Subaru Forester 2.0 D - book proportions
Content
Let's go back to elementary school for a moment and do a simple experiment. Imagine two full plates. One of them contains sand and dust, illustrating the essence of off-road properties and the ability to drive a car in difficult conditions. However, in the second vessel, we have trinkets that act as interesting looks, impressive styling tweaks, etc. But what does this have to do with the Subaru Forester? Contrary to appearances - a lot.
It is these vessels that are at the disposal of manufacturers creating crossovers. The problem is that the final design is suitable for the next empty vessel of the same capacity, and the final proportions are determined by the manufacturer. Looking at the offer of most brands, you can quickly come to the conclusion that almost all the glitter content goes into an empty vessel, and sand and dust are only a small addition. The result is a beautiful, stylistically impressive car, worked out to the smallest detail, with many gadgets, but after driving a few hundred meters off-road, problems arise. Is it the same for the Subaru Forester? In a word, no.
Off-road mix
In this case, the clumsy designers overturned the jar of trinkets and what was left, and little remained, ended up in a bowl of sand and dust. And praise them for it! Forester is a representative of a very small group of cars that look like SUVs and they actually are. Yes, the design is modest and does not keep up with the rest of the indicators in this segment, as well as equipment and accessories, but when it comes to off-road qualities, there is nothing to cling to.
Fortunately, you can see the Japanese hand of stylists in several places. I'm talking mainly about oblique headlights, a large grille with chrome elements and an interesting stamping in the front bumper. At the back, we have a large spoiler on the tailgate, small and quite classic shades and some embossing on the tailgate. The lateral line is dense and rather neat, but, as I said, there is no place for French sophistication here. Forester is closer to German solidity and restraint with a touch of Japanese fantasy. The advantage of course is that the car, despite the many years on the back of the head, does not grow old, does not suddenly become unfashionable, but if someone is looking for something interesting, Subaru may have problems with this.
By the way, we can compare the car with its predecessor in terms of dimensions. Well, the current generation is 3,5 cm longer, 1,5 cm wider and 3,5 cm taller. The wheelbase increased by 9 cm also increases the space inside the cabin. The new Forester has also received improved off-road performance as approach and departure angles have been improved, as well as ground clearance of 22 cm.
The interior does not indulge ...
And very well! Subaru Forester is not a car that pleases the eye with accessories. In this car, the driver must concentrate on the road, and the interior is only to help him. And this is so, although at times I had the impression that I was sitting in a car a few years ago. Everything is tough and the dashboard takes up to 10 minutes to work through. For some, this is an advantage, because it is a car, not a computer with a mobility function, but in many places the Japanese designers could have tried. In addition, this car is from Japan, the country of multimedia gadgets, so if some interesting technologies appear inside, no one will be offended. But this is the approach of the manufacturer Shinjuku - simplicity, reliability and functionality to the detriment of driver comfort. You must like it, or at least accept it.
… But the engine makes you feel better!
Subaru has been famous for its good quality boxer powertrains for many years. Of course, conservative fans of the brand turned up their noses at diesel units, but if not for them, the manufacturer's offer would have been almost invisible and unnoticed in Europe. It's true that the Forester's offering isn't impressive, but we shouldn't complain about the lack of power. So, as far as petrol units are concerned, we can choose a 2.0io engine with 150 hp. and the 2.0 XT with 240bhp, so it's an interesting change. The diesel engine is also the same and it was this one that appeared under the hood of the tested model. This is a 2.0D engine with 147 hp. at 3600 rpm with a maximum torque of 350 Nm, available in the range of 1600-2400 rpm. Drive is sent to all wheels in a symmetrical all-wheel drive system via a mechanical 6-speed gearbox. Top speed is 190 km/h and acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h takes over 10 seconds. This is not a very good result, but according to the manufacturer, it should reward combustion. Subaru says it will average 5,7L/100km, less than 5L on the highway and 7L in the city. Of course, our measurements showed a little more, but these are not blatant deviations from the above. declarations.
But let's finish with the numbers and move on to the most important thing - the driving experience. Let's start with what is perhaps the biggest asset of this car. This, of course, is about the boxer engine, which is a feature not only of the Forester, but of the entire Subaru brand, which has built its popularity mainly on all-wheel drive, and this engine, after all, is not a very popular system. Not everyone likes the specifics of this engine, but such people are probably a significant minority. A beautiful sound, characteristic noises when shifting gears, a whine of a turbocharger - some people buy Subaru just for these attractions. All this, of course, is complemented by a driving experience that is a lot of fun, confidence and safety even in difficult conditions. Despite its large dimensions, the car does not ride like a shopping cart - on the contrary, it behaves well in corners and gives an amazing feeling of control over the car in all conditions. Of course, we have the most fun in the field and, despite many shortcomings compared to real SUVs, it is difficult to surprise him with anything. Within reason, of course.
And only after I sit behind the wheel, start the engine and drive off-road or at least on a country road, any flaws in the design and equipment disappear, because there is pure driving pleasure. And here comes the question, which I will mention at the end.
How much does it all cost?
It is true that we offer 3 drives, but this is enough to satisfy most customers. Moreover, we have a lot of equipment options, so the price range is quite significant. But at the beginning there is a small surprise - the manufacturer, wanting to protect itself from exchange rate fluctuations, gives its prices... in euros. And so the cheapest model offered costs 27 thousand. euros, or about 111 thousand zlotys. In return we will get a 2.0i engine with 150 hp. with Comfort package. For the cheapest diesel 2.0D with 147 hp. with the Active package we will pay 28 euros, or about 116 240 zlotys. If someone wants the 2.0 XT engine with 33 hp, he must pay at least euros, that is, less zlotys for the Comfort variant.
The test model has the basic Active equipment and costs about PLN 116. As standard, we will get, among other things, ABS with EBD, an ISOFIX system, a 4-speaker audio system, automatic air conditioning, power windows or 17-inch wheels. By comparison, the top-of-the-line Sport has 18-inch rims, remote central locking with proximity sensor, Start/Stop button, auto-adjusting halogen headlights with xenon low beam, tinted glass or full electrics.
To take or not to take?
The question is quite complex and difficult to answer for someone. It all depends on the preferences of the driver. There are plenty of alternatives, such as the Honda CR-V with 4X4 drive, S trim and 2.0 155 hp petrol engine. for about 106 thousand. PLN or Mazda CX-5 with 4X4 drive and 2.0 hp 160 petrol engine. with SkyMOTION equipment for less than 114 thousand. zloty. There's also the Volkswagen Tiguan or the Ford Kuga, and it's likely that visually these cars will offer little more than the humble and not-so-fashionable Forester. When choosing, you should ask yourself the question: “What will be best for me?” If someone prefers to drive off-road and after a few hundred meters stop in a deep puddle, and then get out of the car admiring the silhouette, step aside at the Subaru dealership. However, if someone prefers to put up with the unfashionable appearance and the lack of gadgets, get into the car and enjoy the ride, bypassing fashionable boulevards buried in mud along the way… the answer is probably clear!
