Category: Subaru

Subaru SUVs are intended to combine comfort, performance and off-road capability under one body – and not least to appeal to customers with a certain attitude to life. With its special concept – permanent all-wheel drive and boxer engine – the Japanese car manufacturer is therefore primarily targeting “leisure-oriented” buyers.

What makes Subaru SUVs special (Subaru Forester)

The body of the Subaru Forester is technically based on that of a sedan (station wagon). The main difference is the large ground clearance of 19 centimeters. On the one hand, the Forester effortlessly passes light terrain without touching down. On the other hand, the seating position is pleasantly high, which naturally also leads to a good all-round view in normal road traffic.

The cockpit is clearly laid out, all essential controls are easily accessible and well arranged. Only the car radio sits a little too low, which requires increased attention during operation. Sufficient leg and headroom are provided not only in the front but also in the rear seats. Passive safety is ensured by ABS, side impact protection and airbags for driver and front passenger – all standard. Side airbags are available as an option.

What is Ground Clearance and why is it important?

Ground clearance is, on a vehicle, the distance between the ground, on which the tires rest, for example, and the lowest point of the chassis, which must not come into contact with the ground.

Since, very often, it is not even communicated in the technical data sheets of the vehicles themselves. It is not believed, however, that this data is important only for off-road vehicles: in our roads, in fact, there are plenty of holes (sometimes real chasms), both, especially the bumps of the so-called slow motion or speed deterrents, on which, if our vehicle is too low, it is not difficult to perform “touches” more or less violent, with consequences that can be quite expensive.

If you’re looking for storage space for “small items”, you’ll find plenty on the Forester. Over 20 small compartments are distributed throughout the interior. Fortunately, the boot is large, typical of the combination: 409 liters fit into it, and even 721 liters can be stacked under the roof. Meanwhile standard with almost all series: By folding down the divisible back seat the storage space can be increased considerably. A vehicle, which should bring driving pleasure in addition to road safety, must convince with its driving comfort.

The Forester does this in almost all driving situations. Especially in curves and on wet roads, the all-wheel-drive vehicle can play to its advantage: The car stays clean in the lane up to the limit and reacts extremely well to steering movements. Due to the higher center of gravity, despite the low boxer engine, the Forester is a bit more sideways than a normal passenger car.

The sufficiently powerful engine delivers 90 kW/122 hp and accelerates the car up to 178 km/h. The engine is also equipped with a switchable reduction gear. The top speed, however, is hardly the decisive criterion for an off-road vehicle – nor is fuel consumption.

Subaru’s latest addition is aimed primarily at a more “leisure-oriented” group of people. Despite its suitability for everyday use, the Forester can certainly be regarded as a trend car.