Ten Point Test


Auto Trader Ten Point Test rating: 88%

Looking for a 4×4 that won’t break the bank, offers great handling, a comfortable ride and doesn’t look like everything else on the road?

Perhaps it’s time you considered the Subaru Forester. Read on for the full review.

1. Looks 8/10

Like a Tardis. We’re not saying it’s an old police box with Billie Piper inside, but it is deceptively spacious for its dimensions, and understated. However, If you like your 4X4 to have a bit of bling you might be disappointed – the Forester doesn’t figure highly in the poser-bility stakes.

2. Looks inside 9/10

The Forester makes fantastic use of light and space to give the impression you are actually sitting in a much bigger car. The ride position is good and the quality of materials inside is top notch with cream leather and sunroof giving it a much more expensive feel than the price tag would suggest.

3. Practicality 9/10

The Forester looks good but make no mistake the practical considerations of a 4X4 have not been forgotten. Driver and passengers get plenty of room and it can also act as a good workhorse with a maximum 1629 litres of space to be exploited.

4. Ride and Handling 10/10

4X4s sometimes score lower on the handling at the expense of the vehicle’s bulk and high roofline. The Forester designers however, ensured this off-roader had a low centre of gravity Boxer engine which pays off with superb handling that doesn’t come at the expense of the ride. Top notch.

5. Performance 10/10

Buyers can choose between a 2-litre and a turbocharged 2.5-litre. We drove the 2-litre version, which even though the junior partner performance wise, still manages to get from 0-60mph in 9.4 seconds (add another two for the automatic). Go for the 2.5-litre manual however, and you’ll see that figure shrink to a staggering 5.7 seconds. Top speeds are 122mph and 134mph respectively. VROOM!

6. Running Costs 7/10

Choose one of the 2-litre models and you’ll be looking at a respectable 30.4 mpg average fuel consumption, rising to a possible 37.7mpg when run economically. The temptations of choosing the livelier 2.5-litre model will knock that average figure down to 19.8mpg. Tax for the respective models will set you back £190 and £210 per year. Owners from new get a three year/60,000 mile warranty plus three years’ paintwork and 12 years’ anti-corrosion cover. There is also three year’s free membership of Subaru Assistance.

7. Reliability 10/10

The Subaru Forester scores fantastically well on Auto Trader’s Reliability Index with the only reported problems being axle and suspension-related. Driver satisfaction surveys also give the Forester glowing reports.

8. Safety 7/10

All Wheel Drive will help keep your Forester out of trouble. It also features electronic brakeforce distribution, anti-lock brakes and front and side airbags for those travelling in the front seats. Subaru also point to the vehicle’s low centre of gravity, enhanced by the use of aluminium for the bonnet, front and rear bumper beams, roof rails and sunroof frames.

9. Equipment 8/10

Once you have chosen between the 2-litre engine and the 2.5-litre model there are two trim options to choose from. Everything you would expect comes as standard: CD player, air conditioning and electric windows. Higher specification models also feature leather interiors and sunroof. Sat-Nav is available as an option.

10. X-Factor 10/10

Being great. The Forester is a 4X4 with character, it feels more expensive than it is and it handles well, boasts a great ride and looks smaller than it feels. We were reluctant to give it back after a week.

Key facts

Model tested: Subaru Forester 2.0 XE Automatic
On the road price: £21,520
Price range: £17,620-£24,990
Tested: July 2006
Road tester: Adrian Higgins