Subaru Forester 2.0D XS NavPlus 5dr Car Review - March 2012

One particular weakness with the Subaru Forester is the driving experience on the road, with the inaccurate steering being a significant problem that means drivers will have to be more careful. The Forester doesn’t have a large amount of grip, and although the ride is quite comfortable, the amount of body lean in the corners is really quite disappointing. The high driving position means that forward and rear visibility are good, and the power seats and steering wheel can both be adjusted to suit the needs of the individual behind the wheel.

Considering that the Forester is a big 4x4, the acceleration from 0-62mph in only 10.4 seconds is really rather good, with the 2.0 litre diesel engine having plenty of response to the accelerator throughout the range. The top speed of 116mph is fine for motorway driving, but the amount of noise made by the diesel engine when it is worked hard really does disrupt the refinement in the cabin.

The Forester is a 4x4 that carries many of the typical design features found in modern vehicles, including the hardened plastic trim around the bottom of the vehicle to protect the paint when driving off road or on minor roads. Generally the Forester is quite similar in shape to the Land Rover Freelander, while the tail light cluster is narrowed on the body in order to improve access to the boot. Inside the cabin is comfortable with a dashboard that is simple to understand, and the chunky controls on the simple centre console are really attractive.

This version of the Forester does boast a nice range of equipment, with leather seats, alloy wheels and satellite navigation all being a part of the premium car range found here. Power heated seats and an electric sunroof are both welcome additions to the car, while the CD stereo and Bluetooth connectivity are also features worth mentioning. Also included is climate control to keep the cabin comfortable, and cruise control for those occasions when you do take the Forester on a longer journey.

The Forester is quite a practical vehicle that can boast a large boot space, but the narrow seat in the middle of the back bench does mean that the fifth occupant would usually find it a little uncomfortable. The folding rear seats do mean that the large boot can become a large load space quickly and easily. Subaru can also boast a superb reliability record, and the Forester is likely to continue to enhance that reputation.

Although the Subaru Forester hasn’t been submitted for the Euro NCAP safety test, it can boast a good range of airbags to look after the occupants in the car, and it also has the driving aids that help to keep the car stable and under control at all times.

This top of the range version of the Forester doesn’t come cheap, and with a list price of £29,070, it puts it into competition with some formidable rivals such as the Land Rover Freelander and the Volvo XC60.

Considering the fact that this is a large 4x4, the fuel efficiency figures are quite good, with the 2.0 litre diesel engine able to achieve an average 47.1mpg. The insurance costs are quite reasonable for a car of this size, and 4x4 cars also have the benefit of being able to stave off depreciation quite well. The Forester is supplied with a three year or sixty thousand mile warranty and the same period of roadside breakdown assistance.