Subaru chose to mimic its rivals when it revamped the Forester in 2008. It did so by making it bigger and taller while at the same time making it look more like an SUV.
NEW
In doing so it made its SUV roomier inside, more refined and better equipped. The final result was that it was 75 mm longer, 60 mm wider, 110 mm taller and rode on a wheelbase that was 90 mm longer than the previous model.
All of that meant it was roomier inside and had more space in the boot. The looks also changed, the new model boasting a smoother, more curved shape than the older, boxier model, and it rode 20 mm higher, which helped it fit in with the preconceived ideas of what an SUV should look like.
What it didn't change was the boxer engine it used and the use of constant all-wheel drive, the latter in contrast to most of the Forester's rivals that continued to be front-wheel drive, except when the going gets slippery and the drive is then sent to the rear wheels as well.
The 2.5-litre naturally-breathing horizontally-opposed 'boxer' engine was tweaked to give 5kW more power and 3Nm more power and torque respectively, not much it has to be said, but for more there was also the choice of a turbocharged version that gave quite a decent boost in performance for those who feel they need more.
Subaru offered a choice of 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmissions, the latter with the ability to be shifted by the driver. Subaru claimed the new model was more fuel-efficient, which was fine, although the numbers they quoted weren't all that great.
But it was right on the money in terms of safety with a maximum 5-star ANCAP rating on the back of front, side and curtain airbags, ABS braking and stability control across all models. The model line-up began with the X and climbed to the turbocharged XT Premium at the top of the tree.
NOW
Subarus are generally well regarded by owners and that's certainly the message we get at Carsguide where few are moved to complain about their cars. The trade similarly gives them a tick of approval for their reliability and durability.
About the only thing that crops up when we ask about Subarus in general, including the Forester is their tendency to consume oil. It's not something that is likely to cause a problem, but it is something that owners need to be conscious of and make sure they check the engine oil regularly, and top it up when needed.
Forgetting to do it, or simply ignoring it, can lead to expensive repairs. When test driving an auto Forester observe for clean shifting and engagement of gears. It's a regular automatic and in many respects nicer to drive than the CVT transmissions most of its rivals now use. Check for a service record, nothing kills a car faster than a lack of servicing, and the Forster is no different to any other car in that respect.
SMITHY SAYS
Bigger and better than the previous model, it ticks the family boxes.
Subaru Forester 2008-2010
Price new: $30,490 to $44,990
Engine: 2.5-litre 4-cylinder, 126 kW/229 Nm; 2.5-litre turbocharged 4- cylinder, 169 kW/320 Nm.
Transmission: 5-speed manual, 4-speed auto, AWD
Economy: 9.3 L/100 km (2.5), 10.5 L/100 km
Body: 4-door wagon
Variants: X, XS, XS Premium, XT, XT Premium
Safety: 5-star ANCAP
COMING UP
Do you own a Toyota Yaris? If so tell us what you think of it by sending your comments to Graham Smith at grah.smith@bigpond.com or Carsguide, PO Box 4245, Sydney, NSW, 2010.
Subaru Forester 2008: X
| Engine Type | Inline 4, 2.5L |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type | Unleaded Petrol |
| Fuel Efficiency | 9.6L/100km (combined) |
| Seating | 5 |
| Price From | $4,620 - $6,820 |
| Safety Rating |
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Pricing Guides
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