Subaru Forester

Here is a review of the all new 2008 Subaru Forester. The new Forester
is bigger, better looking and its built on a whole new chassis. The
Forester has always been a great soft-roader but can the new Forester
live up to the name its created?


Exteriors
Park
the new Forester beside its older brothers and you will see a big
difference in size. The new Forester is now around the same size as the
Outlander and Rav4 which are just to name a few. The model that has
been tested is the base model X, but as it can be seen by the above
picture fog lamps and alloy wheels come standard on all the specs. The
Forester gets great looking meaty side mirrors, but it is sad to see
that Subaru has taken out the integrated mirror indicators which were
found on the last model.
Getting in and out is made easy with the doors all most opening up 90 degrees.



All
doors shut with a nice "thud" unlike some other SUV's where the doors
shut with a "thump". Also the new Forester gets a frame around the
window unlike the previous Forester's.
At the rear the Forester has
powerful reverse lamps but it doesn't just end there, the whole rear is
better looking than its older brothers.


So the new Forester, which ever way you look at it from the outside... it is a winner.

Interiors
Well
the new forester being bigger means more room on the inside. Three full
sized adults can sit with ease at the rear with ample of leg space.
Seating is comfortable for all passengers aboard.





Being
Subaru there is nothing that is cheap in quality, but on some of the
interiors front the Forester is going to be getting bad marks. Cup
holders are standard in all most every car, two at the front and two at
the back and maybe more. But the new Forester doesn't have any cup
holders at the back (except top end spec) and up front has a long
rectangle box (center console with no cover) and that can be used for
putting your things in, but where are the cup holders!!
On a happy note, all Forester models come with standard EIGHT airbags, which is sure to please all.
The base model comes with a CD player, but the next two specs come with a six disc CD player.
Not that you use it but all most all cars have an engine heat dial but I couldn't seem to spot one... Can you??



Performance, ride and handling
An
all new Forester...right..?? Wrong! I am disappointed in Subaru for not
giving the Forester a new better and bigger engine. It still comes with
a 2.5 liter 4cyl boxer engine AND it still has only four gears (AT).
Even though it has better power output than the older models, but it is
a shame the Subaru did not change the engine size or add at least one
extra gear.
We gave the Forester hell as we took it through sharp
turns with recommened speeds of 35kph and we took them at all most
double that speed, with the tires making noise. The brakes are strong
and all four wheels get discs and EBD, traction control and ABS (all
specs).


(we took the Forester for a drive around these hills)

The ride is softer and smoother and it feels like you are gliding along.
Even when you take a sharp turn it doesn't feel like you are going to tip over thanks to the Subaru's low center of gravity.

Verdict
The
new Forester is truly a work of art and is a must to go for. I do feel
if Subaru changes some of the things in the interior and engine
department they have a true winner. The Forester does live up to its
name and I would give it a rating of 8/10.



ZAL D

Oh ya and we just bought one yesterday. The model shown here is the base, we bought the luxury model, with leather seats and a huge sun roof..etc.
Will put up pictures of it tomorrow. :D

Subaru Cars rock for their handling.. And New Forester is not an exception.. Great Review.. Thanks.. And yes, Heartiest Congratulations for getting urself a New Forester.. Do keep us updated with ur Forester.. :)

congrats Zal for your Forester
and nice reveiew too!

thats a nice review Zal, also congratulations on your new Forester.Subaru is known for its handling and so is forester, Keep updating with your new ride with pics.Ride safe.CHEERS!!

Well written Zal and also a heart congratulations on your new possession.

Good review Zal, Forester is a nice car but couldn't do well here because of high pricing, and the only thing of it which attracted me was those frameless doors and hey Congrats on your new car buy please update uus and put some pics soon. :cheers:

Since they give all the features on all models the luxury model doesn't feel like a luxury car. If we ignore that the give all safety features on all the models and look at small things like fog lights and wheels. As the wheels on the luxury are the same 16 inch. It would be nice if it got 17 or 18. And if fog lights weren't standard on all models. The features the luxury has on top of the base is, in dash 6 CD changer, all windows are tinted, better center console buttons and nobs. leather seats and the one thing I love....a hugh sun roof.

Any pics of your car?