2.0 XE

Excellent in every way

I've driven cars for nearly 40 years all over the world from a 2CV to a 6.2 litre Aus muscle car. The Forester is the best car I've owned or driven. Why?

Around 4 years old and 35,000 miles the car has been faultless, and still has original tyres. Routine annual service is the only maintenance needed. The driving position is wonderful and visibility is unmatched. Heated and powered driver's seat leaves me refreshed and comfy even after all day drives.

The car has been out in all weathers and handles ice, snow and heavy rain without fuss and it feels safely planted all the time. Starts first time winter or summer.

The controls are simple and logical and the manual gearbox has the mechanical precison of a terminator with the slickness of a well-buttered ice rink.

It's a petrol full time 4WD but returns nearly 44 mpg (average since new) and of course no diesel complications

The paintwork is very high quality and shrugs off dirt and dust. The exterior and interior are virtually unblemished despite ferrying children and parents. Rear seat space and leg room are plentiful.

The Forester happily potters around country lanes or cruises on the motorway safely and quietly. Plenty of power from the engine and the freely revving boxer engine has a proper mechanical sound. Sport mode is grin-inducing

Great to drive; great to own; great for passengers - a solid car designed by engineers and drivers, not accountants. The high quality of assembly and components is obvious and the car is rattle and squeak free.

Standard kit shames other brands (huge "proper" electric sunroof; self leveling suspension, electric drivers seat, reversing camera and screen, spare tire (spacesaver), dual zone air conditioning, curtain airbags, cruise control, one touch rear seat folding, automatic hill holding brake etc)

If you enjoy driving and want a reliable, safe and comfortable car, try a Forester

Report as offensive