22 - The Oakville Beaver, Wednesday July 16, 2008 www.oakvillebeaver.com 2009 Forester stays true to its Subaru roots By Lorne Drury Metroland Media Group Subaru was one of the originators of the crossover segment with its Forester model some 12 years ago. It was a smaller, compact sport utility vehicle with a four-cylinder engine, all-wheel drive and built on a car chassis rather than a truck, like other SUVs of the era. This spring, the third-generation Forester made its debut for the 2009 model year and Subaru hasn't changed things all that much. Sure, it's a bigger, bolder and a little less boxy-looking than before, but it still offers the same combination of versatility, rugged dependability and performance that has made the Forester the best-selling model in the Subaru arsenal. Like every Subaru, it features full-time all-wheel drive. Two choices of engine are available. The Forester 2.5X has either a five-speed manual or optional four-speed automatic transmission mated with a 2.5-litre fourcylinder Boxer engine, producing 170 hp and 170 lb/ft or torque. Also available in the 2.5XT Limited is a turbo-version of the 2.5 engine. It produces 224 hp and 226 lb/ft or torque and comes with only the four-speed automatic. My tester was the 2.5X with Touring Package, which includes 16-inch aluminum alloy wheels, power sliding large glass sunroof, multi-reflector halogen fog lights, chrome door handles, stainless steel muffler cutters, wiper de-icer, rear seat cushion table with integrated cup holders, reclining rear seats and cargo tray area. It priced out at a reasonable $27,995, while the automatic version adds $1,100 to the price tag. The base 2.5X model is priced at $25,795, ($1,200 less than the 2008 model). Meanwhile, the upscale Limited Package is $32,395 ($3,700 less than 2008) or $34,895 for the XT version ($4,100 below the 2008 price). The Limited Package includes 17-inch aluminum alloy wheels, Xenon headlamps, six CD premium audio system with upgraded speakers, air conditioning with automatic climate control, leather seats and leatherwrapped gear selector and steering wheel, power adjustable driver's seat, reclining rear seats, retractable cargo cover and cargo area tray and woodgrained interior dash trim. For 2009, all Foresters are well equipped with items often optional on other vehicles such as roof rails, heated front seats and privacy glass. Also featured are audio systems with steering wheel controls and speed-sensitive volume, air conditioning, and tilt/telescoping steer wheel. Unlike when it first bowed and virtually created its own niche in the automotive market, the Forester sits smack dab in the middle of today's highly-competitive CUV segment, against strong challengers such as the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. This is a segment that is expected to continue to see growth as more and more consumers are dumping their larger SUVs and replacing them with more fuel efficient, better performing and easier-todrive crossover models. To that end, Subaru has freshened up the look of the 2009 Forester, making the exterior design more shapely with less of that "tall wagon" look of the past. Changes for this model include a new grill, a higher hood, new lights and a large, contoured bumper cover. Sharply defined character lines with pronounced fender flares accentuate the new profile. Functional improvements include a wider door opening for improved accessibility and a rear gate opening, which is wider and taller, yet still easy to close. Unlike many CUVs and SUVs where rear visibility is reduced because of the vehicle's high stance and somewhat small rear window, the Forester is different. The rear gate has a large glass area that allows averagesized drivers to see an object one metre tall within one metre of the vehicle. In other words, you'll have a much easier time seeing small children on the sidewalk behind you when backing out of a driveway. An all-new chassis results in a wheelbase that's 90 mm (3.6 inches) longer for improved ride and interior space, particularly rear seat legroom. Subaru says the addition of high-tension steel at key structural points increases chassis rigidity, providing more precise handling and improved crashworthiness. Despite the size increase, weight is up only 50-69 kg (110 to 150 lb) over last year. The Forester was one of the first SUVs to have four-wheel independent suspension and for 2009 has a new double-wishbone rear suspension replacing the strut-based system in the first two generations. Thanks to the longer wheelbase, rear seat legroom is increased by more than four inches. Cargo volume is also improved this time around. The cabin is functional, yet attractive. Front seats have been redesigned for more comfort, while at the rear, a new centre armrest adds to the comfort level. The 60/40 split rear seats fold flat and the cargo floor area is now 132 mm (5.2 inches) wider between the wheelhouses because of the new suspension. The sweeping cockpit design is modeled after the big brother Tribeca. Controls are easy to use and the soft touch plastics in the cabin provide a more upscale, refined look than in previous models. During my time with the Forester, I found it comfortable, roomy for a compact CUV, easy to drive and basically a very familyfriendly vehicle. The short turning radius of 10.5 m (34.4 ft) makes it easy to maneuver in parking lots and tight city driving. Corners well Because it is car-based, the Forester corners well with minimal body roll and acceleration is decent, even in the non-turbo model. Braking is excellent thanks to four-wheel anti-lock brakes with electronic brake force distribution, vehicle dynamics control and brake assist. In emergency braking, the system detects how quickly and forcefully the driver has braked and applies pressure up to the ABS limit to increase braking effectiveness. And unlike many others in its class, the Forester is equally at home off-road thanks to its high ground clearance, all-wheel drive and traction control. I haven't had a chance to try it off-road, but those who have come away amazed at its capability. With the technological improvements for 2009 and the more mainstream exterior design, the Forester is poised to take aim at the leaders in the CUV marketplace.