when equipped with the automatic transmission. Engine harmonics have become more consistent with premium-level vehicles rather than econo-boxes.
Ride quality has moved up several notches as well. Along with effectively absorbing the roughness that ulcerates typical city streets, the Forester filters-out road and wind noises that afflict many compact SUV-crossovers, making this buggy's cabin a pleasurable locale from which to behold the passing scenery.
Off road capability not compromised by refinement
I was shocked. Shocked that the Subaru team had the nerve and confidence (or should that be reckless abandon) to encourage journalists to hammer the Forester up some of the steepest and rockiest - not to mention perilous - trails to be found in Southern California.
With basic tires and without low-range gearing, the Forester chewed its way to each summit I pointed its nose toward. Subaru's AWD system is very robust for this class of vehicle. The new Forester also boasts 'best in class' ground clearance.
Active and passive safety made standard
All Foresters come equipped with a vehicle stability program and traction control as standard equipment, along with antilock disc brakes, electronic brake-force distribution and Brake Assist. Most notable though is the presence of side impact airbags and side curtain airbags with rollover protection as standard equipment.
Goal met
In the Forester's rebirth, Subaru's goal was to enhance the vehicle's SUV characteristics in an effort to meet the needs of an "active lifestyle." Goal met. In doing so, they also took the Forester upscale and uptown.
The new Forester should hit dealer showrooms sometime in April. Pricing is TBA but not expected to be disappointing.
photo:Rob Rothwell
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