I Spend Time with The Subaru Forester 2.0i-S ES CVT
Quick Facts
- Price: From R519 000
- Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cylinder boxer engine
- Power/Torque: 115kW / 196Nm
- Transmission: 7 Speed Lineartronic CVT
- Fuel economy: 7.6 L/100 km (I managed 7.3L )
Exterior
The Forester does not lack in the looks department, at the front you get LED headlights and fog lamps while the grille does not look out of place. There is also an under-guard for added protection should you decided to go off-roading.
The rear section of the car includes split rear taillamps with a more pronounced C-shape that look like crab claws.
Depending on the spec choice, you get a choice of 17 or 18-inch alloy wheel designs, finished in silver or high-gloss black metallic.
Overall, the Subaru Forester is appealing on the eye and the larger car exudes a sense of practicality, quality and dependability in its new design. And it’s certainly the same in terms of interior design features.
Interior
Just as I was impressed with the interior design of the Subaru XV, the Forester equally impresses as well. This is also noticeable in the attention to detail in every part of the new cabin. High-quality materials are used in places like the door panels and the centre console while the leather steering wheel feels really great.
The leather seats have also been designed for optimal ergonomics, comfort and safety.
How does it Drive
The Subaru Forester is powered by a 4-cylinder, 2.0-litre Boxer engine that delivers 115kW of power and 196nm of torque through a Lineartronic CVT (continuously variable transmission).
The Subaru feels somewhat underpowered in my opinion, the CVT takes a few seconds to respond and to choose the appropriate gear and while it’s doing so, there is a slight noise in the engine. This is not a constant thing, only when you need to overtake, on the open road the Forester is a bliss, it’s comfortable and there is a little road or wind noise.
However, The Forester excelled in the fuel economy department. The claimed figures are 7.6l/100km but I managed an average of 7.3l/100km during my time.
There are also various of safety features which are helpful, the EyeSight System being one of the best systems I have ever come across. Adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, blind-spot assist, reverse camera with rear and front PDC just to name a few.
You will also find the Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, as well as various drive modes, which come standard across the range.
Verdict and Pricing
The Subaru Forester is a quality product, a versatile SUV with loads of space, the only gripe would be the CVT gearbox, other than that, the Forester is a perfect all rounder, be it being adventurous, sporty and family friendly, it will suit your everyday life perfectly.
The Driver assistance systems as well as the Eyesight Technology also make it one of the safest SUV in the market. The space and comfortability is also a big win and I would recommend the Subaru Forester to anyone looking for an SUV in that price range.
Price - From R519 000
