Talking about Subaru’s trusty all-wheel drive Forester SUV today, upgraded late last year, now in a facelifted seven model range, two of which are petrol electric hybrid variants.

I drove the top spec 2.5i-S Forester now $700 dearer at $44,190. All models feature a 2.5-litre 136kW non-turbo four-cylinder engine linked to a continuously variable transmission and Subaru’s permanent all-wheel-drive system.

The new range includes safety updates, suspension upgrades, better equipment levels and changes to the X-Mode off-road drive system including the hill descent control. Also new engine mounts for reduced noise and vibration. In medium sized SUV’s the Forester ranks the fifth best seller, Subaru’s best-selling model, a perennial favourite with many buyers. Its constant all-wheel drive system a real selling point for those that want to occasionally venture off the beaten track.

To me whilst extremely competent, well spec’s, well-priced and with a welcome facelift its now starting to show its age a little with an interior that’s tight in room and fussy in design. Compared to the newer breed of SUV’s like Kia’s Sportage and Hyundai’s Tucson it feels cramped and dated. However, one can’t question its high level of safety features including constant all-wheel drive, its suspension tune and its build quality, all first class and well supported by a five-year/unlimited kilometre warranty.

I’m David Berthon.

Generated by pixel @ 2022-03-01T03:11:25.683796

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