The facelifted fourth-generation Subaru Forester officially made its launch debut here just over a week ago. Aimed at taking on established models like the Honda CR-V and Mazda CX-5, the refreshed SUV certainly has a lot going for it.
For starters, it is now a locally-assembled product, made at Tan Chong’s Segambut plant. That makes it the second Subaru model to be assembled there after the XV. Of course, localisation means the new Forester is now more affordable than the outgoing model, putting it in a prime position as an alternative to the standard “go-to” choices.
Not only that, the Forester also gets improved equipment, looks and a powertrain that steps up to assist you once the tarred road ends. Sounds like a hefty proposition. So, is there anything it can’t do? That’s what we’re here to find out.
The Forester variant you are looking at here is the 2.0i-P (RM154,488), the middle ground between the base 2.0i (RM144,948) and the turbocharged XT (RM211,729). Regardless of variant choice, you’ll find Subaru’s DNA embodied within, with the main component being the boxer engine – a 2.0 litre four-cylinder DOHC petrol unit, which provides 150 PS at 6,200 rpm and 198 Nm at 4,200 rpm. The XT’s turbocharged mill makes 241 PS at 5,600 rpm and 350 Nm at 2,400 to 3,600 rpm.
Linked to a Lineartronic CVT (with paddle shifters on the 2.0i-P and XT), power is sent to all four corners via the Subaru’s proprietary Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system. The powertrain also gets two new selectable functions. First is the SI Drive Mode, which is controlled by two buttons on the steering wheel. Also available here is X-Mode, which we will discuss later on.
Subaru engineers also focused on improving the car’s ride and handling. The front suspension now features stiffer cross members and improved springs and dampers, while the rear suspension alignment has been changed. NVH also gets a boost here with additional sound proofing materials and thicker windows.
As for areas of the car you will see often, the Forester (the base 2.0i model aside) gets new steering-responsive LED headlamps with C-shaped DRLs that flank a new four-bar grille. The tail lamps now feature the same C-shaped motif as the front lights as well. Sensibly-sized 17-inch wheels are fitted here and on the base 2.0i, wrapped with 225/60R17 size Continental ContiMax MC5 tyres (XT gets larger 18-inch options).
The design may be familiar as that of the outgoing, pre-facelift XT, but the facelift does elevate the Forester – in terms of looks – to the other Subaru models of today. Nonetheless, it looks unique compared to the current crop of SUVs, an old school charm if you will. If there’s one complaint, the line of additional LED DRLs located beside the fog lamps seem a bit excessive.
Similar to the exterior, the Forester’s cabin follows the “same but not same” approach. The layout looks familiar, but look closely, and you’ll spot leather being applied on the door handles, centre stack, updated trim, new steering wheel and the seats themselves (standard on all variants). Soft-touch materials on the top section of the dashboard also provide a premium feel to the interior, something you don’t find in the CR-V.
Dual-zone air-conditioning is available here but there are no vents for the second row. As for the other bits, the instrument cluster now gets revised graphics and TFT LCD colour display. Other useful equipment here include automatic headlamps, rain-sensing wipers, keyless entry with push-start button, cruise control and aluminium pedals. There are also two USB ports available, which not just act as media sources for the Kenwood unit, but also as charging points for your mobile devices (one has a higher 1A output).
The dashboard-mounted multi-info colour display is also new here (lesser version on the 2.0i), as is the seven-inch Kenwood double-DIN touchscreen head-unit. The latter may be feature-packed with inputs (including MirrorLink), but does take some fiddling with to get right. Not only that, the matte coating on the display results in poor legibility under sunlight. While the unit may be considered as one of the CKD components, its integration isn’t the most seamless with the rest of the car.
Overall, the Forester’s interior is simple, functional, well-equipped and pleasant to be in. Practicality is pretty impressive too, thanks to the powered liftgate with memory function (not fitted on the 2.0i), making accessing the boot (with tonneau cover) an easy affair. Boot space here isn’t as generous (422 litres) as that available on the CR-V (589 litres), but should be enough for most needs. Part of the reason for this is because of the raised boot floor, which accommodates a diagonally-mounted full size spare mounted to make space for the rear 4×4 axle.
