Subaru Forester A Refined Off-Road Companion

The Subaru Forester has always been a reliable and capable SUV, and the new version of the Forester continues this legacy. This latest iteration offers a blend of ruggedness and refinement that is hard to beat.

A Rich History

The Subaru Forester, first introduced in 1997, has evolved significantly over the years. It has consistently been praised for its practicality, safety, and off-road prowess. This model builds upon this strong foundation, offering a more dynamic and engaging driving experience.

Exterior Design: A Sporty Touch

The last time I tested a Forester it was the Sport version, which boasted a bold and athletic exterior design. This is a lower trim, so the design is a bit tamer, but it is just as attractive, with pronounced wheel arches to give it a commanding presence on the road. The LED headlights and taillights not only enhance visibility but also add a modern touch.

Interior Comfort and Convenience

Step inside the Forester, and you will be greeted by a well-appointed cabin. The comfortable seats, which come with automatic adjustments, offer ample support, and the interior materials feel premium. The 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system is intuitive and responsive, offering Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. For me, the latter was a big plus as when your phone is connected via a USB cable, the car screen displays apps like Spotify and WhatsApp. The audio system delivers a clear and crisp sound, making long journeys more enjoyable.

Adding that extra touch of sophistication is the ample sunroof, which, when fully retracted, provides light for all passengers. The Forester’s large windows provide excellent all-round visibility, making it easy to manoeuvre in tight spaces and enjoy panoramic views.

The cargo space of 29.6 cubic feet behind the second row is impressive, accommodating luggage, groceries, or outdoor gear with ease. The rear seats can be folded down to create a maximum cargo space of 74.4 cubic feet when needed.

Driving Experience: A Smooth Ride

This is where the Forester truly shines. The 2.0-litre engine, paired with a CVT transmission, delivers smooth and linear power. This torque ensures that you can effortlessly conquer any incline, whether it is a steep Spur Tree hill or Highway 2000.

One of the highlights of the Forester is its exceptional suspension. This has to be one of the top three suspensions I’ve experienced this year. I drove this vehicle through some potholes in Junction, St Mary, and it took them on admirably. At the front is MacPherson strut-type suspension and at the rear, Double wishbone-type suspension. This, combined with Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD), provides excellent traction and stability, both on and off-road.

The Forester also offers a range of driving modes, including Intelligent and Sport. In Sport mode, the engine and transmission become more responsive, enhancing the driving experience. For off-road adventures, X-Mode provides additional traction and control.

Advanced Safety Features

Safety is a top priority for Subaru, and the Forester is equipped with a suite of advanced driver-assistance features, including

EyeSight Driver Assist Technology

Blind-Spot Detection

Rear Cross-Traffic Alert

Reverse Automatic Braking

DriverFocus® Distraction Mitigation System

Auto rain-sensing windshield wipers.

The feature that I like the most is the headlights with auto-levelling, which turn with the steering wheel.

Conclusion

The Subaru Forester is a well-rounded SUV that offers a compelling blend of style, comfort, performance, and safety. Whether you are commuting to work, exploring the countryside, or embarking on a family road trip, the Forester is up to the task.

Currently, local dealer Kingston Industrial Garage Ltd, is running their “Subaru Buy One to Win One” promotion. The first 50 customers who purchase a Subaru Outback, Forester, or Crosstrek are entered to win a brand new 2024 Subaru Crosstrek.

Price of tested model: starting at $8.4m

Engine: 2.0i-S

Horsepower: 156 HP

Torque (lb-ft): 144.5

Transmission: Symmetrical All Wheel Drive AWD

Fuel tank: 63L

Gas consumption: 7.29 km/ l

Body Type: Compact SUV

Competition: Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Mazda CX-5, Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage

Vehicle was provided courtesy of Kingston Industrial Garage Ltd, 923-6479, sales@kigjamaica.com