Six Star Magazine Six Star Magazine Fall 2018 | Page 18

TECHNICAL BRIEF
Following along in the trail markings carved out by the
Impreza, Crosstrek and Ascent, the Forester now rides on the
Subaru Global Platform (SGP), a stronger and safer starting
point than ever before. While previous versions of the
Forester forged a hard-earned reputation for superior safety,
the all-new fifth-generation model raises the bar even higher.
In utilizing the new platform, the latest Forester has also
become longer, wider, quieter, better handling, more spacious
and more comfortable overall. Even before you press the
available start button to prompt the SUBARU BOXER engine
to life, the improvements are quickly apparent.
With its 220 mm of ground clearance, easy step-in angle
and wide-opening doors, it’s simple to climb aboard the
Forester and get comfortable. The passenger cabin features
increased shoulder room in the front seat, more standard
headroom and legroom in the back. The redesigned seats help
the cause here as well—they’re wider and more supportive
than before; even the surface area that receives heat has
increased, providing greater protection from the cold.
But the most striking first impression is made by the
incredible visibility in all directions. The large glass area,
narrow A-pillars and smartly designed side mirrors placed
on the doors combine to create a fantastic sightlines—it’s
wildly impressive, particularly for a compact vehicle.
Other aspects of this fifth-generation model will impress
the driver over longer stretches behind the wheel. There are
more soft-touch surfaces and high-grade materials here than
in previous versions. The engineers have also added more
sound insulation and sound-deadening glass. When taken
into consideration with the SGP, these revisions bring new
levels of quietness and a feeling of much greater refinement
to the Forester.
Fortunately, all of the steps taken to isolate the passenger
cabin haven’t prevented the feel from the SUBARU BOXER
engine from gaining access. The naturally aspirated
2.5-litre 4-cylinder is an all-new engine that features direct
fuel injection and other refinements over the outgoing
unit, resulting in more horsepower, more torque and better
fuel efficiency.
All versions of the Forester are now equipped with a
refined Lineartronic CVT, which features a wider set of ratios
for improved driveability, fuel efficiency and shift feel. The
SI-DRIVE engine management system is also standard; there
are two settings, one for more efficient driving, the other for
more adrenaline-fuelled circumstances.
When needed, this compact SUV accelerates smartly,
accompanied by that pleasing rumble. The Forester is
certainly responsive enough to merge confidently onto the
highway or make swift, safe passes along a two-lane stretch
of road.
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