Five things we like about the new Subaru Forester

It's a bummer than Subaru has decided to drop the turbocharged XT variant (as well as hopes of an STI version) from its all new, fifth generation Forester lineup but there are still plenty of reasons why it's still a choice family hauler. Here are our favourite five.

Design changes are subtle but our favourite remains to be the new C-shaped rear lighting signature

1. Less is more

When a carmaker tries to make a visual statement with a new model, it can sometimes be more of a miss than hit. Remember when the current generation WRX STI was made fun of for looking like the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X?

But in the case of the new Forester, Subaru has decided instead on a simple nip-and-tuck. Much of the car pays homage to the model's predecessor, albeit with subtle updates on the grille, head lights and tail lamps for added robustness and sophistication.

An added 33mm legroom for rear passengers, which provides greater comfort for everyday usage

2. But more is more on the inside

The new Forester is the third model to sit on Subaru Global Platform (SGP) and like the Impreza and the XV, this has resulted in improved interior dimensions.

There is now 20mm more space in between the driver and front passenger, while passengers in the second row enjoy 33mm more legroom than before. While it may not sound like much, this can be felt the moment you nestle yourself comfortably inside. On top of that, there's also a total of 251 litres more boot space on offer than the outgoing model.

There's an obvious improvement to the Forester's ride quality whether you're travelling on or off-road

3. It's also a sharper, more comfortable Forester

Along with the increased roominess, SGP has also benefitted the new Forester's handling. Thanks to the new platform, a revised suspension setup and a quicker steering rack, the new Forester feels keener around corners and stays flatter through them than you'd expect an SUV to.

More importantly, the new bones of Forester help cut down on vibrations from the road and provide an incredibly smooth ride. Coupled with more comfortable seats, what you get is a newfound maturity that's worthy of applause.

The 6bhp increase in power over the outgoing model's 2.0-litre isn't life-changing but is nice to have

4. No turbocharging but new engine is a smooth operator

While we gingerly accept the fact that the turbocharged Forester XT may forever be a thing of the past, there are positives to the new Forester's powertrain offering.

The only option is a naturally aspirated 2.0-litre boxer engine paired to a revised CVT gearbox. Tuned to make slightly more power, rated at 154bhp with 196Nm of torque, the new unit is noticeably smoother than the one it replaces. Subaru also promises that the new powertrain will offer better fuel economy, but we'll only be able to confirm that with a proper road test when the car arrives.

Pre-Collision braking automatically applies the brakes if no evasive action is taken by the driver

5. A more watchful companion

Another first for the Forester when it arrives in Singapore at the end of this year is Subaru EyeSight, which comes as standard equipment for our market. Although the features of EyeSight are more evolutionary than revolutionary, it does improve the Forester's standing as a family proposition.

With driver assistance technologies such as automatic pre-collision braking, pre-collision throttle management, and lane departure and lane sway warning, potential buyers can rest assured all on board are in safe hands.