Other nifty features here include a PIN code access, which allows you to leave the key fob in the car while you partake in activities that may bring harm to it (i.e. white water rafting, skydiving). To unlock the car again, simply input your programmed PIN code with the button located beside the liftgate release.
So, the Forester is off to a pretty decent start then. And that’s even before we bring it on the road. We had a chance to sample the Forester both in Malaysia and Thailand, with the latter involving a few demonstrations of the SUV’s all-wheel drive powertrain at work.
Driving about town, the Forester provides a very comfortable ride which borders on best in class in this writer’s opinion. The revised suspension certainly reaps benefits and those chunky tyres further cushion the harshness that Malaysian roads are famous for serving up. At times, the Forester does tend to feel a little “floaty” but it isn’t up to a nauseating extent.
Travelling on highways, the Forester remained stable, while the NVH improvements kept wind noise and tyre roar at bay. Rear passengers will have access to sufficient legroom but the reclining seats on the second row aren’t the most comfy and could do with additional padding. The driver and passenger seats are powered here (sans adjustable lumbar support), and positioned quite high for better visibility, although I do prefer if it were a tad lower.
On a slalom, the Forester’s 1.5-tonne heft will become noticeable, with body roll being present, but manageable to a degree. The power-assisted steering did feel a little slow, so don’t expect this Subaru to have best-in-class handling just because of its badge. I presume the slow steering was fitted to complement the off-road capabilities of the vehicles, where quick changes in direction aren’t a necessity. Therefore, unless you plan on participating in a gymkhana stage with it, the Forester is more than capable to cope with your daily drive, while keeping you relatively comfortable doing so. If you’re looking for a more engaging handling experience, consider the CX-5 or X-Trail instead.
The powertrain also does its duties well enough, if you’re driving within the capacity of a reasonable person. If you’re looking for instantaneous results by stomping on the accelerator pedal, you will only be greeted by the CVT’s “rubber band” effect, accompanied by a noticeable whine. Best to ease the throttle in progressively, and plan your manoeuvres ahead of time.
As a road-going vehicle then, the Subaru is pretty commendable in performing its duties. However, what’s it like when the road ends, and the terrain gets a bit more demanding? Well, on a sandy, dried-up lake bed in Thailand, we were instructed to disable the car’s traction control system before being sent out on a given route to test out the Forester’s all-wheel drive system.
The immediate lack of grip was apparent on the shifting sands but even with traction control turned off, the all-wheel drive system actively cuts in when it detects that the vehicle is out of control, braking individual wheels in an attempt to restore order. Trying to take on a corner at speed, you can feel as the AWD system constantly brakes the wheels with the least amount of grip, slowing things down till control is returned.
Impressive as it may be, when combined with X-Mode, it gets better. To test the new function, we were led through a pineapple farm, where the test route involved going up the side of a hill before proceeding back down. Only thing is, with X-Mode turned off, the Forester simply spun its tyres on the loose gravel and rocks, struggling to find grip. Push the button, and magic happens.
Working at speeds of up to 30 km/h, X-Mode forces the Forester to become more in tune with its various systems, activating five different forms of control to limit slipping tyres and get you going. For starters, the car’s throttle doesn’t open too quickly when responding to input from the accelerator pedal, compared to when X-Mode is not turned on.
The car’s transmission and AWD system also ensures power is readily available (low gear) and delivered more evenly (raising the front/rear coupling force) between the four wheels for maximum traction. Finally, the car’s Vehicle Dynamics Control system uses a specially-tuned “Enhanced LSD Control” that individually applies the brakes to wheels that are slipping.
With X-Mode turned on, the convoy of Foresters easily made it up the hill as you can tell from the photos. Coming back down, the X-Mode’s Hill Descent Control ensured the car itself managed the throttle and braking, allowing us to concentrate purely on steering the vehicle down the steep incline. It would have been nice to have an around-view monitor to spot any potential hazards around the car though.
Now, to what extremes X-Mode will operate flawlessly, that remains to be seen. Though the system won’t be used on a daily basis for most buyers, it’s good to know that when you need to make that drive through a pineapple plantation, the Forester’s got you covered. Other plantations yet to be tested.
