Subaru Forester: Urban Fighter

21 June 2016 Redazione News, Tested

Words by Alessandro Marrone

Photos by Giorgia Rossi

For me, Subaru has always and only meant Impreza STI. But in the list of the brand of the Pleiades there are other things too, and so when I had the opportunity to test drive the new Forester, I gladly accepted. Now tell me how many of you, at this very moment, thought to the first series of the Forester, the one that has also offered the STI version for the Japanese market, and that unfortunately never reached over here in Europe!? You’re not alone, trust me. The latest generation Forester has undergone a slight facelift, especially seen in the front headlight, now more angular, while the rest looks like a hybrid between a small SUV and an off-roader that does not disdain good paved roads. The risk of making a mistake, trying to keep a foot in both camps is therefore at the corner, but I take off immediately all doubts, confirming that the Forester is a true warrior who is not afraid of any obstacles.
My test lasted for about three weeks, in which I have walked every kind of possible road. Motorway? Done. City centre? Done. Off-road? Done. This Subaru even accompanied us on track at Varano, hosting two photographers in the trunk, while they were shooting a Lamborghini Gallardo GT3 puffing and smoking its tires at each corner exit. An all-rounder, who thanks to its 2.0cc 4-cylinder boxer manages to extricate itself in any situation and never make you have any regret. Of course the 150hp are not many for any noticeable performance, but the weight is pretty restrained (1502kg), despite the permanent all-wheel drive system – the clever Subaru symmetrical AWD – and the large roominess both inside and back for the luggage. In front you sit comfortable, behind too and there is also place for the dog and for the complete luggage of the whole family, consumption is surprisingly good (I scored an overall average of about 7,5l/100km) and the ride comfort is of a superior SUV. It also has a good handling in traffic where you do not accuse any kind of excessive clutter, while the Lineartronic transmission, a continuously variable system, is not very intuitive and tends to keep too revved the engine, especially when accelerating. Fortunately you won’t drive the Forester as you would with an STI, then the gearbox argument can be safely digest – of little use the plastic paddle behind the steering wheel, since you only have “virtual” ratios to browse from. Surpassed the astonishment for the absence of the navigation system, we brought the Forester on the Passo della Cisa, where going up and down we tested its most sporty spirit, noting that it has maintained the excellent cornering of its progenitor, and that body roll is minimum, not caring about its discrete ground clearance. Please excuse me, I understand that it seems a list of endless facts, but having thoroughly tested it, I want to give space to pretty much everything and I believe that each input can be useful to those of you who are seriously contemplating the purchase.
Did I told you of how slow the automatic tailgate is? One of the slowest in the world – you would even have time to get back in the house, check if you have closed the gas valve and come back to your car, and it is probably approaching to end the complete opening. But these are details, what matters is rather the ability to tackle rough terrain and in this case the Forester has amply demonstrated to know how to behave like an off-roader, thanks to the X-Mode, that uphill prevents wheelspin, while downhill handles brakes and gearbox, making you forget the pedals. The short wheelbase and the good ground clearance let it handle even rough terrain, until you get to your favorite picnic area, turn off the engine (with keyless ignition) and enjoy a day surrounded by nature. Half an hour later you will be ready to digest your sandwich on the highway, and then come back home braving the worst rush hour in the city center. The new Forester has retained the strengths of the previous models, improving most of the finishings (only some plastics seem a bit ‘outdated) and showing itself useful in any situation. A true urban fighter, who has not even complained, while on gravel and with traction control switched off, I pretended to be behind the wheel of an STI.

SUBARU FORESTER 2.0i CVT (2015-)

Layout   –  front-engined, all-wheel-drive

Engine  –  4 cylinder boxer- 1995cc – turbo

Transmission  –  Continuously Variable Transmission

Power  –  150 hp @ 6200 rpm

                      198 Nm @ 4200 rpm

Weight  –  1502 kg

Acceleration  –  11,8 sec.

Top Speed  –  192 kph

Price  –  from 31.990 €