UK: Subaru's All New Forester SUV

Shaped around SUV buyers’ top priorities, the Forester offers a high and commanding driving position; generous interior space and cargo capacity; exterior dimensions that are easily steered through city streets; and ease of entry and exit for adults and children. High ground clearance and All-Wheel Drive provide the all-terrain capabilities that Forester is rightly renowned for.

Subaru engineers have been able to noticeably increase the size of the cabin in the new Forester by expanding the wheelbase and widening the vehicle’s body, while cargo capacity in the new model has also been increased, continuing the Forester tradition for maximum practicality.

The new Forester is 2mm taller than the outgoing model, 15mm wider, and 35mm longer, with a 25mm longer wheelbase – and through clever packaging, there are bigger increases in interior space than external dimensions. The addition of a powered rear tailgate on the highest XT trim level, first in class, further improves the vehicle’s ease of use and functionality.

The new Forester is also an exceptionally safe vehicle and was recently awarded the full five-star Euro NCAP crash safety rating. Subaru’s Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) electronic stability control system has been upgraded for superior stability, while a new Trailer Stability Control also improves safety during towing. Greater use of ultra-high tensile steel reinforces the vehicle, making it exceptionally strong yet light.

All safety equipment is fitted as standard to every model in the Forester range, including twin front, side, curtain and knee airbags, upholding Subaru’s commitment to improving crash safety performance.

Every Forester is equipped with two core Subaru technologies: Symmetrical All-Wheel-Drive, affording surefootedness in all conditions, and the latest generation Boxer engines, contributing to a low centre of gravity which is beneficial to balance, road holding and handling.

The new Subaru Forester is available with the choice of either a new six-speed manual transmission – available on 2.0i and 2.0D models – or an upgraded version of Subaru’s Lineartronic CVT automatic, available as an option on 150ps petrol models and standard on vehicles equipped with the new 240ps DIT engine.

All Lineartronic models also gain paddle shift and a custom driving mode system, Subaru Intelligent Drive (SI-Drive), which allows drivers to choose between different driving modes to match road conditions.

In uneven or slippery road conditions, all-terrain capability is enhanced further with the introduction of X-Mode on Lineartronic CVT models, a new All-Wheel-Drive control system which includes Hill Descent Control and makes traction even better than the outgoing model’s.

In everyday driving conditions, the new Forester’s agility, driving performance and ride quality are all improved over the outgoing model’s through a combination of Subaru’s latest technologies and enhanced chassis and body rigidity.

The Forester, as well as being hugely practical, has been engineered to be fun and engaging to drive, and the vehicle’s fully-independent suspension has been upgraded to improve steering response, traction and ride comfort.

There are six trim levels for buyers to choose from, all with a generous level of standard equipment: XE and XE Premium is available on all naturally-aspirated petrol models; X, XC and XC Premium on all diesel models; and XT, the highest specification, is standard on 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol versions of the new Forester.

All Forester buyers will have the peace-of-mind of a five-year, 100,000 mile warranty, plus a 12-year anti-corrosion guarantee.

Related Article: Subaru Introduces All-New Forester to Singapore

Credits: Oneshift News Team