Speaking of being covered, any safety concerns are answered with seven airbags (dual front, sides and curtains, driver’s knee), Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC), Hill Start Assist, ring-shaped reinforcement frame and ABS (with EBD and BA). This safety suite is not variant-exclusive, and is available on all three, which is mighty impressive at its price point.
All in all, the new Subaru Forester certainly makes a very strong case for those in the market for a C-segment SUV. A comfortable ride, above-par off-road capabilities and a pretty impressive kit list, all backed by a price tag that is finally within the realms of its competitors. In this case, it’s RM154,488 for the 2.0i-P (right now offered at an introductory price of RM151,800), which is a slight premium compared to its rivals. However, is there anything it can’t do? No, not really.
Subaru Forester 2.0i-P
Subaru Forester media drive in Thailand
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after reading the review, nothing stands out, carrying a price premium over the defacto choice of CRV, I can’t see this to be the commercial success.
This can’t even win over the Xtrail from its sister brand.
It will have a good case if we can get the Turbo XT at RM150k.
After reading, I’m thinking XV could be the worth trying one. Same engine, same AWD, cheaper.
U should test both. Even if the engine is similar, but it’s not the same. XV has Single AVCS(Active Valve Control System, similar to VVT), while Forester have Dual. U can really feel the difference.
Go test Dual VVT-i and VVT-i and see. No difference. Drop in horsepower summore.
I had traded-in my 2014 Jetta for the 2016 2.0i-P XV and have been driving my new XV the past week. I have no regrets with my choice over the CX-5, CX-3, X-Trail and Outlander. I enjoyed the high ride and smooth revving engine. Sound proofing is decent but in town use only so far. Fuel consumption at avg. 9.0/100km is slightly better then the Jetta (again in town use only). Only short coming I can think of, although mine is a 2.0i-P model, I had to sacrifice conveniences that were available in the Jetta such as auto lights, auto wipe, front parking sensors, auto dim rear mirror and in-car boot release. The Kenwood head unit with navigation sounded better than the basic Blaupunkt unit in the Jetta.
How much you have lost in the VW? I’m keeping my Jetta for highway, while taking Camry hybrid on weekdays in town.
*the blaupunkt installed locally themselves. Support 6 instead of 8 speakers on the CBU ones.
have you tried long distance drive? any complaints so far?
I just about to buy forester i spec last month but decided to do a bit homework. Would anyone got their advise on fuel consumption and engine energy. I am normal driver with 2sons n 1 wife onboard can average speed 120kmh at federal road. Maybe reach 160kmh and sudden over take required as too many cars with lousy driver They are Too slow. I dont bother much on accessories.thanks
This car will run with fear when Toyota CH-R landed here.
There is one; off road capability. While many SUV buyers are not outdoorsy type of people, the Forester sounds like a perfect go anywhere car you can buy right now.
dont forget the Hilux and Fortuner too
Look up the moose test for Toyota Hilux and Subaru Forester. Only from 2017 has Toyota addressed this problem. Get ready to roll over…
Ya, off road is perhaps 1 plus for this.
But I don’t see it as the deciding factor for many city families. Space, remains the big factor for this class of vehicles.
211k to 145k. 31% price down.
I have to agree with soso above, I was expecting the Forester to shine but it seems to be mediocre and Gerard was just too kind to directly state it. If I were in the market I would still go for the CX-5
Subaru: its in the 4 wheel drive
Ya la, especially this part:
“The powertrain also does its duties well enough, if you’re driving within the capacity of a reasonable person. If you’re looking for instantaneous results by stomping on the accelerator pedal, you will only be greeted by the CVT’s “rubber band” effect, accompanied by a noticeable whine. Best to ease the throttle in progressively, and plan your manoeuvres ahead of time.”
First thing on my mind is it’s rubbish like Proton Punch CVT. A laggy powertrain is not well enough, it’s rubbish. It’s bloody annoying to have to think 2 sec ahead of how to drive the car. Over time, it’ll just be a chore, I can’t see how that can be enjoyable at all.
CVT is here to improve the fuel consumption, if you dont like it there is a thing call paddle shifting in the 2.0i-P model to give you the virtual gearing feel.
