UNDER THE SPOTLIGHT: SUBARU FORESTER 2.5 XS

Busy little segment this one isn't it?

It’s not hard to argue with mates or with yourself once the prospect of buying the type of car popularly known as a soft-roader comes around. Which one of the various flavour do you go for? Is the Freelander; the Honda CR-V, the Nissan X-Trail or any of the other options not mentioned? And there are plenty more mind you, with any motor manufacturer that has yet to build its own probably doing so as you read this. When Subaru offered the latest incarnation of its Forester SUV, it really begged the question once more that what, if any difference is there among this species of car? For the Forester though, the prospect of the turbocharged XT is exciting enough but it’s not the subject of this article, the 2.5 XS is.

It still looks like a Subaru

When it comes to outward show there really is nothing much to write home about. Subaru has really not pulled out a swan among ostriches but nevertheless, find a favourable paint option, like black, and there’s s quite a lot to be smug about. It comes with impressive outward apparel in the form of chunky rubber on shiny alloys, full bumper colour coordination and that’s it, really. The rest is left to a thorough wash and dry, and perhaps an after market tint.

Has the interior changed or improved?

Ah, the best part indeed. Over the years Subaru may have been spot in the size and shape of the bonnet air-scoops on its performance models but interior brilliance wasn’t its strong points, until the Tribeca SUV. The Forester takes much from that hulk in terms of the kind of material finish and style, ergonomics space nooks, and such, even the quality of the seats, which thanks to the company being on a first name basis with Recaro, has ensured that fine chairs are a guarantee. Overall, it’s a joyous, spacious, stressless place to be this Subaru Forester cabin.

Next week we'll look at some of the vehicle's features and drive experience.

- PHUTI MPYANE