Fun fact: because of a number of commercials years back starring crocodile Dundee, and Subaru’s past standing as a niche brand, many folks still believe the automaker is Australian and not Japanese.
Subaru is working harder than ever to put themselves on the mental radar of Canadian shoppers with new products and marketing, and today, models like the 2011 Subaru Forester are readily cementing the brand’s position as a mainstream contender.
A modest looker
The Forester’s modest looks mightn’t paint it as a huge success story from a simple glance, but thanks to a Sumo-powered marketing campaign, a reputation for reliable long-term performance, and a trophy rack full of hardware from industry authorities, it’s been keeping dealers very busy.
Turns out, the Forester is a must-drive in the compact crossover segment—and that even the base-model Forester 2.5X has plenty going for it.
It starts off with the staple compact crossover stuff.
Everything you need
Depending on the job at hand, owners can take advantage of a generous cargo area with folding seats, while occupants get abundant at-hand storage facilities to stay organized on the go. A good tall driving position, easy entry and exit as well as a relatively comfortable and quiet ride help round out the package, as do simple control layouts and a simple but functional interior environment. The tester’s cabin was straightforward, traditional and somewhat plain—but without being downright boring or devoid of any visual stimulation.
No issues with space on board for four full-sized adults, either. In fact, headroom, in both front and rear seating rows is downright generous. Back seats, in particular, are soft, set at a comfortable angle, and should prove an enjoyable place to spend some time.
Heck, Forester even has a relatively small turning circle and good visibility, too. Since designers didn’t try to make it look like a Formula One car, you can actually see out of all of the windows, even the rear one. It’s as easy to drive and park as a family sedan.
2.5 litres of Boxer punch, with a manual!
Standard on most Forester models is a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with 170 horsepower. The ‘flat’ or ‘boxer’ style engine, a Subaru staple, sits low and wide in the engine bay. Among other things, this actually lowers Forester’s centre of gravity for improved handling.
There’s a four-speed automatic available, but you don’t need it. The standard five-speed manual transmission is a delightful rarity for driving enthusiasts in an AWD crossover, and the Forester’s stick setup offers a light clutch, a smooth shifter and refined operation. It’s gentle, forgiving and easy to shift smoothly. You’ll save $1,100 rowing the gears yourself, too. Most compact crossovers don’t offer a manual gearbox with their AWD system, so Forester represents one of just a few options left for stick-shift nuts in this segment. God bless you, Subaru.
Variable valve timing for fun and profit
On your writer’s 2,000-kilometre test drive, variable valve timing helped keep gas mileage well within respectable levels while delivering pleasing on-demand performance. I was impressed with a combined observed fuel consumption figure of just over 10 L/100 km. Driven gently, Forester is relatively quiet and laid back. Opened up, there’s pleasing low- and mid-range torque for passing and merging. The engine is no neck snapper—but it is efficient, eager, and doesn’t mind working.
Do you like traction?
With one of the best AWD systems on the market as standard, 2011 Subaru Forester offers traction galore with no slippage or squirming in the process. All four wheels are always powered, meaning things feel locked down, stable and dug in on virtually any surface. No driver inputs are required to make the system operate, and whether taking in a sunny highway cruise, a late-winter snowstorm or a muddy cottage trail, drivers can expect confident traction and minimal fuss.
Ride quality, etc
Ride quality, noise levels and overall comfort are about average for the segment. A solid and fairly robust feel defines the Forester’s ride dynamics, and there’s a slight sportiness dialled in for good measure.
Gripes? Nothing major. The tailgate frequently required a good slam to close properly, and some shoppers will wish for a cleaner and more powerful stereo system. It’s average at best. A USB audio input would have been appreciated, too, and I personally found the driver’s seat cushion too short and lacking in thigh support.
Ultimately, where a well executed, all-weather, all-road crossover is concerned, Forester does a bang-on job. It’s not a machine that tries to blow anyone’s head off with styling or performance, but as a small crossover, it does virtually everything it needs to just perfectly—and nothing that it doesn’t. Forester hits hardest in terms of sensibility, functionality and family-ready utility.
Shoppers after year-round performance, good gas mileage and, maybe, a manual transmission, should make it a priority test drive. Pricing starts from twenty six.
