REVIEWS AND ROAD TESTS

Still Outshining the Competition?

The Forester is still one of the best-selling utility vehicles in Canada. But its popularity is faltering, due to age and a savvy competition. With no major redesign planned until 2003, Subaru management has nevertheless seen fit to add a little more jazz to this year ’ s Forester with the Sport trim.You don ’ t climb into a Forester, you just slide in. While this low ground clearance limits the vehicle ’ s off-roading potential (as does the lack of skid plates under the vehicle), it does make it easier to load a sled, snowboard or other bulky sports equipment onto the newly designed roof rack, reportedly less noisy than the previous model. The interior proportions are more cramped than, say, a Ford Escape, particularly in the back, where the bench seat is about as comfortable as an ironing board. The seat ’ s one original feature is that it reclines to let little ones nap. And when they awake, you can entertain them with a treasure hunt by hiding small objects in the 20-odd compartments that speckle the Forester ’ s interior. While they thought of many such details, somehow Subaru engineers forgot to install a side rear window defogger, which would have improved visibility in bad weather. There are also several ergonomic problems, such as the radio ’ s unfortunate position under the air conditioner and the flimsiness of accessories like the cup holder.Road handling has always been the Forester ’ s strong suit, and its engineers were smart to leave well enough alone. Last year ’ s robust but thirsty engine, a four- cylinder, horizontally opposed 2,5-litre, remains in place. After all, it was successfully reconfigured to improve acceleration. I ’ ll spare you the technical details, but to make a long story short, note that the new Forester has only one camshaft (there used to be two), and that its fuel injection system has been modified to bring more oxygen to the engine. The added vigour is evident at low and medium speeds, and it ’ s easier to reach those passing speeds. Still, the powertrain could use more flexibility, a problem that ’ s only exacerbated with the five-speed manual transmission. The clutch has made significant progress over the years, giving it greater precision and a reduced tendency to jerk about, but it still lacks a certain fluidity. As a result, the Forester sometimes bucks in bumper-to-bumper traffic, making its driver look like a real beginner. If you want my advice, spring for the smooth automatic transmission, at $1,000 extra.

The Forester is outstanding on asphalt, where many of its rivals disappoint. Thanks to its auto frame (courtesy of the Impreza, in this case), the Forester is fun to drive and inspires a jaunty confidence. In other words, forget about the vague, hazy feeling you might get behind the wheel of some other SUVs. The Forester ’ s steering is firm and precise, and its remarkably short turning circle makes it easy to negotiate the turns and fit into a tight parking space. Also of note are a recalibrated suspension to minimise tilt and an wider track which gives the vehicle a roomier trunk and backseat while also improving its stability.

Aggressive 16-inch tires go all-out to counter the vehicle’s tendency to oversteer or understeer under certain circumstances. Not really dangerous, it ’ s just a little fun, especially in the winter when the Forester really struts its stuff. Of course, it doesn ’ t hurt that its excellent antilock braking system, which comes standard on all vehicles, is definitely the most powerful and resistant (even to heat) of its class. Only hitch: the brake pedal was difficult to manipulate, at least on the test model.

To recap, the Forester has impeccable all-wheel drive, almost perfect weight distribution (49 front/51% back), a peppy engine, keen brakes, a short turning circle, and astonishing towing capacity (900 Kg). With all this to boast of, the Forester ’ s younger rivals will be eating its dust. It may not be much of a looker, but this SUV has what it takes to keep its trademarked stars shining bright in a very competitive market.
PROS
Driving pleasure
Good automatic transmission
Dependable and robust

CONS
Latest changes too subtle
 Clutch lacks
fluidity Uncomfortable

 Driver: * * * *
Passenger: * * * *

2001 Japan