The compact SUV segment is one of the fastest growing in the market. And with the bulging pie size, it is natural that carmakers are vying to get a bigger share.
From a consumer's point of view, this means a wider spread of choices and marques bettering their offers to woo our minds and wallets. Locally, we have had our fair share of these cars, ranging from the Korean's Sportage to the German's X3 and Tiguan. The largest lineup, without surprise, is from the Japanese, with the RAV4, CX-5 and CRV fording the frontier in the breed.
Currently in its fourth incarnation, the Forester is no newbie to the market.
The earlier examples were more car-like than rough-n-tough SUV. In fact, the first two generations inherited much of its styling cues from a wagon, albeit with a slightly taller seating point and ground clearance. The blend of characteristics - with its sought after utility and purposeful stance - made the Forester an easy car to live with.
Exterior
Most car models 'grow' with every new generation, and the Forester is no exception. Handsomely upsized, the latest model portrays a greater presence - credits going to its more squarish overalls, which are further highlighted by the angular bumpers.
From a consumer's point of view, this means a wider spread of choices and marques bettering their offers to woo our minds and wallets. Locally, we have had our fair share of these cars, ranging from the Korean's Sportage to the German's X3 and Tiguan. The largest lineup, without surprise, is from the Japanese, with the RAV4, CX-5 and CRV fording the frontier in the breed.
Currently in its fourth incarnation, the Forester is no newbie to the market.
The earlier examples were more car-like than rough-n-tough SUV. In fact, the first two generations inherited much of its styling cues from a wagon, albeit with a slightly taller seating point and ground clearance. The blend of characteristics - with its sought after utility and purposeful stance - made the Forester an easy car to live with.
Exterior
Most car models 'grow' with every new generation, and the Forester is no exception. Handsomely upsized, the latest model portrays a greater presence - credits going to its more squarish overalls, which are further highlighted by the angular bumpers.
The first thing that caught our eyes is the horizontal slits running down each side of the bumper. It somehow doesn't create a tasteful first impression when viewed up close.
The rump, though, remain largely reminiscent of its forebearer. The vertically placed taillamp allows for a big boot aperture, with matt black underbody treatment giving a better sense of utility.
Still, the Forester will feel better at home among concrete pillars than in the wilderness of the woods. The body-coloured wheel arched and bumpers are good hints of its urban role, giving rise to a civilised look that should appeal to our city-goers.
The rump, though, remain largely reminiscent of its forebearer. The vertically placed taillamp allows for a big boot aperture, with matt black underbody treatment giving a better sense of utility.
Still, the Forester will feel better at home among concrete pillars than in the wilderness of the woods. The body-coloured wheel arched and bumpers are good hints of its urban role, giving rise to a civilised look that should appeal to our city-goers.
Interior
The latest Forester adopts a similar general layout as with the previous model. That said, it does feel like the people responsible for putting the car together has paid more attention - both in the use of materials as well as intrinsic details.
For instance, we love what the designers did with the black insets with brushed finish, adding a subtle but premium touch to the console. The aluminium pedals too adds a sporty feel to the cabin experience.
The latest Forester adopts a similar general layout as with the previous model. That said, it does feel like the people responsible for putting the car together has paid more attention - both in the use of materials as well as intrinsic details.
For instance, we love what the designers did with the black insets with brushed finish, adding a subtle but premium touch to the console. The aluminium pedals too adds a sporty feel to the cabin experience.
There is also clever use of spaces available. Cubby holes are large enough for personal items such as handphones and wallets. USB and audio sockets are also within easy reach. What could be lacking is a centre infotainment function. Drivers may too find the mult-function display too small for ease of reading.
In terms of space, all quarters in the Forester enjoy generous allowances, particularly in the leg and head areas. While the car is generally comfortable for point A to B commutes, we reckon the relatively flat rear seats could do with better support.
In terms of space, all quarters in the Forester enjoy generous allowances, particularly in the leg and head areas. While the car is generally comfortable for point A to B commutes, we reckon the relatively flat rear seats could do with better support.
The Drive
The Forester is easier to pilot than the size may suggest. The steering feel is decent, with a good balance of weight and directness. The good all round visibility deserves part credit - bestowed by the larger greenhouse and further helped by the taller stance.
That said, seating position isn't as tall as what one will expect of an SUV of this height. Rather, one seats closer to the ground which frees up the large headroom.
In XT guise, the Forester adopts turbocharging to dose out 237 horses from the 2.0-litre flat-four unit - compared to 148bhp from the naturally aspirated variants. Without doubt, that makes the drive more exciting and desirable.
Coupled with the CVT transmission, the Forester is capable to whip up a flavourful blend of smooth, and almost lag-free acceleration.
The Forester is easier to pilot than the size may suggest. The steering feel is decent, with a good balance of weight and directness. The good all round visibility deserves part credit - bestowed by the larger greenhouse and further helped by the taller stance.
That said, seating position isn't as tall as what one will expect of an SUV of this height. Rather, one seats closer to the ground which frees up the large headroom.
In XT guise, the Forester adopts turbocharging to dose out 237 horses from the 2.0-litre flat-four unit - compared to 148bhp from the naturally aspirated variants. Without doubt, that makes the drive more exciting and desirable.
Coupled with the CVT transmission, the Forester is capable to whip up a flavourful blend of smooth, and almost lag-free acceleration.
In Sport Sharp (activated by depressing the S# button on the steering), the CVT goes into a preset mode with up to eight gear ratios to play with, sprucing up the driving involvement which is usually absent in CVT boxes. The engine also feels more responsive to jabs at the gas pedal.
Turbocharging, however, may have taken a toll on the Forester's fuel economy. During our time with the car, we achieved a figure of 9km/L, which is a wee bit off the 10.2km/L from the recently launched RAV4.
Conclusion
With the Forester, Subaru has put on a strong suit of armour to fend off invading challenges from fellow Japanese and German arch rivals. The delightful drive, naturally, is something worth mentioning about.
What is also commendable about the new car is about how wholesome the package is. The lineup of accessories (such as sunroof) and tech gizmos (Active torque split 4WD) make it a compelling choice.
Its Achilles' heel lie in the less frugal powerplant. But if you are a 'power hungry' individual, we reckon it is a compromise you wouldn't mind making.
Turbocharging, however, may have taken a toll on the Forester's fuel economy. During our time with the car, we achieved a figure of 9km/L, which is a wee bit off the 10.2km/L from the recently launched RAV4.
Conclusion
With the Forester, Subaru has put on a strong suit of armour to fend off invading challenges from fellow Japanese and German arch rivals. The delightful drive, naturally, is something worth mentioning about.
What is also commendable about the new car is about how wholesome the package is. The lineup of accessories (such as sunroof) and tech gizmos (Active torque split 4WD) make it a compelling choice.
Its Achilles' heel lie in the less frugal powerplant. But if you are a 'power hungry' individual, we reckon it is a compromise you wouldn't mind making.
