Subaru Forester 2.0i XE Premium e-Boxer Lineartronic
REVIEW By Tony Yates
I CLIMBED into the cabin of something pretty special in the form of the updated Subaru Forester 2.0i XE Premium e-Boxer Lineartronic.
For those of you that don’t know this, the Forester is the hidden gem when it comes to doing everything right first time and with minimal fuss.
The Forester is also tough, practical and virtually indestructible.
The all-new Forester e-BOXER is Subaru’s first self-charging hybrid SUV, which gives you full adventuring ability with the added benefit of battery-based power, without any need to plug into recharge – which for me is a bonus.
Plus; With Subaru’s hybrid technology, the 2.0L petrol e-BOXER engine works seamlessly with the electric motor to deliver a more rewarding driving experience on every type of journey, which makes for a better all-round experience in my book.
The Forester to me is the car that has it all and a car that will probably never let you down. Yes, that may seem a little over the top, but there is a reason for this.
The Subaru Forester is an utterly brilliant car in every way. If you are still not convinced, then sit back and read on as I explain the pure brilliance of this machine.
Power and Efficiency
The Forester was equipped with a powerful and efficient 2.0-litre Horizontally-opposed, 4 cylinder petrol engine – a unit that provides you with a maximum power of 150 PS and a torque figure of 196Nm.
The Forester also achieved 34.7mpg on the combined cycle which is quite impressive when you consider its not a small vehicle. Maximum speed comes in at around117mph and a 0-62mph of 11.8s.
This is also an engine that provides more than enough power on the road – whilst its horizontally-opposed 4 cylinder design provides you with a smooth drive in any gear. It’s also important to note that this is no slouch, so don’t be fooled by it only having 150 PS.
On the Road
One of the benefits of the Forester is in its ability to do off-road ‘brilliantly’. You probably think I’m kidding here, but I’m not.
The Forester is fantastic, which is why it’s probably the most preferred mode of transport for anyone who owns a farm – or the more adventurous type who prefers the muddy tracks of the outdoors rather than the city tarmac.
To be honest, it makes little difference where you take the Forester, the result will be the same.
The Forester is also a very stable and well-balanced machine and a willing companion into bends, yet it’s comfortable enough in off-road mode or at times when you need it to become the long-distance mile eater at a minutes’ notice.
The ride for me was perfect and unfussy.
You also don’t bounce around as you do in a Land Rover Defender – you just glide.
Design and Technology
The Subaru Forester offers you plenty of standard equipment such as; Automatic LED Headlights with Auto Leveliser, Steering Responsive Headlights, High Beam Assist, Daytime Running Lights, Pop-Up Type Headlight Washers, Front LED Fog Lights, Rear Fog Lights, Power-Folding Door Mirrors with Built-In LED Indicators, Privacy Glass for Rear Doors, Rear Quarters & Rear Window, Automatic Rain-Sensing Windscreen Wipers, 18” Alloy Wheels, Sunroof, Heated Steering Wheel, Heated Front Seats, Heated Rear Seats, 8-Way Power-Adjustable Driver and Front Passenger Seat.
And, Remote Control Central Locking, Keyless Entry and Push Button Start System, Electronic Parking Brake, Three 12-Volt Power Outlets (Instrument Panel, Centre Console Box and Boot) Power Tailgate, Climate Control, Dual-Zone Automatic Air-Conditioning System with Anti-Dust Filter, Windscreen Wiper De-Icer, Heated Door Mirrors, Front and Side Defrosters, SUBARU Infotainment and Audio System: 1 CD and 6 Speakers, 8” Multifunction Colour Touchscreen, Satellite Navigation, Apple CarPlay™ & Android Auto™.
Yep, the list just keeps going with the addition of; DAB Radio, Voice Recognition System, Steering Wheel Mounted Audio & Cruise Controls, Adaptive Cruise Control, Speed Limiter, SI-Drive (SUBARU Intelligent Drive)*3, Stop & Start System*4, X-Mode & Hill Descent Control, Auto Vehicle Hold, Vehicle Dynamics Control System (VDC), and a whole lot more that would put even the most well-equipped car to shame. Well done Subaru, that is one long list.
On the inside, there’s also plenty of room for five adults to travel in comfort whilst the boot is capable of swallowing up to 1,779 litres of luggage capacity, meaning it’s extremely practical for a large family.
To Sum Up
The Subaru Forester is an impressive performer both on and off-road.
This is why the Forester deserves to do well.
Let’s not forget it’s extensive All Wheel Drive experience that’s ultra-impressive and one of the main reasons why it’s off-road potential and on-road manners are something that stands out right from the word GO!
Priced from £39,335.
