Subaru Forester (2008 – 2013) Review

April 2008

Third-generation Forester unveiled

New-generation crossover SUV from Subaru, a car that meets the demands and needs of everyday driving. It has been designed around the concept of Best Package for Active Life, which blends high levels of comfort, performance, versatility, and safety to create the best and most versatile vehicle for drivers and their families to enjoy an active lifestyle.

* 2.0X is the basic line with selected standard equipment, priced in a more affordable range, and offering outstanding fuel economy
* 2.0XS features convenience and versatility with expanded standard equipment and offers superb fuel economy
* 2.0XT is a premium model, delivering powerful driving performance while addressing environmental concerns

Compared to the previous model, the new Forester is 110 mm taller (excluding the roof rail) and 45 mm wider, and its wheelbase has been expanded by 90 mm, increasing interior space and improving riding comfort. On the other hand, the overall distance between the ends of the right and left door mirrors has been shortened by 10 mm through mirror position and design changes. Also, the minimum turning radius was made shorter by 0.1 m for zippy handling.

Off-road capability is further improved by optimisation of approach and departure angles, coupled with a generous 225-mm ground clearance on 2.0XT. Gound clearance on the 2.0X and 2.0XS is 215 mm.

Double-wishbone rear suspension makes room for a deeper and wider luggage compartment. This enhances the utility of this car that already features cargo area tie-down hooks and a DC12V/120W power outlet, as well as a push button switch for folding down the rear seatbacks.

Larger door openings, enabled through new sash construction, allow improved ingress and egress, and rear doors open 75 degrees to allow for better rear seat access.

Through the enhancement of body rigidity, less road noise reaches the interior of the car. All door openings are sealed with double-layered weather stripping placed along the door trim for the optimal pressure to tightly seal the doors and ensure a quieter ride.

Multi-function centre console provides a spacious compartment that can accommodate an A4-size notebook PC and a purse of equivalent size. It also incorporates a removable tray that can be used to hold portable media players and cell phones. The console compartment has a sliding lid that is cushioned on top to serve as an armrest.

17-inch aluminium-alloy wheels with distinctively sculptured spokes. 16-inch aluminium-alloy wheels also feature sharp lines of spokes, expressing high quality and smartness. Vehicle information display, which constantly shows outside temperature, average mileage and time on the digital clock, as well as a navigation screen and audio display, are placed nearer the top of the dashboard for improved visibility and functionality.

Front seat cushions employ highly resilient urethane materials that effectively absorb vibration during a drive. In addition, newly developed seatback springs firmly support the driver’s hips and back to maintain the optimal driving position.

2.0-L DOHC engines on the 2.0X and 2.0XS. Powered by regular gasoline, the 2.0-L naturally aspirated Boxer engine features better combustion efficiency, as well as eco-friendly performance and fuel economy, thanks to a newly designed DOHC cylinder head and the use of the active valve control system (AVCS).

Fuel economy has been improved with the redesigned DOHC cylinder head, as well as through optimisation of the compression ratio and reduction of the volume of the combustion chamber. Low-end and mid-range torque is improved, while better fuel economy and lower gas emissions are achieved, primarily through design changes in the engine that generate a stronger tumble gas flow and raise gas intake efficiency. Use of AVCS contributes to higher power output, while fuel economy is also achieved by improving combustion efficiency through the optimized timing of valve openings and closings. Design change in the cooling water channel around the spark plug further prevents engine knocking and also helps improve low-end and mid-range torque output. With the optimisation of diameter and length of the intake manifold, and adoption of equal length/constant pulsation independent exhaust system, the engine’s intake and exhaust performance has been elevated.

Two catalytic converters in tandem enables converters to quickly heat up, which facilitates catalytic activation during engine startup and improves on emission reduction efficiency. Twin silencers expand the muffler capacity, bringing noise levels down even lower and reducing exhaust back pressure.

2.0-L DOHC Turbo engine. A newly developed DOHC cylinder head is used in this engine. The intake port and the combustion chamber have been redesigned to reduce residual gasses, thus raising combustion efficiency. By using a resin-based intake manifold, the inner walls of the manifold are smooth and less resistant to the intake flow. The weight is also reduced by 30% compared to the earlier manifold. Design change in the cooling water channel around the spark plug further prevents engine knocking and also helps improve low-end and mid-range torque output.

The new Forester was developed on the basis of a new chassis concept, the Subaru Dynamic Chassis Control Concept (Subaru DC3). Integrating robust body structure with finely tuned chassis elements, vehicle stability and excellent comfort are perfectly blended in the new model.

The new Forester, with its advanced frame construction, has realised high levels of safety and crash-worthiness through effectively absorbing and dispersing crash impact in frontal, side-, or rear-impact crashes. An immobiliser is standard equipment on the 2.0XT and is available as a manufacturer’s option on the 2.0XS.

Despite increasing its maximum air output over the prior model’s level, the AC unit is quieter with lowered airflow and operating noise through the adoption of a sub-cooling type condenser that allows efficient use of the compressor and refrigerant and reduces air resistance inside the unit. The new AC unit is designed to consume less energy, contributing to better fuel economy.

Emissions: 2.0 manual 198g/km CO2; 2.0 auto 199g/km CO2.

On sale from April 2008

2.0X manual £17,995
2.0XS manual £21,895
2.0X auto £18,995
2.0XS autp £22,895

2.0 Boxer diesel versions arriving October 2008. 170g/km CO2. New six-speed manual gearbox and new closed-type diesel particulate filter. 147 PS and 258 lb ft torque.