Vehicle: 2009 Subaru Forester 2.5XT Limited
Price as tested: CDN$34895

Performance: As with its predecessor, the new Forester is powered by both a turbo and normally aspirated horizontally opposed 4-cylinder engines. Both engines feature DOHC, 16-valve. On the normally aspirated version, it features an intelligent active valvelift system while turbocharged version just use a standard type. While the base 170 ponies and 170 lb/ft of torque normally aspirated version is more than capable in moving this 1500 kg beast through the 4-speed automatic gearbox. Its the potent 224hp turbo version that gives Forester a serious punch. Consider this is the detuned version of the 2.5 liter turbo engine in the astounishing STi performance car, this is a willing powertrain that is able to give Forester a true sleeper status. With 226 lb/ft of torque arrives at 2800rpm, it has no shortage of low-end grunt. Its also surprisingly smooth off-the-line due to the lack of turbo lag. Just like the latest WRX and STi, Subaru has refined its personality with more refinement as a trade for the hardcore character. Despite that, Subaru flat 4’s distinctive engine note remains intact. On the other hand, its as willing to rev as any Subaru engines have gone before. Unforunately, there is one major flaw. While this 4-speed automatic with manual shift has been a proven technology for Subaru products, this Forester needs a 5 or 6-speed for better highway gearing. Both the turbo and normally aspirated flat-4 feel buzzy at high rpm despite of its rev happiness. Thankfully, the gear ratios for 1st and 2nd gears are low enough for quick acceleration and elimination of turbo lag. Both the 5 or 6-speed automatic would work much better with these powertrains. Consider Subaru is an engineering-driven company, it shouldn’t be hard for them to engineer a superb automatic for all of its products.

Handling: Subaru has always been known for its superb chassis dynamics, great suspension calibration and AWD system; the new Forester is no exception. This assymertical AWD really gives us lots of confidence when pushing it through corners, even if we tested it during the heavy rainfall in May. Its a fool-proof system that provides active safety for daily driver and wonderful driving dynamics for enthuisasts. The steering, as with all Subarus, provide excellent feedback and responsiveness. Its level of precision is the other side of a Porsche. Its really the best of what you expect from a crossover. While there are some body rolls and understeer, both have been very well-controlled despite of Forester’s high center of gravity. We have to give nod to Subaru engineers for designing a Vehicle Dynamic Control that remains uninstrusive even in a crossover. Its not stepping in until it rears its ugly head. This is both an enthuisast and consumer-driven system that please both buyers. Ride comfort is both firm and comfortable. It soaks up bumps and patholes with suppleness, while completely lack the softness we have experienced in some of its peers.

Brakes: Subaru’s 4-channel, 4-sensor ABS with 4-wheel discs have provided world-class braking performance in this Forester. The stopping distance is short, while pedal is firm and easy to modulate. Even under the heavy rain, the ABS won’t kicked in until absolutely necessary.

Interior: Subaru interiors have gone a long way in just a few short years. Their interiors used to have quirky but cheap materials. Forester is the best example of Subaru interior have gone rich and mainstream. The leather seats have nice grain with decent support. Layout has been similar to the Impreza, as Forester has shared platform with its smaller silibing. The instrumentation gauges are clear and analog. With stereo placed above auto climate control for excellent ergonomics. As with the Impreza, the driving position is driver-oriented thanks to the perfect positon of pedal, steering, shifter and seat.

There are enough rear headroom but the legroom remains fall short of its rivals.

The cargo layout is excellent. With a low liftover, a squared cut-off and plenty of storage spaces; you can basically haul anything in its 872 liters with the rear seats unfolded. With the rear seats completely fold-down, Forester is able to haul 1784 liters of cargos.

Conclusion: When Forester first incepted in 1998, it has quickly become the benchmark of its segment thanks to its smart packaging and swift driving dynamics. A decade and 2 generations latter, Subaru continues to make the best even better. The base version has enough grunt to move groceries for its target audience, its the full boost turbo version that is able to put smile on everyone’s face.

OVERALL VERDICT FOR 2009 Subaru Forester
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Performance: 4.75/5
Handling and ride/fun-to-drive: 4.75/5
Interior/ergonomics/user-friendliness: 4/5
Fit-and-finish/build quality: 4/5
Cargo/accessibility/layout: 4/5
Value-for-money: 4/5

Overall rating: 4/5