Subaru has been rather quiet these past couple of years. With the bleak global economic outlook, and the added blow of the Japanese earthquake in March 2011 hampering production, it's no wonder that a niche carmaker like Subaru have struggled.
The unfavourable exchange rate of the yen against other currencies has also worked against the company, as Subaru depends on a significant amount of sales in export markets, thanks to its image of rally-inspired Impreza sport models and Legacy all-wheel-drive cars attracting more than its fair share of fans in countries such as the USA and Australia.
However, rather than throwing in the towel in the face of adversity, Subaru is now planning on a comeback, stronger than ever before. An all-new Impreza was unveiled earlier this year, while the BRZ Coupe, jointly developed with Toyota and based on the FT-86, promises to be the most exciting car from Subaru in years.
In the meantime though, the company is slowly remaking and refreshing its current models in order to maintain its competitiveness in the market. And one of them is the now three-year-old Forester SUV, which has received a new 2.0-litre Boxer engine.
But will it be enough for the Forester to stand toe-to-toe against the new-age crossovers that are becoming increasingly popular these days?
The unfavourable exchange rate of the yen against other currencies has also worked against the company, as Subaru depends on a significant amount of sales in export markets, thanks to its image of rally-inspired Impreza sport models and Legacy all-wheel-drive cars attracting more than its fair share of fans in countries such as the USA and Australia.
However, rather than throwing in the towel in the face of adversity, Subaru is now planning on a comeback, stronger than ever before. An all-new Impreza was unveiled earlier this year, while the BRZ Coupe, jointly developed with Toyota and based on the FT-86, promises to be the most exciting car from Subaru in years.
In the meantime though, the company is slowly remaking and refreshing its current models in order to maintain its competitiveness in the market. And one of them is the now three-year-old Forester SUV, which has received a new 2.0-litre Boxer engine.
But will it be enough for the Forester to stand toe-to-toe against the new-age crossovers that are becoming increasingly popular these days?
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Exterior
Cosmetically, the Forester is little-changed from before. The only 'difference' is the slightly revised grille, with a bit more chrome than before.
Nevertheless, the Forester is still a neat-looking thing. It's unlikely to excite, but neither is it ugly. Inoffensive would probably be the most appropriate word here.
Its tall driving stance gives one an impression of a serious off-roading vehicle, which pulls the Forester's image closer to its SUV competitors like the Honda CR-V and the Toyota RAV4, instead of merely being a raised station wagon like Foresters of years past.
Overall, the Forester comes across as conservative and nondescript, which will probably suit its target market down to a T.
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Interior
If you're familiar with the old Forester's interior, you will find that the new one is, well, exactly the same.
Everything is simply designed, and well-placed, making the cabin ergonomically sound. Controls fall intuitively to hand, and there are even nice touches like the steering-wheel controls for the audio, and Bluetooth connectivity for your phone.
Unfortunately, the build quality does leave quite a lot to be desired. Hard plastics dominate the dashboard, and cabin ambience feels like a retro throwback to the 1990s. Subaru can definitely do much better than this.
If you're familiar with the old Forester's interior, you will find that the new one is, well, exactly the same.
Everything is simply designed, and well-placed, making the cabin ergonomically sound. Controls fall intuitively to hand, and there are even nice touches like the steering-wheel controls for the audio, and Bluetooth connectivity for your phone.
Unfortunately, the build quality does leave quite a lot to be desired. Hard plastics dominate the dashboard, and cabin ambience feels like a retro throwback to the 1990s. Subaru can definitely do much better than this.
But, leave that aside, and you will find that the Forester is actually a reasonably comfortable family wagon. There is definitely plenty of space for five, with masses of headroom and legroom, while leather seats and a leather-wrapped steering wheel attempt to inject a bit of classiness to the interior.
Look around and you'll also find quite a few cubby holes, as well as USB and aux input ports for your iPod or MP3 player. Boot space is decent too, as you'd expect from a car of this type. 60/40 split fold seats are standard fitment, which makes the Forester an ideal choice for the lifestyle set.
Look around and you'll also find quite a few cubby holes, as well as USB and aux input ports for your iPod or MP3 player. Boot space is decent too, as you'd expect from a car of this type. 60/40 split fold seats are standard fitment, which makes the Forester an ideal choice for the lifestyle set.
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The Drive
And so, we've come to the heart of this article, namely the new 2.0-litre Boxer engine that powers this updated Forester.
For the technical gurus out there, the new powerplant is dubbed the FB, and is the third-generation of Subaru's renowned boxer flat-four motor. While power output remains the same as the previous engine at 150bhp and 196Nm of torque, the new unit is said to be more efficient, and provides for better low speed torque, thereby enhancing drivability and performance.
It does deliver in that aspect, somewhat. Off the line acceleration is decent, though not fantastic, and the boxer engine gives off a whine that is either charismatic or gruff, depending on your tastes.
Push along though, and the Forester starts to struggle a little. The antiquated four-speed automatic gearbox doesn't help matters, as it scraps to make good use of the power.
On the road, the Forester mostly copes well, with its raised height taking on most of our roads efficiently. However, encounter a slighter tougher bump, and the ride quality suddenly becomes lumpy, and bounces around uncomfortably.
And so, we've come to the heart of this article, namely the new 2.0-litre Boxer engine that powers this updated Forester.
For the technical gurus out there, the new powerplant is dubbed the FB, and is the third-generation of Subaru's renowned boxer flat-four motor. While power output remains the same as the previous engine at 150bhp and 196Nm of torque, the new unit is said to be more efficient, and provides for better low speed torque, thereby enhancing drivability and performance.
It does deliver in that aspect, somewhat. Off the line acceleration is decent, though not fantastic, and the boxer engine gives off a whine that is either charismatic or gruff, depending on your tastes.
Push along though, and the Forester starts to struggle a little. The antiquated four-speed automatic gearbox doesn't help matters, as it scraps to make good use of the power.
On the road, the Forester mostly copes well, with its raised height taking on most of our roads efficiently. However, encounter a slighter tougher bump, and the ride quality suddenly becomes lumpy, and bounces around uncomfortably.
Handling too is average, with steering slightly on the heavy side, but lacking in feel on initial turn. Body roll is expected, given its height, but otherwise the Forester corners neutrally and without fuss, thanks to the four driven wheels.
Take it off the road though, and the car starts to shine. It tackles rugged terrain with aplomb, with its high ground clearance and symmetrical all-wheel-drive system making the Forester one of the best off-roaders available out there.
Conclusion
The Forester, with is new engine, is unlikely to save the company, but perhaps it is an indication as to what lies in store for Subaru in the near future.
It remains to be seen what other applications the new Boxer engine will be subjected to, but given the previews we've already seen from the Japanese carmaker, we can't wait to find out.
What do you think? Jot down your opinions at the comment box below.
Take it off the road though, and the car starts to shine. It tackles rugged terrain with aplomb, with its high ground clearance and symmetrical all-wheel-drive system making the Forester one of the best off-roaders available out there.
Conclusion
The Forester, with is new engine, is unlikely to save the company, but perhaps it is an indication as to what lies in store for Subaru in the near future.
It remains to be seen what other applications the new Boxer engine will be subjected to, but given the previews we've already seen from the Japanese carmaker, we can't wait to find out.
What do you think? Jot down your opinions at the comment box below.
