07 March 2011
I’ve noticed something about Subaru owners – they’re all fervent fans of the brand, and there’s a good reason for that – Subarus are undeniably great cars. Strong and sporty, I’ve never met a ‘Suby’ I haven’t liked. So will the new Forester S-Edition let the team down? Read on…
Style & drive
There’s no denying the Forester has the sporty look and feel indicative of a Subaru and as such, it’s a sexy looking car. With a look so right, we’re glad there were few new changes to the upgraded 2011 model. New changes on the exterior are subtle and include a restyled grille and wheels, new side mirrors on the XS variant and you’ll find 2 new colours in the range – Sky and Marine Blue.
Other colours in the range include Satin White Pearl, Sky Blue Metallic (not available on XT variants or S-Edition), Spark Silver Metallic, Steel Silver Metallic, Dark Grey Metallic, Obsidian Black Pearl, Camellia Red Pearl and World Rally Blue (S-Edition-only, for a strictly limited time).
Further changes include the XS and XT variants featuring new 17-inch alloy wheels, and the XT gains a more prominent and aerodynamic rear roof spoiler. The X, XS and XT variants all feature black-finish roof rails.
The Forester XS, XT and S-Edition have a reverse camera, with an integrated screen built into the head unit.
On the XS and XT, you’ll get 17-inch alloy wheels and on the XT, a funky rear roof spoiler.
Inside, there’s a chic blue leather trim, a sexy S logo stitched into the seating, a dark dash with illumined lighting and all the extras including sat nav, Bluetooth, xenon headlights, dual-zone air conditions and a powered drivers seat. The entire Forester range is now equipped with Bluetooth compatibility and – on models not fitted with satellite navigation – iPod connectivity. All this makes for a very enjoyable experience for both the driver and passengers.
Safety
The SF-SE scored 5 stars in the ANCAP safety crash rating program. Additionally, there are 6 airbags, stability control and a reversing camera.
Eco
3.5 stars – fuel consumption 9.3 L/100 km for the auto-equipped X and XS variants, 10.5 L/100 km for the turbo-charged XT auto and 9.3 L/100 km for the turbo-charged XT manual.
3 words to describe this car:
Sporty, Sexy, Robust.
What are the best things about this car?
Sporty and sexy meets suburbia; this car will take you camping and back as comfortably as it will to the mall.
What are the downsides of this car?
You’ll want to drive it too fast.
What kind of petrol does it use?
Unleaded and diesel.
Liked it?
Am I a fan? I’m coming along for the ride.
If personified, who would this car be?
Jamie Durie – fit, sexy, smart and outdoorsy.
Soundtrack of choice for the Forester?
Powderfinger – My Happiness.
Variants
Forester X manual $30,990
Forester X auto $32,990
Forester XS manual $34,990
Forester XS auto $36,990
Forester XS Premium manual $38,490
Forester XS Premium auto $40,490
Forester 2.0D manual $35,990
Forester 2.0D Premium manual $40,490
Forester XT manual $39,990
Forester XT auto $41,990
Forester XT Premium manual $45,490
Forester XT Premium auto $47,490
Forester S-Edition auto $50,990.