Subaru Forester 2.0D (2008-) Review

Overview

• Next: Reliability and Quality

Here's the good news. Brimming a Forester with a full tank of diesel is no longer the costly and embarrassing mistake it used to be, now that Subaru has finally fitted the all-new 2.0-litre flat four that recently made its debut in the Legacy and Outback range.

The 145bhp diesel is expected to snare over 95 per cent of future Forester buyers, and for good reason. Averaging a fine 44.8mpg and emitting just 167g/km of carbon dioxide (2.0D X), the big Subaru leaps to the front of the class for low running costs.

But there is some bad news. Apparently, hardcore Subaru fans are already upset that the third-generation Forester has ditched the jacked-up estate looks for a more conventional small SUV silhouette. Now they will be borderline apoplectic when they find the five-speed high/low ratio box has been swapped for a clunky but quick six-speed manual.

So is Subaru at risk from losing its small but fiercely loyal band of followers, now it has produced a capable alternative to the Land Rover?

Pricing begins at £20,295 for the Forester 2.0D X.