The 4x4 market has changed enormously in recent years. Compact SUVs fill the sector, with
each new model becoming softer and less focused. Indeed, many aren't even four-wheel drive.
So what are your options if you still need transport for the depths of the countryside?
Luckily, there is one manufacturer that knows more about four-wheel drive than almost any
other - Subaru - and one of their more practically-minded options is the Forester.
Now in its fourth generation, the Subaru Forester occupies a niche all of its own. Something
of a cross between a large estate car and a full-blown off-roader, the new Forester
is taller, wider and longer than the model it replaces.
The new Forester now wears a hexagonal front grille, flanked by a pair of aggressive 'hawk-eye'
headlights. The shape has been refined, most notably by
moving the A-pillar forwards and curving the roofline as it flows towards the rear, and
these changes improve its aerodynamic performance. The interior has been tidied up, and although
some of the materials are still a little behind the softer competition, there's everything
you could need in here, with all models benefitting from climate control and heated seats. The
Pioneer satnav fitted to some models does looks a little down-market by comparison,
though. The dials are clear and easy to read, and
the separate display on top of the centre console shows a variety of information regarding
MPG, both current, average and historical, and a funky screen that shows what the wheels
are up to. There's plenty of room in all directions for
five adults and, even with the world's largest sunroof, there's sufficient headroom for a
car full of Abraham Lincoln impersonators. Gaining entry is easy thanks to the extra-wide
opening doors, and rear seat passengers are well accommodated once aboard, with a new,
lowered transmission tunnel. Cargo space has been increased over the old
model, with 505 litres with the seats in place. A series of storage compartments can be found
under the boot floor, including a space to store the otherwise rather fiddly load cover
when it's not in use. With the seats folded, there's 1,592 litres available, although with
the seats down there's a slight step in the load floor. Tall drivers will need to watch
their heads, too, as the tailgate doesn't open quite far enough.
Three engines are available: a 2.0-litre petrol with 150PS, another 2.0-litre taken from the
BRZ but with an added turbo taking power to 240PS, and this, the 2.0-litre 'Boxer' diesel
with 147PS. Its unusual layout offers up an appealing off-beat
thrum from inside the cabin, while its willing throttle response makes it feel more urgent
than its 10.2 second 0-62mph time would suggest. It's efficient, too, with emissions of 150g/km
and we had no trouble achieving a mid-40s mpg figure.
On the move, the six-speed manual gearbox shifts efficiently if somewhat mechanically
through its well-chosen ratios, although there isn't quite enough room between the transmission
tunnel and clutch pedal to use the foot rest. The steering is wonderfully light at parking
speeds but weights up usefully once on the move, and the long-travel suspension does
an excellent job of soaking up even the largest of our road network's pot-holes.
What's unique about the Forester is its ability to maintain its road-holding even when conditions
deteriorate. On rain-soaked, mud-strewn, or even snow-covered roads, the Forester's four-wheel
drive starts to pay real dividends. All Forester models feature Subaru's symmetrical
all-wheel drive system which, on manual models, uses a 50/50 front/rear torque distribution.
Throw in the Forester's ground clearance of 220mm, beating that even of a Land Rover Freelander,
and the Subaru becomes the perfect tool for navigating farm tracks, traversing a muddy
field at your local point-to-point, or rescuing stricken festival goers.
Prices for the Subaru Forester start at £24,995, and standard equipment on even the base model
includes alloy wheels, heated seats and climate control. The Forester range also benefits
from a five-year 100,000 mile warranty. It's around this time of year that local TV
news programmes fill with reports of flooded roads, sheep swallowed by snow drifts, and
the plight of a motorist who turned their Metro into an impromptu submarine.
With the Subaru Forester, none of that matters. Wade past submerged motorists, rescue Dolly
from a hilltop. Or, just take the kids to school safe in the knowledge that no matter
what the weatherman tells you, as far as you're concerned, the road is clear.