Subaru Forester Review: 2015 2.0D Diesel Automatic
What’s Hot: Smooth, quiet diesel, CVT auto hard to fault, sorted infotainment system, .
What’s Not: Leisurely away from stop, no 'eyesight' safety tech available.
X-FACTOR: A well-calibrated CVT and torquey diesel makes the diesel Forester 'just right' for families looking for a versatile frugal wagon.
Vehicle Style: Medium SUV
Price: $33,490 to $42,490 (plus on-roads)
Engine/trans: 108kW/350Nm 2.0 diesel 4cyl | 6sp manual, CVT auto
Fuel Economy claimed: 5.9 l/100km (2.0D-L manual) 6.3 l/100km (2.0D auto) | tested: 8.8 l/100km
OVERVIEW
At long last, the Subaru Forester has an automatic diesel in the range.
Although the turbo diesel engine has been around 2010, it has only ever been available with a manual transmission attached.
Now, thanks to picking up the same CVT auto as found in the still-fresh Outlander diesel, the Forester 2.0D-L and 2.0D-S will certainly appeal more broadly.
According to Subaru Australia boss Nick Senior, diesel-powered Foresters are expected to leave showrooms at a rate of around 200 per month, compared to 60 per month in 2014.
The overwhelming bulk of that increase will be thanks to the addition of the CVT.
But how does it drive, and is it worth the extra $2500-$3000 over its petrol-powered brethren? We travelled to Tasmania to try it out.
THE INTERIOR | RATING: 3.5/5
- 2.0D-L: Reversing camera, 7-inch touchscreen display, dual-zone climate control, cruise control, leather-wrapped steering wheel, 17-inch alloy wheels, paddle shifters.
- 2.0D-S adds: Dusk-sensing xenon headlamps, powered tailgate, sat-nav, 18-inch alloys, keyless entry and ignition, rain-sensing wipers, electric sunroof, powered front seats, leather upholstery, front wiper de-icers
- Infotainment: 7-inch colour touchscreen display with internet connectivity via compatible smartphones. Dual USB audio inputs, plus Bluetooth phone/audio streaming.
- Luggage space: 422 litres minimum, 1481 litres maximum