2015 Subaru Forester 2.0D-S Auto Review: This one is the pick…
What’s Hot: Good handling and economy, reasonably spacious, decent off road
What’s Not: Noisy diesel from outside, not exactly quick, no 'Eyesight' or stop-start
X-FACTOR: The addition of a proper automatic option now makes Subaru's Forester diesel a far more palatable product
Vehicle Style:Medium SUV
Price: $41,490(plus on-roads)
Engine/trans:108kW/350Nm 4cyl turbo diesel | CVT auto
Fuel Economy claimed: 6.4 l/100km | tested: 8.3 l/100km
OVERVIEW
Subaru’s venerable Forester has always been a left-field choice for anyone seeking a medium SUV. It’s safe, reliable and good to drive, but it has always seemed a bit small in comparison with X-Trail, RAV4, Outlander and CR-V et al.
That hasn’t stopped it selling well.
Always in the top five of its category, the addition of a diesel around five years ago was a boon; any SUV with a diesel will sell. Problem was, it only came in manual, and Aussie buyers almost always opt for a self-shifter.
Fortunately, the transmission issue has now been addressed.
Subaru’s slick CVT has been mated to the oiler, providing an auto option for the masses. But the latest iteration of the Forester also liberates more space inside, is neater looking and does most things a whole lot better.