Subaru Forester 2005 first drive review

The new 2006 model Forester has received tweaks here and there which has improved its performance and handling.

Cosmetic changes are minimal but enough to distinguish the new from the old with a new five-bar horizontal grille, slightly different bumpers, front guards, tailgate and circular lights on the rear.

The mid-range XS auto ($36,990) and the range-topping XT manual ($40,990) spent time in the garage. An increase of 9kW and 3Nm for the 2.5-litre XS may seem hardly of note but the flatter torque curve gives the Forester a more sprightly feel and improved throttle response. The extra 14kW of power and no increase in torque for the turbocharged XT may seem, well, a little ordinary, but throttle response is meatier and more prompt and turbo lag is less pronounced than in the previous model. The turbo model sprints to 100km/h in six seconds and gear changes are made quick and easy thanks to the short throw five-speed gearbox.

The clutch is lighter than the previous model and quite sensitive but the standard hillholder — the anti-rollback mechanism — is a dream and begs the question: why don't more manufacturers use this handy device?

The Forester range retains a four-speed auto. Changes are smooth and quick but on occasions the four-speed box is left hunting.

The active torque split system on the automatic is now an electronic lock-up controlled through the CPU. Torque split on the manual remains a mechanical arrangement through a viscous coupling. Ground clearance has also been improved on all models.

Suspension is considerably firmer than the previous model for better handling, although ride comfort has suffered a fraction.

The brake package has also been given a bit of a tweak resulting in firmer pedal feel and better feedback. Road noise is a little intrusive on gravel or wet roads. Rear-seat leg room is still at a premium when the front seats are only halfway back but the 50mm extra thigh support for back seat passengers is a lot more comfortable.

The higher driving position combined with the large windscreen and pillarless doors makes for great vision front and rear.

The interior of the Forester is simple, but functional and attractive, and now comes with a choice of either a beige or black trim (water resistant for even better versatility).

Standard features are high in both models with a six CD in-dash stereo, climate control airconditioning, cruise control, height adjustable driver's seat, outside temperature display, power windows and mirrors, fog lights and two sunglass holders.

The new Forester has seven cup-holders and a nifty centre console that folds to the rear with a sliding mini-tray for rear passengers. The Forester is one of the least rollover-prone SUVs around. Its low centre of gravity and the horizontal positioning of the engine give the Forester a weight distribution of 55 degrees to the front and 45 to the rear.

The Forester's handling is still top-notch for an SUV although on the test cars it felt unsettled into a corner. Strangely, it was more noticeable in the manual version. While it is a little off-putting, it did not seem to affect the handling of the car, which maintains its line, only suffering understeer when pushed hard.

The XT now gains 17-inch wheels and high intensity headlights for a better light spread. All models rate five stars for crash safety with dual front airbags and dual front side airbags.