Roy Lewis road tests the Subaru Forester XS (From Hereford Times)

Roy Lewis road tests the Subaru Forester XS

7:00am Saturday 2nd January 2010

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SUBARU’S new diesel motor has been a long time coming but the wait has been worth it.

The 2.0-litre boxer unit loves to rev, has little lag and shows an eagerness to produce sparkling performance.

The diesel option means that the 148bhp 2.0-litre petrol unit takes second place to the 145bhp oil burner which is slightly faster off the mark and almost as fast as the petrol at top speed.

But the best news is that this flexible and punchy diesel returns an official combined figure of 44.1mpg during everyday driving and this was supported by a computer reading of 41.8mpg after 200 miles of very brisk town and country driving.

The C02 emissions of 170g/km are also good and bring a reduction in road tax.

Subaru has a reputation for producing excellent four-wheel-drive cars and the Forester is probably the manufacturer’s most accomplished all-rounder.

The vehicle – a major improvement on the car it replaces – has a modern, more rounded and bolder appearance.

And the benefit of its size and make-up is clear when you take it onto the road.

It is more at home through corners than other 4x4s and with the help of its new and expensive multi-link rear suspension, the ride remains nicely taut but comfortable.

The permanent four-wheel-drive gives it leech-like grip, with the benefit of splitting power some 50/50 front to rear on manual models.

And when any slip is detected, the 4WD system immediately distributes torque to the axle with the best grip.

The Forester can’t always match the might of the big and rugged offroaders.

But with its secondary low-ratio gearbox and decent ground clearance, it is only a step away from the norm in off-roading circles.

Together with its excellent on-road manners, it is a tempting buy, particularly if you live in the country.

On-the-road prices go from £19,115 for the petrol model to £25,965 for the top-specification XS diesel with satellite navigation, leather upholstery, a touch screen menu and a host of other goodies.

The prices represent good value compared to rivals, particularly when the Forester’s standard equipment is taken into consideration.

The family will appreciate the good height and roominess of the Forester. With the rear seats down the space is simply cavernous.

The boot floor is fairly high so that the spare wheel can go under the floor rather than on the back door or inside.

Another advantage is that the Forester has a flat floor with self-levelling suspension to keep things on an even keel.

It also has splendid towing ability of up to 2,000 kg, ideal for horse trailers and the like.

Inside, the driving position is excellent and the seats are supportive and comfortable.

All the controls are nicely to hand and the fit and finish is first class.

The Forester also comes with an excellent level of standard equipment, including cruise control, climate control air-con, a top-bracket CD player and the latest hi-tech gadgetry.

Higher spec cars get alloys, leather interior, engine starter button, smart-key entry – a boon when shopping – and satellite navigation.

Safety is paramount with Subaru and the Forester has driver, passenger, side and curtain airbags as standard while ABS brakes come with electronic brakeforce distribution.

AT-A-GLANCE

Subaru Forester XS six-speed, sat nav 2.0diesel.

Price: £25,965.

Top speed: 117mph.

0-60mph: 10.2 seconds.

Fuel: 44.1mpg (combined figure).

C02 emissions (g/km): 170.

Verdict: Talented all-rounder, lively diesel, off-road prowess, spacious, wellbuilt, excellent equipment and great looks.

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