Six Star Magazine Six Star Magazine Fall 2018 | Page 19

As expected, this latest Forester comes standard with
Subaru Symmetrical Full-Time AWD. Also standard is Active
Torque Vectoring (for increased capability in the corners)
and X-MODE (for increased control on steep terrain). The
top trim levels come equipped with a dual-function version
of X-MODE with settings for snow/dirt and deep snow/mud.
(If there were ever any doubts that the Subaru Forester is an
authentic all-road/all-weather SUV, they should be put to
rest forever.)
There are new developments to the safety systems
as well. The latest version of EyeSight® Driver-Assist
Technology, incorporating adaptive cruise control, lane
departure and sway warning, lane-keep assist, and lead
vehicle start alert, is available. It’s an award-winning
system and for good reason. In addition, there’s a new
system available called Driver Focus — a first for Subaru
and a first for the compact SUV segment. Working in
conjunction with EyeSight, it utilizes facial recognition
software to identify signs of driver fatigue or distraction,
triggering a helpful alert in response.
It’s incredible to think that the Subaru Forester first appeared
on our shores 20 years ago. Over these past two decades, the
Forester has secured a cult-like following, from the Atlantic
to the Pacific and to every land-locked corner in between. It’s
not uncommon to see first-generation models with hundreds
of thousands of kilometres on the dial, a testament to their
reliability, their durability and the place they hold in their
owners’ hearts.
If there were room in this article for just one statement
about the all-new Subaru Forester, it would be this: The
fifth-generation version is a worthy successor to all the past
generations. A lot has changed over the past 20 years, but
Canadian drivers still want car-like handling, comfort and
composure in an authentically capable SUV. In fact, this blend
of attributes promises to be even more popular in 2018 than
ever before.
One final word about the 2019 Subaru Forester: The exterior
design is completely new as well, more rugged and more
aggressive, setting the pace. There are LED headlights for all
trim levels, a wider tailgate opening and wider door sills for
easier access to roof-mounted cargo. Everything in its place,
every curve and contour designed with purpose, all working
in unison to make a bold statement.
For those still confused as to the intent of the new design
approach, take a gander at the new Sport trim level. With its
high-impact orange and jet-black exterior accents, this version
creates an impression unlike anything else in the compact SUV
class. But this approach is consistent with what the Forester
has been all about since its debut back in 1998: forging its own
path and developing a more hardcore following every step of
the way.
Features vary by trim package. See subaru.ca for details.
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