Subaru Forester fires up for new era
There are cars that you can spend a week at the wheel of and never quite feel at home, and others that you slip so comfortably into that they feel like a favourite pair of jeans.
The new Subaru Forester falls into the latter camp, so much so that after a week at the wheel of the versatile medium SUV, I found myself searching for excuses to extend my time in it.
This new-generation Subaru Forester arrived in June of this year, a few months shy of seven years after the launch of its fifth-generation predecessor.
The new model debuts a bold design and two power-train options including a hybrid four-cylinder version of its trademark Boxer engine.
The Forester comes in a seven-variant range comprising four petrol and three petrol-hybrids.
Prices are up across the board with the petrol range starting at $43,490 for the Forester AWD, and extending to $50,990 for the Forester AWD Sport.
The hybrid line-up starts at $46,490 for the Forester AWD Hybrid, rising to $54,990 for the Forester AWD Hybrid Sport, and topping out at $55,990 for the Forester AWD Hybrid Touring tested here.
Justifying price hikes of up to $5,000 to some extent is the fact this new model has been re-engineered inside and out, with a significant boost in standard specifications, more features across the range, and an improved hybrid drivetrain.
Headlining the new line-up are the three hybrid variants equipped with Subaru’s next-generation e-Boxer hybrid powertrain.
The e-Boxer pairs a 2.5-litre horizontally opposed four-cylinder petrol engine with a 90kW electric motor and a 1.1kW battery system, with drive sent to all four wheels via an updated continuously variable transmission (CVT) and Subaru’s mechanically linked all-wheel drive system.
The hybrid drivetrain is around 0.5L/100km more fuel efficient than the previous Forester hybrid, returning combined cycle fuel consumption of 6.2L/100km versus 7.9L/100km for the non-hybrid variants.
The system brings a meaningful increase in power and torque, too, with maximum power of 145kW versus 110kW for the old 2.0-litre mild-hybrid, and 136kW for the non-hybrid.
The electric motor contributes an additional 276Nm to the combustion engine’s 212Nm, where the non-hybrid offers 247Nm all up.
Dimensionally, the new Forester is similar in size to its predecessor but it’s bolder stylistically, featuring a bluff grille and flared wheel arches which create a more athletic look.
Handsome 19-inch alloy wheels, steering responsive LED headlights, roof rails and a rear spoiler add to the attractive package.
Inside, the Forester AWD Hybrid Touring boasts dual-zone climate control, sunroof, heated and electrically adjusted leather seats, a leather-trimmed steering wheel and gear shifter, and a portrait-oriented 11.6-inch infotainment screen.
The screen provides access to satellite-navigation, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, AM/FM radio, plus a quality Harmon Kardon audio system.
Ahead of the driver in the top-spec variants is a customisable 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, with large and easy-to-read gauges.
The 484-litre boot is accessed via a powered tailgate, with handy curry hooks on both sides of the luggage bay, a 12-volt accessory plug and quick release levers to fold the rear seats, expanding cargo space to 1,162 litres.
While it’s not an off-roader in the true sense, all Foresters come standard with Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, plus X-Mode all-terrain system which provides enhanced grip and stability on slippery surfaces and challenging terrain.
The combination of all-wheel drive traction and 220mm of ground clearance gives the Forester a level of capability that provides peace of mind for anyone needing to traverse rough, unsealed roads and tracks.
What isn’t so reassuring is the fact Subaru has ditched the Forester’s full-size spare wheel to package the hybrid system.
The car maker does at least offer a solution in the form of a dealer-fit mount on the towbar, but it’s not the most elegant solution. Petrol-powered Foresters retain a full-size spare wheel.
Towing capacity is another weak point, with the Forester Hybrid rated at just 1,200kg, where the petrol variants can haul 1,800kg.
Safety is well accounted for, though, with nine airbags, a 360-degree camera and the latest iteration of Subaru’s Eyesight driver assist system which incorporates a host of the latest Advanced Driver Assistance Systems.
Out on the road the electrified powertrain delivers the sort of effortless torque that makes the Forester Hybrid a pleasure to drive.
A moderate press of the accelerator achieves a pleasing level of response when tackling an incline or overtaking slower traffic.
Under hard acceleration the CVT gearbox sits the engine in the meat of its torque curve, rather than kicking down like a conventional automatic, creating a droning engine soundtrack which is par for the course for this type of gearbox.
The alternative for drivers who like to get more involved is to control the eight manually selected ‘gear’ steps via steering-wheel mounted paddles.
That’s not such a bad option when hustling the Forester through bends, where its responsive steering and well balanced fully independent suspension really shine.
The suspension does a wonderful job of soaking up road irregularities, too, delivering exceptional ride quality.
A favourite of Aussie families and outdoor adventurers for decades, the new Forester continues the nameplate’s reputation for comfort, safety, capability and reliability, even if its pricing is no longer particularly budget-friendly.
Subaru Forester AWD Hybrid Touring specifications
- PRICE: $55,990 (MRLP)
- WARRANTY: Five years/unlimited kilometres
- POWERTRAIN: 2.5-litre horizontally opposed four-cylinder petrol; (121kW/212Nm), electric motor (90kW/276Nm); CVT automatic transmission; all-wheel drive.
- ANCAP CRASH RATING: Five stars (2024)
- FUEL CONSUMPTION 6.2L/100km, (140g/km CO2)
- FOR: Smooth and refined drivetrain; solid performance; improved fuel consumption; comfortable ride; polished handling; good NVH; all-terrain capability; user-friendly touch screen controls.
- AGAINST: No spare tyre (repair kit); reduced towing capacity; price rise over previous model; more expensive and not as fuel efficient as some key rivals.
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