User-friendly

The new Forester is more SUV than estate car, writes Richard M. Hammond

Published:

THERE is a reason why you normally hear that Subaru Impreza approaching before you see it. The charismatic thump-thump-thump of the engine is a product of its unconventional design – a Boxer, or horizontally opposed, unit as seen in the classic Volkswagen Beetle or any Porsche 911, among others. It is, essentially, flat.

Why should you care? Well, for two main reasons. Firstly, they’re smoother than traditional engines as the horizontal lay-out and the fact the pistons run at exact opposites (unlike an in-line four-cylinder unit, where each piston is at a different stage of the four-stroke cycle) mean they have a natural balance.

Secondly, they are not as tall as in-line or V-formation engines, which means they can sit lower in the vehicle and make it more stable.

So, in theory, a Boxer engine gives you more refined progress and better handling. However, until recently, the Boxer units in the Subaru range haven’t been able to offer a great deal for your wallet. That all changed in February, 2008, when the Legacy and Outback models were made available with a two-litre diesel Boxer unit. That same engine is now available in the Forester model, which went on sale in April initially featuring just a two-litre petrol unit.

This is new ground for Subaru. It’s a niche manufacturer in the UK, selling a relatively small, but very reasonable, number of Boxer-engined four-wheel-drive vehicles.

The combination of a diesel engine and the new Forester, which has switched tack from a curious four-wheel-drive estate to more of a compact SUV format, means it’s entering a potentially high-volume arena with a model other than the Impreza for the first time.

All of that relies on the two working together well, however, and potential customers will be pleased to hear that they do.

The Boxer diesel boasts the same smooth attributes as its petrol counterpart. Let’s not get carried away; you won’t brim it with petrol by mistake, but it ticks over gently and engine speed increases freely with no adverse effects felt in the cabin.

Naturally, in-gear acceleration is excellent, and one of the Forester diesel’s fortes. At speed, the Forester diesel is extremely refined, with the combination of the smooth engine, SUV ride and six-speed manual gearbox working well.

The transmission itself is tight and pleasant to use, particularly as the high torque output of the engine means it doesn’t need to be stirred too often – but that tightness means it can be a little reluctant at times.

The sports heritage of the Impreza WRX models is evident in the steering, too, which is responsive and has a substantial feel to it. It has been tweaked, along with the front suspension, to better suit the diesel engine.

However, despite sharing a platform with the rally driver’s favourite, the Forester doesn’t offer the same poise on the road. Permanent four-wheel drive means there’s plenty of grip – which is even more important now that the Forester is being aimed at the family market – but the high-rise body means the car wallows more than Foresters of old through corners. This is unlikely to put potential customers off as few will want to re-create the Welsh stages with their offspring in the back, but it is a shame considering that one of the Boxer’s key attributes was its handling potential.

The Forester makes up for it in other areas, though. The hugely practical body is well thought through and generously proportioned, making it a great family vehicle. A big boot with a low sill and several latching points is useful – and, naturally, the rear bench folds flat.

An excellent towing capacity is shared with previous Forester models, and the interior of the new version is more contemporary, with stylish switchgear and generous equipment levels in the range-topping XSn.

The front seats are particularly well bolstered, and comforting for different reasons is the visibility afforded by a large glass house and large mirrors.

It’s not all perfect. Some rattles are present in the interior and the plastics could not be described as premium, but customers are not being asked to pay premium prices for a user-friendly car that ticks a lot of boxes.

The first diesel Forester is a minor change of direction for the brand, but it’s one that has been well executed. The brand character remains courtesy of the Boxer configuration and practical nature, but the potential market has grown considerably.

Model: Subaru Forester 2.0D XSn, £25,495 on the road

Engine: Two-litre diesel unit developing 145bhp and 258lb/ft of torque

Transmission: Six-speed manual transmission as standard, driving all four wheels

Performance: Maximum speed 115mph; 0-62mph 10 seconds

CO emissions: 170g/km

Economy: 44.1mpg