While many may be disappointed that the new Subaru Forester looks very little like the Subaru Viziv Future Concept that previewed it, don’t let its sedate looks hide the fact that this SUV is sporting some impressive technology under the skin.
There’s also a new engine on offer. The previous 126kw 2.5-litre motor has been binned in favour of a 136kw 2.5-litre boxer. There’s no turbocharger though, but acceleration and fuel economy are said to have improved. It’s paired with a Lineartronic continuously variable transmission, and features stop-start technology.
It also features the familiar SI-Drive, Subaru's drivetrain management system that allows you to specify quicker throttle response and more aggressive transmission 'shifting' from the CVT when switched from Intelligent to Sport driving mode.
The Toyota RAV4-rival continues the model's tradition of offering a car-like ride and handling with the capability of an SUV. Standard symmetrical full-time all-wheel drive, a hallmark of Subaru's vehicles, provides all-weather confidence and capability, while standard active torque vectoring, first introduced on the WRX and WRX STI performance models, offers improved handling and cornering performance.
Subaru is incorporating a new technology called DriverFocus, which is a new facial recognition system to watch for driver fatigue. The system is paired with other safety features like EyeSight Driver Assist Technology, and also includes automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning and lane-keeping assistance. DriverFocus can recognize and remember up to five drivers and remember their individual pre-sets for seat position, door mirror angles and climate, among others.
Built on the new Subaru Global Platform, the Forester's wheelbase grows 30mm to 2670mm overall, resulting in the roomiest cabin in its history, while retaining the maneuverability that's synonymous with the popular Subaru. The styling of the new Forester is more evolutionary than revolutionary, and is strongly reminiscent of the model it replaces, with LED headlights and a more wind-swept front end standing out as the most obvious updates.
The fifth generation Forester is expected to go on sale in the US in Q3 of 2018. Subaru Southern Africa are yet to confirm if and when it will reach South Africa.
Also worth a look: the Subaru Outback and the Subaru Unveils the All-New Crosstrek.
FAQ
Q: What does the new Subaru Forester cost in South Africa?
The new generation Subaru Forester starts from around R549,900 for the base model, with higher specification variants reaching up to R679,900, making it competitive against rivals like the Toyota RAV4 and Mazda CX-5.
Q: Is the new Subaru Forester worth buying over the Toyota RAV4?
The Forester offers standard all-wheel drive and unique safety tech like DriverFocus facial recognition, but the RAV4 has better resale value and lower service costs, so choose the Subaru if you prioritise technology and all-weather capability over long-term value.
Q: How much power does the new Forester's engine produce?
The new 2.5-litre naturally aspirated boxer engine produces 136kW of power, which is 10kW more than the previous generation, paired with Subaru's Lineartronic CVT transmission and all-wheel drive as standard.
Q: What safety features does the new Subaru Forester have?
The Forester comes standard with EyeSight Driver Assist Technology including automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and the new DriverFocus system that monitors driver fatigue using facial recognition technology.
Q: Is the Subaru Forester reliable and cheap to maintain in South Africa?
Subaru has decent reliability but parts can be pricier than Toyota or Mazda equivalents, with service intervals every 15,000km and warranty coverage of 3 years or 75,000km, making running costs moderate for the premium SUV segment.
Should You Buy It?
The new Subaru Forester is worth buying if you need genuine all-weather capability and cutting-edge safety tech, but at R549,900 to R679,900, it's a tough sell against the more practical Toyota RAV4. The standard all-wheel drive, improved 136kW boxer engine, and clever DriverFocus system make it appealing for tech-savvy buyers, but Toyota's better dealer network and resale values give the RAV4 the edge for most South African families. Buy the Forester if you live somewhere with challenging weather conditions or genuinely value Subaru's unique engineering, otherwise the RAV4 makes more financial sense.
