Chronicle of Subaru Forester 2019

WHAT IS THIS?

This is a brand new version of Subaru's most popular model in the world. Forester was behind the mid-size SUV segment when it was launched almost 20 years ago, and this fifth-generation model aims to maintain its distinctive points in a now very popular category. while bringing chbadis, engine and infotainment.

WHY WE TRY

The fourth-generation outgoing Forester has always been a competitive element of the mid-size SUV comparative tests Wheels . In the years ahead, only in the process of dropping the pace significantly lately. This all-new model, unveiled at the New York Auto Show early this year, is expected to advance the formula, and a preview on a test track in Japan is our first chance of to know if the generational jump has maintained its best badets

MAIN RIVALS

Mazda CX-5, Ford Escape, Volkswagen Tiguan, Kia Sportage, Hyundai Tucson, Toyota RAV4, Mitsubishi Outlander, Haval H6, Nissan X- Trail, Honda CR-V

THE VERDICT OF WHEELS

Dozens of improvements to a proven format make the new Forester more useful and more thoughtful without offending Subaru's loyal buyers . It may be brand new, but there is a nice familiarity about this forester

PLUS : robust and attractive interior; Practical consideration; high transparency and visibility of glbad
LESS : Transmission Whine; no turbo, diesel or manual available

THE REVIEW OF THE WHEELS

NOTHING SAYS THAT "this car is a big problem for us" & # 39; like the 22 pages of technical drawings and graphics that I just presented with a Forester preview player in Japan. This very detailed breakdown and six other pages of information on press releases describe dozens of progress made by Subaru in the fourth to fifth generation Forester stage. There is a lot to digest here.

In Australia and around the world, no Subaru model sells better than the Forester. Legions of rusty buyers drive their adorable bikers into the ground and then return to Subaru for the news. This is the kind of loyalty that most other brands dream about.

In this spirit, the way this new model behaves and behaves is much more logical. It can ride on a completely new platform and boast of an almost entirely new engine, but it feels like a fit of Subaru's successful formula rather than a transformation. Dozens of thoughtful and progressive improvements make it a better Forestier, without losing its distinctiveness or alienating its many devotees.

And there is nothing fundamentally wrong with this approach – just ask VW. The fourth generation outgoing Forester was held in high esteem here at Wheels . Its first clbad visibility – especially from the second row – has given it a nice viewpoint compared to other claustrophobic mid-size, making it one of the best choices for families with children.

[19659015] This high roof line and low waistline have been retained for the new model, with tall lenses and narrow pillars to keep an airy feel. Inside is where the biggest changes have occurred. Hard plastics have been minimized and the points of contact are now much more sumptuous. The new textured materials enhance its appearance while maintaining a sturdy feel, and there is more room on the inside.

Forester now uses a version of Subaru Global Platform that already supports the Impreza and the XV, with a longer wheelbase of 30 mm. The stiffness of the torsion increases by 40%, which should be good news for both crash safety and suspension performance. The overall dimensions of the body are slightly larger; 20mm wider and 15mm longer, although the roof is 5mm lower. The weight increases from 15 to 25 kg, depending on specifications, although some body panels are now aluminum to reduce growth.

The enlargement of the cabin has added 20mm between the shoulders of the front occupants. and, although the old model was not lacking, there is 33mm more space for the legs at the back. Rear occupants also feature three-zone card pockets for storing multiple devices, rear slots and a pair of 2.1amp USB charging ports

A streamlining of the Forester range means that a single atmospheric gas engine will be offered in Australia. More turbocharger XT and more diesel, but a hybrid version is expected to join next year. From here, the current Aussie range of seven variants will likely be reduced to just three, all powered by a 2.5-liter flat-four that produces 136kW and 239Nm.

These metrics are up to 10kW and 4Nm on the old 2.5, but the boxer still needs tricks to reach those numbers. The peak power does not arrive before 5800 rpm, while the maximum torque is at 4400 rpm, and leading to these upper reaches brings out many unwanted groans from the CVT, despite the alleged improvements in this department. Subaru has expanded the range of the CVT coupled with the new 2.5, effectively giving it seven ratios that can be selected with shift paddles. It's a good drivetrain for driving at low speeds, but there will certainly be those who will suck the old grease torques and propel the XT.

Subaru claims that 90% of the engine components have been revised new 2.5 liter more efficient, which includes the introduction of direct injection. A Subaru-first thermo-regulating valve has been designed for this engine to help achieve a thermally efficient operating temperature faster, and many other small changes should overall improve a slight economy. The relevant tests have not yet given us a comparative figure for the claim 8.1 L / 100 km of the old car

In terms of dynamics, a variable ratio rack has been introduced for a better straight line. stability and more immediate off-center response. Beyond a quarter-turn lock, its weighting is heavy, and although variable supports are not always desirable, our limited testing opportunity suggests that the new model has not lost the skill dynamic of the old car. The global platform that works well under Impreza is also interactive here with a reasonable grip. It was more difficult to judge the quality of the pace on the only surface available to ride, which was a game of pool table, but Subaru's claims that the roll and vibration were reduced was not a problem. were not inconsistent with what we felt. Fortunately, a proper local test is not too far away.

Tangible improvements were easier to find in practice areas. The opening of the boot was expanded to a generous width of 1300 mm, and the electric tailgate mechanism was accelerated to respond to any frustration that the plug-shaped actuation could have caused previously. There are bag hooks, a 12v socket and rear file clearances in the wider and longer loading area which now measures 520L, and still houses a normal spare wheel

the doors allow them to open at nearly 90 degrees, which facilitates the crossing of the threshold and access to the roof. A large section of non-slip plastic has been added to the opening of the lower door here.

From the steering wheel, the chunky steering wheel is always busy watching, though the innumerable buttons will be second nature to Subaru. buyers. A main center screen is 8.0 inches, with built-in satellite navigation integration and smartphone. An additional, high-rise screen on the center console is now in color, displaying climate control settings and vehicle information about the economy and off-road.

Forester's X-Mode system, it improves its respectable off-road capability, which includes hill descent control. Although Subaru is famous for its permanent and symmetrical all-wheel drive, the X-Mode's integrated control of the engine, transmission, center differential and brakes, can vary the split torque up to 60:40. With a ground clearance of 220 mm, the Forester rivals most double cabs

The Subaru driver monitoring system is also new. A small camera, hidden in the dashboard, connects to a program that can recognize faces from up to five drivers and automatically adjust the seat and mirror positions, climate control settings and settings. favorite display based on stored preferences. And it works quickly when a new driver gets in the car. It may also monitor signs of sleepiness or distraction and draw the attention of the driver to attention

Details of the specification of the local composition will be confirmed before the sale of September 1 but Subaru's EyeSight active safety systems should be standard across the range, including adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, automatic braking at the front and back. rear and adaptive headlights. A choice between 17 and 18 inch wheels is also planned for the Australian variants, which will be equipped with seven airbags.

Forester has built a solid foundation based on its principles of safety, reliability in all weathers, and thoughtful, practical packaging. Subaru has not reinvented the genre that the original model helped create, but this fifth-generation Forester offers significant improvements to a vehicle that already has its niche cut out.

Characteristics

Model: 2019 Subaru Forester
Engine: 2498cc, flat-four, dohc, 16v
Power output: 136kW @ 5800rpm
Max. : 239kW @ 4400rpm
Transmission: CVT
Weight: 1590kg (est.)
0-100km / h: 9.9sec (est.)
Fuel consumption: 7.8L / 100km (est.)
Price: From 33 000 $ (est.)
In sale: September