FIRST LOOK / SUBARU FORESTER

FIRST LOOK / SUBARU FORESTER

'MY WAY'

Another all-new Subaru has rolled out into world markets - with design set to be the centre of controversy again

Packaging : Ever since the Forester was launched in 1997, Subaru's compact SUV stuck to one simple formula: practical and good to drive.

That's why the third generation model you see here evolves with only small changes in design - an aspect never considered a strong point in the Forester and it continues to remain so.

The boxy package remains, while the front end mixes the Impreza's headlamp theme and Tribeca's squarish grille element. The result is another uninspiring Subaru that should definitely court controversy.

In terms of dimensions, the Forester has grown in height and width with the most notable improvement being the 90mm longer wheelbase to ensure that all five occupants are comfortable and there is plenty of luggage space.

There is no seven-seat option for the Forester, probably to avoid cannibalisation with the larger Tribeca. As well, Subaru is planning to develop an all-new three-row MPV based on the Exiga concept vehicle.

This means that the Forester rivals the Honda CR-V and its likes. The Mitsubishi Outlander (Airtrek in Japan) was once a nemesis of the Forester, but the latest Outlander has now moved upmarket in seven-seat form.

The Forester's dashboard has been carried over from the Impreza saloon and hatchback. Subaru has made the Forester's version more distinctive by adding wood panels on the centre console.

Drivetrain

Since the Forester uses the mechanicals of the Impreza, the engine line-up is the obvious: 2.0-litre flat-four engines in either naturally aspirated or turbocharged form.

The bigger 2.5-litre counterpart will be available for Europe to gain on similar performance, but better fuel economy and lower exhausts emissions.

Transmission is conventional: four-speed automatic driving all four wheels with a system that can split torque between the front and rear axles. Despite the growing number of 2WD SUVs, the Forester is sold only with 4WD.

Thai sales

The second generation Forester currently on sale in Thailand comes with either the non-turbo 2.0 and turbo 2.5. The latter unit, in particularly, has a power output of 210hp tuned specifically for the Thai market to escape the maximum excise tax of 50% and enjoy 35% instead.

This strategy is most likely to be applied on the new Forester when it is launched in Thailand at the end of this year at Motor Expo, although it is most likely that the 2.0 will be dropped due to its inferior performance and comparable competition offering far lower prices.

Like today's model, the Forester will be imported in full specification. It remains to be seen whether the Thai Subaru agent will opt for a comprehensive level of safety, since its parent firm still doesn't make side and curtain airbags standard fitments.

Even though the Forester would be priced heftily at over B2.5m in 2.5 turbo form, its blown performance continues as a selling point over other credible rivals.

Like the Forester, the Mazda CX-7 comes with a turbocharged engine albeit power of over 220hp.

Its high price of nearly B4m explains why the Thai Mazda office is reluctant to sell it here officially.