The top-end 2.0i-S model which I tested has a large sunroof, and plenty of grey and chrome trim − but, looks aside, the design excels in terms of real-world use. What’s new in this generation is a more cliff-face grille and a broader lower airdam, now encasing pronounced fogs. Its deep side panels and broad rear look suited to purpose in this wagon, although the key character lines are decidedly understated, with fewer flamboyant flares and curves than many of the current rivals. It’s not a bad-looking car, and certainly not the worst-looking in its segment. Objectively, the Forester’s design isn’t much to write home about. Still, it’s always nice to own a new model with all the modern bells and whistles, so let’s talk about the latest incarnation.
These cars are best known for their reliability and longevity: Foresters often remain with families for decades. I was in love with a supreme piece of engineering, although I didn’t know it at the time.įast-forward to 2019, and the Subaru AWD legacy lives on in the Forester, the compact SUV that looks more like a station wagon than anything else. I had a remote-controlled replica that had all the decals and all the details. When I was a child, my absolute favourite car was Petter Solberg’s blue and gold Subaru Impreza that narrowly snatched the WRC away from Sébastien Loeb in the early 2000s.