THE FORESTER IS Subaru's weapon of choice in its fight for a bigger share of the mid-sized SUV (Sport Utility Vehicle) market, a segment dominated by the likes of the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. Unlike these two models, though, the Forester has more in common with a station wagon on stilts, and it provides drivers with a more car-like driving position.

The facelifted version retains the old car's dimensions, but just about everything else has been fiddled with.

It has new headlights, front grille, bonnet and bumpers. The side repeaters have been moved to the mirrors, while the rear gets new lamps and a resculpted tailgate. Overall, the facelifted Forester has cleaner lines than the old car, although we think its new face is not quite as handsome as before.
Even bigger changes can be found under the sheetmetal. There's a choice of two new engines. The entry-level Forester gets a normally aspirated 2.0-litre horizontally-opposed four-cylinder, while the top-of-the-line version is powered by a new turbocharged 2.5-litre unit. The Forester cockpit has been redesigned also, with some dashboard parts lifted from the Legacy.

DRIVING IT

Both Forester versions come standard with Subaru's WRC (World Rally Championship) proven four-wheel drive system. The car tested here is the flagship XT version, and it packs the 230bhp 2.5-litre turbo four-cylinder engine. In comparison, the previous-generation Forester XT had a 2.0-litre turbo four-pot engine that developed 177bhp.

For a start, the new engine is quieter than before and it revs more freely. However, the unique boxer growl and offbeat exhaust note, which have been Subaru trademarks all these years, are all but gone however, replaced with muted, but still sporty, tones.

The increase in engine capacity has allowed for stronger acceleration and a higher top speed than before. Subaru claims the XT will sprint from standstill to 100km/h in 7.6 seconds, a 1.1 second improvement over the old car. The facelifted model's top-speed has also been increased from 195km/h to 214km/h.

Subaru has revised the chassis also. The suspension geometry is new and the spring and dampers have revised settings. This new set-up seems to have cured the harsh ride quality of the old car, while still maintaining decent dynamic ability.

Then again, the tyres could be stickier and body-roll lessened. Steering feedback is in short supply, too, although the rack is pretty responsive. The Sportshift feature of the four-speed automatic gearbox is new, allowing the driver to shift manually.

INSIDE IT

Inside the cabin, Subaru claims that the dashboard plastics are of better quality than before. There's also a new multi-purpose centre console between the front seats that can be used as an armrest or a small table. To improve passenger comfort, the rear seat squab has been extended by 50mm. And further back in the boot area, cargo hooks and bars have been added so that you can stow cargo securely. Another thoughtful addition is the steering wheel-mounted controls for the integrated stereo.

The cabin is well screwed together and the leather upholstery suitably plush. The only downside is the quality of the switchgear, buttons and switches seem rather iffy to the touch.

DOLLARS AND SENSE

The top-of-the-line Forester XT lists for $92,000 with COE. It has four airbags, 17-inch alloy wheels, a sunroof, HID headlamps, pop-up headlight washers, fog-lights and a seven-speaker factory-fitted 2-DIN audio system.

VERDICT

The bigger engine is a gem and it's nice to know that Subaru has sorted the Forester's ride quality. The refreshed interior is very welcome, too, although some switches lack the feel-good factor.

One other thing that needs improvement are the tyres. Their so-so performance mask the Forester's true dynamic abilities.

The Forester should be easy to live with in terms of day-to-day driving, especially to drivers who want an SUV of some kind, but don't like the tall driving position of a typical SUV. Furthermore, apart from the generous equipment list, there aren't that many cars with similar horsepower in this price range, which, overall, makes the Forester a lot car for the money.

NEED TO KNOW

Model SUBARU FORESTER 2.5XT
Engine Type 2,457cc 16V horizontally-opposed turbocharged 4
Max Power 230bhp at 5,600rpm
Max Torque 320Nm at 3,600rpm
Gearbox 4-speed automatic
Top Speed 214km/h
0-100 KM/H 7.6 seconds
Price $92,000 with COE
Warranty 3 years / 60,000km
Contact Motor Image Enterprise
Telephone 6473-0333

SIMILAR CARS WE HAVE DRIVEN

HONDA CR-V WITH SUNROOF $86,500 with COE

Not as fun to drive as the Forester XT, but the interior is a little more spacious. High seating position helps visibility and road manners are excellent.

MITSUBISHI AIRTREK TURBO-R $88,988 with COE

The Airtrek Turbo feels more planted and quicker than the Forester XT, although the latter has stronger low-end torque. Cabin roominess is about equal, too.