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In sixth generation form, Subaru's Forester serves up a very similar recipe for loyal customers wanting a more seriously capable kind of mid-sized SUV. It's still a full-Hybrid, it's still great off-road, but rural folk might now find this car just that bit easier to live with.
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Driving experience
Very few mid-sized SUVs these days are properly capable in the rough. And even fewer of these are full-Hybrids, as this Forester has been since 2019. We'd hoped that the 2.0-litre direct injection electrified e-BOXER petrol unit in question might have evolved significantly for this sixth generation SL model. But in fact, it's much as before, albeit with a few legislation-driven tweaks which have unfortunately reduced its previous 148bhp output to 134bhp, slowing the 0-62mph time to 12.2 seconds (about half a second slower than before). Happily though for the needs of most customers, even though torque has decreased from 190Nm to 182Nm, the towing limit remains a useful 1,870kg.
That's helped by provision of the same Symmetrical permanent four-wheel drive system as before. Most rivals have an on-demand 4x4 set-up that only activates the rear wheels when a lack of traction demands it. By which point off-road you might already be stuck. That's a lot less likely to happen in a Forester, something also aided by the same generous 220mm of ground clearance as before. That's vastly more than most rivals, which Subaru considers essential since 84% of Forester customers live in rural areas - and appreciate the relatively lofty 500mm wading depth. Further helping in the mud is Hill descent control and the brand's X-Mode system with its two off-road drive settings - 'Deep Snow/Mud' and 'Snow/Dirt'. The traction control and Hill descent control systems now also work in reverse too.
Where the Forester needed to improve though, is in its on-road demeanour. To that end, the Subaru Global Platform that it sits on has been substantially evolved, now using 27-metres of structural adhesive instead of 8-metres. As a result, it's lighter and 10% more torsionally rigid. Which in turn should improve body control over bumps in a way that a previous owner would notice. They might well appreciate the more direct steering too. A convert from a less capable SUV might still think the tarmac drive dynamics to be behind the class standard. And also might object to the gruff Boxer engine note and relatively lethargic CVT auto gearbox. But if you want to go almost everywhere in an SUV of this sort, you might well now think the latest version of this Forester to be a much better compromise.
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Design and build
The Forester has been getting progressively bigger over the generations and this one follows suit, now 30mm longer (at 4.67-metres) and 15mm wider (1.83-metres). But still 1.73-metres tall, with the same large boxy glass area and great all-round sight lines. The side styling with its squared-off wheel arches is only lightly evolved from the previous model, but the front looks far more modern. At the back, shallower bumpers aim to make boot access easier.
Inside, the main difference this time round is the bigger, very upright 11.6-inch portrait format central touchscreen that offers a far more digitalised media interface. It's a pity that the old car's rotary climate controls have made way for ventilation functions mainly relocated to the centre screen, though there are still big temperature control buttons. Materials quality seems to have been improved but is still more of the 'wipe clean' than posh variety: you might or might not think that appropriate. As before, there's quite an upright seating position. And plenty of space in the back - though no option of a third seating row. Typical Forester customers don't usually want that, but they do need a big boot - and get it here. There's 508-litres of capacity, extending to 1,732-litres with the rear bench folded.
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Market and model
Pricing for this sixth generation Forester is expected to be pitched at around £40,000. Expect lots of equipment for that though. The kit list runs to full-LED headlights with auto activation and high beam assist, front fog lamps, heated power-folding mirrors, UV-protection glass that's privacy-tinted further back, rain-sensitive wipers, wiper de-icers, headlight washers and a Thatcham category 1 alarm/immobiliser. You get alloy wheels of course too. Inside, there's dual-zone air conditioning, a Keyless access system with a push-button starter, heated front seats and cruise control, plus leather for the gearstick and the multi-function steering wheel.
Also standard is the larger, much improved Subaru infotainment and audio system with its colour touchscreen, the portal via which you access the DAB stereo system and use the Bluetooth 'phone functionality. The package includes 'Apple CarPlay' and 'Android Auto' smartphone-mirroring and voice recognition.
Safety provision has always been a Forester strongpoint and is now even further improved. Subaru's 'EyeSight Assist' technology and Driver Monitoring System have both been upgraded with added functionality. This includes an Emergency Driving Stop System, which can bring the vehicle to a complete stop if needed and in a safe way, if the driver can no longer control the vehicle in an emergency situation. 'EyeSight' driver assist technology also offers 'Adaptive Cruise Control', 'Lane Keep Assist', 'Lane Sway and Departure Warning, 'Lead Vehicle Start Alert', 'Pre-Collision Throttle Management', a 'Rear Vehicle Detection System' package, 'Blind Spot Detection', 'Lane Change Assist' and 'Rear Cross Traffic Alert'. It's all very reassuring.
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Cost of ownership
Normally, a more capable car is a more expensive one to run. You'd certainly expect that the permanent Symmetrical 4WD system of this Forester would exact more of a fuel and emissions penalty than would be found on most other rivals, cars that trundle around in two wheel drive most of the time, with all-wheel traction only being introduced when needed. Thanks to the mild hybrid technology, you might be pleasantly surprised on that score, but don't get your hopes up too high. The official combined cycle figure is 34.9mpg, with CO2 emissions at 183g/km.
These are unremarkable figures, despite all the efforts that Subaru has gone to in order to meet current legislation with this latest version of the e-BOXER engine. Improvements include new exhaust particulate filters to ensure emissions compliance, new cylinder blocks, mounts, piston rings and camshafts, plus changes to the ancillaries, the ECU and the engine mounts.
What else? Well for ownership peace of mind you get a three year / 125,000 mile warranty and the car's traction battery has its own 8-year 100,000 mile warranty. You also get a three year recovery and roadside assistance programme you'll almost certainly never need.
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Summary
Nothing comes for nothing. And it still doesn't if you add electrification into the mix. The previous generation Hybrid Forester proved that and this replacement model still does. The bottom line is that an SUV properly engineered to get you through the worst driving conditions is never going to be quite as efficient to run as one that isn't. Or as light and agile to drive. We'd hoped that the switch to a stiffer version of the Subaru Global Platform might have brought this MK6 Forester a little closer to the class standard in both these areas than it actually has.
Still, plenty of other things that might have put you off the previous generation version of this car have been sorted, so media connectivity's now properly up to scratch and the cabin at last feels of reasonable quality. Of course, this Subaru still isn't perfect. You might well be disappointed by the lack of engine and transmission choice, ride and refinement could still be better and pricing has risen.
In summary, most hybrid SUVs are in some way compromised when it comes to things like towing and off roading; this one isn't. It's fashionable without being trendy. And built to last while never feeling utilitarian. In short, it's the kind of car it really ought to be, a vehicle in which four wheel drive is fundamental, rather than simply an optional extra and as a result, one of the best SUVs in its class to buy if you really plan on using it to its full potential. True, the result may not be as smoothly cultured as less capable rivals, but when conditions worsen, you won't care about that. And you'll probably be glad that you chose one of these.
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