Subaru Forester

Overview

Introduction

The Subaru Forester moniker has always been synonymous to the automaker's 'Go there, Do That' mentality. With a fanbase as strong as that of the manufacturer itself, the earlier-gen Forester was an iconic product in Subaru's product line-up. But with the older-gen aging its lifetime, it was high time that Subaru offered a facelift to this legendary crossover. In order to avoid any blunders in fidgeting with a seamless package, the new Forester gets minimal sheet metal changes. But designers have tried tweaking some minor elements in order to provide a fresh look to the new Forester.

Engine, Mileage and Variants

Subaru is known for manufacturing robust products, equipped with a reliable engine under their hood. The new 2016 Forester is no different. In the Philippine market, Subaru is expected to launch the Forester in 3 variants, and two engine options. While the base and middle trims, 2.0I-L and 2.0I-Premium, are powered by a 2.0-litre gasoline engine churning out 148hp and 198 Nm of torque, the top-of-the-line 2.0XT variant will likely house a turbocharged 2.0-litre mill, capable of producing 238 hp of power and a peak torque of 350 Nm.

Exterior

Just one look at the Forester imparts an image of it being a simple and practical crossover, that has been designed to look contemporary. Despite all these simple cues, the Forester can in no way be termed as an old-looking car. The front fascia gets a prominent chrome grille, with the Subaru insignia embedded in the centre. Smoked headlights with projector units have been given appropriate chrome detailing. Moreover, the bulged-out bumper and chrome surrounds for the fog lamps give the Forester an aggressive stance. From the side, this new Subaru is similar to the model it replaces, though addition of grab rails and new alloy design gives it a refreshed look. The rear has been shaped steeply, with the tailgate housing number plate and the wrap-around taillamps.

Interior

With the higher placed roofline, the 2016 Forester is a car that you would need to walk into. And once inside, the cabin feels undoubtedly Subaru. The manufacturer's simple-is-better design philosophy has been adhered to by the fabricators, as the entire interior has been laid out in a simple arrangement. Quality too can be termed on par with the budget crossovers, and is nothing that can be termed positive for the car. The facelift does get a new touchscreen infotainment screen, that adds a modern appeal to the cabin's ambiance.

Safety, Braking & Miscellaneous

The Forester is indeed a heavy vehicle, and is packed with a set of potent engines. Hence, it must be equipped with a capable set of brakes, and Subaru has done just that. Disc brakes all around, complemented with a sophisticated Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), ensures that the new 2016 Forester can be stopped comfortably in a limited and respectable time. Other safety features on offer include airbags, ABS, EBD, and rear-view camera.

Verdict

Owing to the aforementioned specs and features, the Subaru Forester 2016 is undoubtedly one of the most value-for money products in the company's portfolio. But it still remains to be seen whether it can take forward its successor's success baton or not!