Rally car disguised as an SUV. A 200-mm ground clearance and platform shared with the Impreza WRX make the Forester 2.5L XT car-like in every sense.

WHEN Subaru made its successful return last year, one of it’s most awaited vehicles was the Forester. The reason for this was that the current model had a better interior, better rear accommodations and retain the same horizontally opposed four-cylinder engine and all-wheel drive (AWD) as the 2006 Impreza WRX, but with less turbo lag and more horsepower.

The Forester XT totes a pleasing two-tone interior, with black adorning the upper part and steering wheel as well as tan covering the beltline downwards. The metallic center paneling covering the radio, the A/T stick and the middle A/C vents and controls provide a nice contrast, and hidden within the paneling is a unique vertically mounted cup holder.

Forward view is excellent, the seats and the water-repellent seat fabric are very comfortable and the rotary seat lifter moves in huge increments to handle thick thighs and large bums. A large glass sunroof spans nearly half of the roofline, and is great for stargazing nights or getting out trapped stale air.

There are lots of small item storage areas with large front door pockets, a multifunctional center console, an overhead console, bar hangers and cup holders galore. The rearmost area swallows a balikbayan box plus three to four duffel bags and the rear backrest can be folded flat to handle extra cargo. Unfortunately the rear roomers get just four cup holders, small door pockets and a single seatback pocket behind the front occupant.

For those who frequently bring electrical items on trips, there are three (six-volt or 12-volt) outlets, one for each cabin section.

Outside the styling of the SUV is good but not great, but is better than that of its predecessor. The low ground clearance (200mm), large hood scoop, bigger seven-star logo in the grille and 17-inch rims serve notice to all comers that a Subaru is in their line of sight.

Waking up the DOHC 16-valve 2.5L horizontally opposed, turbocharged engine brings about a subtle rumble and a violent shake that gives the feeling that you’re holding back a beast itching to run. When you finally let go of the leash (via the gas pedal), the response is nearly instantaneous. Partial boost from the turbo kicks in early (2,500 to 2,750 rpm) and full boost comes at 4,500-plus rpm. When the beast gets angry it can do marvels, such as reach 230 kph and upshift at its 7,000 rpm redline. The onus is that its power comes with a price; this writer notched 7.67 km/l on four days of normal mixed driving. But who cares about fuel consumption; the Forester is a rally car disguised as an SUV.

Getting the Forester’s Impreza WRX-derived engine power (227 hp, 320 Nm of torque) to the wheels is Subaru’s symmetrical AWD and a four-speed A/T with Sportshift. Third and fourth gears are tall and it would help if an extra gear was installed to bridge the wide gap. The good news is that the Sportshift feature helps somewhat in getting into the power band quickly.

The symmetrical AWD and the low ground clearance (200 mm) keep the SUV planted firmly on the ground during cornering, along with four wheel independent suspension that displays little body roll and a car-like (but really firm) ride.

The Forester is no slouch when it comes to safety. Since its 1998 introduction, the Forester has racked up several safety accolades, not the least of which have come from the stringent US-based Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. The new Forester is no different, due to multiple airbags, a strengthened rear crossmember which increases the Forester’s rigidity, front-seatbelt pretensioners, front seat active head restraints and an efficient and effective four-wheel disc brake system with an antilock brake system (ABS).

With an engine, AWD and suspension derived directly from the Impreza WRX and interior/safety features rivaling executive sedans, the Forester XT is car-like in every sense. Now if this writer can only cough up P1.65 million to get one…

Thumbs up

Near-instantaneous power response

Ridiculously great handling

Little turbo lag

All-wheel drive

Crisp steering

Hill holder option

Comfortable seating

Cup holders galore

Large glass sunroof

Bright lighting from headlights/foglights

Price

Thumbs down

Little grip from test unit’s tires

Ride a bit too firm

Only four forward gears

Fuel consumption  

Little storage for rear passengers

Specifications

Vehicle: Subaru Forester 2.5 XT

Type: Compact crossover sport utility vehicle

Engine type: EJ255 2.5L 16-valve DOHC horizontally opposed four-cylinder gasoline, with liquid cooled turbocharger

Maximum power: 227 hp at 5600 rpm

Maximum torque: 320 Nm at 3600 rpm

Transmission: Four speed automatic (with Sportshift), symmetrical all-wheel drive

Dimensions

Length: 4485 mm

Width: 1735 mm

Height: 1585 mm

Wheelbase: 2525 mm

Front track: 1495 mm

Rear track: 1485 mm

Ground clearance: 200 mm

Wheel size: 17-inch aluminum alloy

Tires: Yokohama Geolandar G900 215/55 R17

Price as tested: P1.65 million (MSRP), P1,702,191 (with MotorImage Pilipinas-supplied insurance)

A FEW weeks back, Arlan Reyes, assistant manager for advertising and promotions of Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corp. (MMPC), sent this writer an invitation to take part in a test-drive of its 2007 Strada 4x4 pickup.

THE Biofuels Caravan—a cross-country motorcade that aims to encourage vehicle owners to consider the use of alternative fuels, especially those of bioethanol and biodiesel—wound up its 10-day sweep of the key cities of the country.

THE political campaign is on and traffic jams all around the metropolis and provinces will surely be a constant fare on our main roads in the coming days.

WHEN Subaru made its successful return last year, one of it’s most awaited vehicles was the Forester. The reason for this was that the current model had a better interior, better rear accommodations and retain the same horizontally opposed four-cylinder engine and all-wheel drive (AWD) as the 2006 Impreza WRX, but with less turbo lag and more horsepower.