New Subaru Forester cuts choice, grows price

The new Subaru Forester line-up has been reduced from nine to four variants and its entry price has increased by around $3000, yet it's expected to be at least as popular as the model it replaces.

With three of the four engines previously available now axed, all versions of Subaru's fifth-generation mid-size SUV are powered by a 90 per cent new 2.5-litre boxer engine mated with an updated Lineartronic CVT and all-wheel drive.

That means the 2.0-litre turbo petrol and diesel engines have been discontinued, along with the naturally-aspirated 2.0-litre entry-level petrol engine and the manual transmission.

The Subaru Forester range previously started at $30,240 before on-road costs and topped out at $48,240, but the new model now starts at 33,490 and tops out at $41,490, effectively concentrating the 2018 Forester line-up around the meat of the segment’s sales volume.

But Subaru is expecting added value to counteract less powertrain choice, estimating the axed engines accounted for no more than 10 to 12 per cent of fourth-gen Forester sales.

“The manual was a fleet car selling only a handful per month, the XT was down into the 60s per month and the diesels were down to sub-100 per month,” said Subaru Australia managing director Colin Christie.

“When you look at the actual 2.5 entry-price it’s only gone up $250 … you look at the spec that’s gone into this new car -- it’s unbelievable.

“If you look at the market and where all the sales happen, what we have done is designed and brought to market a car that is incredibly highly-specced and brilliant value for money compared against anything that is out there.

“We are really positive about what it is going to do for us.”

The Forester line-up now starts with the 2.5i, progresses through the L ($35,490) and Premium (38,490), and tops out with the S.

Like the latest Impreza and the XV before it, the new Forester transitions to the latest Subaru Global Platform, providing a multitude of diverse benefits including a 40 per cent boost in torsional rigidity.

Perhaps more importantly, the new engine increases service intervals from six months/10,000km to 12 months/12,500km. That cuts servicing costs over three years to an estimated $1277.23. However, here’s no change to Subaru Australia's three-year/unlimited-km warranty or 12-month roadside assist plans.

In the cabin there’s a significant ramp-up in standard technology, led by Subaru's third-generation Eyesight driver assist package, which includes low- and high-speed autonomous emergency braking and lane keeping assist.

This should ensure Forester maintains its five-star ANCAP crash safety rating with a 2018 date stamp.

Another technology feature being promoted is the Driver Monitoring System, which uses facial recognition technology to memorise settings for things like the driver’s seat, air-conditioning and exterior mirrors. Once on the road it also monitors driver distraction and drowsiness.

Subaru claims this is “a first for a mainstream brand in Australia”, although the base model 2.5i misses out on DMS altogether and the 2.5i-L doesn’t get seat and mirror adjustment.

Confirmed as standard across the range are active cruise control (with speed-limiter for the first time), blind spot detection, seven airbags, an electronic park brake, lane change assist, steering responsive LED headlights, rear cross traffic alert, a reversing camera, tyre pressure monitoring and a full-size spare tyre.

Interior equipment includes a 6.5-inch touch-screen housing Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, dual-zone climate control, Harmon-Kardon six-speaker audio, alloys wheels (17s for the base and L, 18s for the top two), push-button start and data dot security.

The 2.5i-L adds a minimalist version of DMS and Vision Assist, which includes front and side view monitoring, adaptive headlight beam and reverse automatic braking (AEB for reverse gear). The S adds a sunroof, premium audio with eight speakers, leather trim and some shiny trim bits.

Premium additions include an upgraded cloth trim, power folding rear seats, Tom Tom satellite-navigation, a powered tailgate, an 8.0-inch touch-screen and powered front seats.

All this stuff has been crammed into a larger body. The new Forester is 15mm longer at 4625mm, 20mm wider at 1815mm and has a 30mm longer wheelbase at 2670mm. It is 5mm lower than its predecessor at 1730mm.

The longer wheelbase helps increase interior space front and rear, while luggage space grows from 422 to 498 litres. Fold the rear seat down and cargo capacity is 1768 litres -- up a significant 294 litres. The tailgate opening is 134mm wider at 1300mm, making it possible to fit a full-size golf bag crossways.

The cabin is all-new. Subaru claims a class-leading field of vison, there’s a dashboard with clear links to the XV design and rear adjustable air-con vents are fitted for the first time.

The new direct-injection engine adds 10kW (to 136kW) and 4Nm (to 239Nm). The fuel consumption claim drops from 8.1L/100km to 7.4L/100km and CO2 emissions from 197g/km to 168g/km. That’s with the aid of auto idle-stop and despite a 15-26kg increase in tare mass to as much as 1577kg depending on the model.

Subaru also claims eight per cent “faster acceleration” without quoting times.

All Foresters get paddle shifters to operate the CVT’s seven manual steps. X-mode off-road mode is standard across the range but only the S includes a dedicated mud and snow function. The Premium and S models get Subaru Intelligent Drive, which flips the engine characteristics between two modes.

The Lineartronic CVT has been upgraded to behave more “sportily”, while the AWD system remains unchanged with its 60/40 front/rear static torque split.

The Forester’s independent suspension set-up and electric-assist power steering was tested three times on Australian roads during the development phase and the behaviour of electronic aids including stability control was also tuned locally. Australia settled on what’s referred to as a European chassis tune.

One significant chassis difference across the range is the two models with 18-inch alloys are fitted with larger front brake discs.

How much does the 2018 Subaru Forester cost?
Forester 2.5i AWD — $33,490
Forester 2.5i-L AWD — $35,490
Forester 2.5i Premium AWD — $38,490
Forester 2.5i-S AWD — $41,490

* Pricing excludes on-road costs