Subaru Forester (2002-) Review

Comfort and Equipment

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Low noise levels and supple, well-damped suspension make for relaxed progress, and air-con is standard. The driver's seat has height and tilt adjustment, and both front seats are comfortable and grip you in corners. They have foldaway armrests, too, and higher-spec Foresters have heated seat bases. The steering wheel is adjustable for height but not reach. Nevertheless, the driving position suits most sizes. The revisions in 2002 brought a roomier cabin - despite shrinkage in overall dimensions - and rear passengers have good foot space beneath the front seats, too, because they are mounted a little higher. 2006 cars have rear seats with longer bases for improved under-thigh support - this is an easy five-seater. The carpeted boot floor contains five hinged flaps which cover the spare wheel and various other compartments including a long, thin one for an umbrella and a 'washing-up bowl'. There's a pop-out facia cupholder (among others), a hinged lid over a facia-top storage compartment and two sunglasses holders, plus more net-hooks to restrain luggage than before and an improved centre console.

However, there's no sat nav, and though all models now have a CD player (a six-CD autochanger with steering wheel-mounted controls in all but the 2.0X), it's fairly average in quality. Still, prices start from just £17,595 (2.0X manual, as of August 2005), with the 2.5T from £21,995; even the top-of-the-range 2.5 XTE auto is only £24,945, including metallic or mica paint. Subaru is intending, in the not-too-distant future, to reposition its line-up in the premium sector and to up prices accordingly; in the meantime, the Forester is great value for money considering its all-round abilities in any form, and with the 2.5T engine, even more of a bargain.