12 reasons why I love Subaru’s all-new fourth generation Forester

Subaru’s trademark all-wheel drive system has been sharpened to improve not only sure-footed handling and responsiveness, but also cornering performance in the all-new Forester.

Motor Image Enterprises Singapore recently invited journalists from the Asean region to witness the unveiling of the all-new fourth-generation Subaru Forester at the Leo Foo Village in Hsin Chu, Taiwan. According to Mike Luyun, general manager of Motor Image Pilipinas, the Philippines is the Forester’s largest market in the Asean, selling close to 1,000 units as of the last count this year. Here’s a rundown on why it remains to be the King of Compact SUV segment in terms of performance, desirability and image.

1.) The all-new FB20 Direct injection turbocharged engine. Subaru’s all-new engine is like having your cake AND eating it: Its power, responsiveness and torque has been improved significantly over the older EJ-based 2.5-liter turbocharged engine, but comes in a smaller, greener, more fuel efficient 2-liter mill that is lighter to boot. Final power figures are yet to be released, but expect the turbocharged engine to be in the region of 250 hp/400 Nm of torque, and the normally aspirated FB20 engine to be in the 170 hp/250 Nm of torque range.

2.) The Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive System with X-Mode. Subaru’s trademark all-wheel drive system has been sharpened to improve not only sure-footed handling and responsiveness, but also cornering performance in the all-new Forester. Matched with the new X-Mode, it integrates traction control, stability control, engine control functions and ABS to provide improved offroad ability, now coming with a hill ascent/descent control system for cavalier offroad enthusiasts who like treading on dangerously slippery surfaces. In manual mode, flick through the paddles for a simulated 8-forward speeds. Bring four more people and it’s going to be one heck of a roller-coaster performance.

3.) The SI-Drive. The Subaru driving mode software allows from a relaxed and easy driving feel to an aggressive feel more in keeping with a performance sports sedan than a compact SUV. Keep it in Intelligent Mode for the missus, and Sport Sharp (Sport #) when the empty b-road beckons as it firms up responsiveness and transmission shifting algorithm.

The Forester has more in common with a fire-breathing, AWD rally replica than its competitors in the compact SUV market.

4.) The improved proportions. The all-new fourth generation Forester has increased in size by an average of 1.5 inches in every direction: length, width, height, wheelbase, cabin headroom. This means a greater useable interior space, more knee, leg, foot, head and shoulder room and increased high-speed stability and improved high-speed cornering ability as well. On the outside, it looks much better in the process, looking better proportioned.

5.) The improved cabin materials and build quality. Glenn Tan, Motor Image Group chief executive, together with Takuji Dai, Fuji Heavy Industry’s project manager for the Subaru Forester claim that the all-new Forester was benchmarked against upmarket European SUV’s such as the Volkswagen Tiguan, the BMW X1 and X3, Audi’s Q5 and upcoming Q3 and even Porsche’s Cayenne for overall build quality, polish and refinement. The fourth-generation Forester has improved cabin materials, utilizing the ltest sot-touch premium-feel materials, which give it a more premium, sporty and upmarket feel, away from its traditional competitors, and onto unknown territory in the premium market.

The Forester, thanks to increased ride height, means it is one of the few vehicles that can tame almost any surface in almost any weather condition.

6.) The driving feel. The Forester has more in common with a fire-breathing, AWD rally replica than its competitors in the compact SUV  market: it’s based on a significantly modified Impreza platform and remains to be the most car-like to drive, but offers an increased ride height making it capable on light to moderate offroad surfaces. Truly the best of ALL worlds as it remains sharp to drive on tarmac, and just as responsive off it. And with a tested 500-millimeter wading depth, it should be truly capable when it encounters flash floods in our local roads.

7.) The overall package. The Forester backs up its dynamic performance with a highly practical and versatile interior that can swallow copious amounts of cargo space, and for the first time, an automatically operated electronic tailgate: with the keys in your pocket, swipe your foot underneath the rear bumper and the Forester automatically unlocks and props open the rear tailgate to allow for easy access to load up your gear in case your hands are full. Neat, handy and much welcome indeed.

Luyun (center) with Fuji Heavy Industries project manager for the Forester Takuji Dai (left) and another FHI executive.

8.) Well-supported platform. From an enthusiasts’ point of view, a car should be adequately supported by the aftermarket: wheels and tires, suspension, engine/turbo/electronic upgrades, brakes and bodykits, you name it, an ideal tuning platform should have it. While it is very new, expect the Forester to be well supported by the big name aftermarket parts manufacturers from the United States and of course Japan. I just wonder how much power the Lineartronic CVT can take before it grenades itself?

9.) The aftersales service. Buying a Subaru is much like joining an exclusive club built for enthusiasts who appreciate fine engineering, but have more mundane daily needs. Motor Image understands this and has a wide latitude for customers who take their vehicles to the extreme, which was what they are made for: track action, cross-country drives, some light offroading. You go to a service center that understands enthusiasts not only use their cars to get from point A to B every day for the daily grind, but use their vehicles as a means of recreation in itself.

10.) Excellent value for money. Where else can you find a vehicle in this price range that can accelerate to 100 clicks in 6.4 seconds and top out at 245 kph and achieve 6.5 liters of fuel consumption for every 100 kilometers traveled yet can comfortably carry five adults or very large amounts of cargo with ease and refinement? You might find a cheaper compact SUV but it can’t do all of these performance metrics.

The all-new Forester Turbo

11.) Go-anywhere, anytime ability. The Forester, thanks to increased ride height, means it is one of the few vehicles that can tame almost any surface in almost any weather condition. Feel like hitting Sagada? Go right ahead. How about going all the way to Mindanao via Ro-ro (Roll-on, roll-off boats)? No problem. Your only limiting factor will be finding premium grade fuel for the turbocharged models. Which makes for a strong selling point for the normally aspirated model.

12.) The heritage. Subarus have been known to perform better, and with multiple wins in the World Rally Championship, you are buying into the engineering and knowhow that has allowed a relatively small firm to over-achieve against the might of bigger, more established, mainstream and well-funded competitors. It makes you, as an owner, proud to be driving something that traces its engineering lineage to a world champion-level machine.