CX5 is a lady car
The Fozzy is more for people who will drive offroad and those who live in snowbelt areas (thats why it’s popular in North US and Canada), whereas the CRV is an urban SUV. So it depends on what the owner is looking for. The CRV is quieter and more refined. But is not as capable as the Fozzy with its always permanently on AWD. But to me, if you can afford it, get the XT model. That is one badass SUV. It’s got a more sporty tuned suspension as compared to the normally aspirated models too. Of course it’s no BMW X3 in the twisties, but is better than the CRV, and is only matched by the CX-5.
Ok Nice Article indeed. Just …… It doesn’t tell the answer of the article question, worthy alternative.
Maybe article try to emphasis, it can do everything but doesn’t excel at it compare to its competitor. Something clear about Subaru is, AWD , X-Mode and offroad. Ok boxer engine is unique just, does not attractive.
Is it easy to change the spark plugs or basic maintenance in general?
It design to last 100 000km , only when reached then is require to chg
i hear changing spark plug will require quite a bit of labor since its at the bottom. maintenance is cheaper than the xv. spare parts may be expensive later and harder to get. hope this changes.i also hear that the engine loses oil after the 3rd year. need to top up frequently.
Always a Subaru fan, and for good reasons. Not on my list because in Malaysia, MI thinks we don’t need Eyesight. If only this was part of the package.
This is a more than 4 years model with some minor changes. Still want to sell at such high prices ?
Below 100k only people will consider. After all, its price will dropped by 45K very soon just like XV.
Wow the safety features are amazing!!!!!! Great value family SUV and good offroad capability!!!
I have never driven any Subaru before, but have definitely driven most of other Japaneses SUV, such as CRV, X-trail, CX5 etc. Today, I have got the chance to drive both the XV and Forester 2.0i. I don’t think my feeling is wrong, I have 3 adult and 2 children in the car and the Forester is so responsive and smooth, just press the pedal lightly and the car move forward so smoothly without any lagging. This feeling is better than any of the other Japanese SUV. Also the ride comfort is best in class, I’m completely impressed. Surprisingly the Forester ride comfort and smoothness is much better than that of the XV even though the engine is the same. The steering feel a lot of different, love that of the Forester.
Strongly agreed with you..i was a honda fan last time but when once test drive d forester, i couldn’t really believe that it was simply d best car i’ve even driven
ok then i will go for the forester. will test drive soon.
Best selling SUV in US compare tp CX-5, high resale value, best CVT in the market and best AWD in the industries but I would go with Outback not because of the performance but for the looks and design. Safety wise, you can go wrong with Subaru.
Forester now on promo with i version at RM113k for 2016 model. Is it worth buying?
Worth buying at RM113K if no hidden costs. Originally was RM140K for CKD. You mean old stock therefore they sell so much lower price?
Worth buying at RM113K if no hidden costs. Originally was RM140K for CKD. You mean old stock therefore they sell so much lower price? Anyone has signed on the dotted line?
Does anyone can give me some inputs on Subaru Forester vs Tiguan 2017?
Thanks…
I owned this Subaru Forester 2.oiP since 1 May 2017 with a price of RM 29K. I also have a Totota Altis Model 2004 which has a powerful acceleration from still condition. For Forester I manipulate by letting it move for a few metre then just gradually depress the pedal, the power can be felt immediately. When the vehicle is on moving, depress the pedal do give the power boost effect, besides it always give my family a quite, stable and comfortable ride. No regret to buy this car with AWD at RM29K, where else can you get this benefit…only in Malaysia. Don’t believe , check the price in Singapore and Australia where this SUV is very popular. Best of all, no one in interested in stealing this car cos a lot of people still don’t see its worthiness compare to Hond CRV & Mazda CX5.
I just bought one Subaru Forester 2.0iP last month and have done my first 1000km service. I drove a Toyota Altis 1.8 since 2004 and just past it on to my son. The experience for driving a car and an SUV is totally different. Once you are in an SUV, you don’t like to go back to a car anymore, the feel is different and more secure. I bought the Forester with RM 129k (Forester 2.0i is around RM113k)and get full loan cos the bank loan go by market value i.e. RM166k . Don’t need down payment, just get the car and get ready to settle the monthly instalments, so easy.I am a normal driver and I have dreamed of driving an AWD SUV but the price is always more than RM150k, thats the reason I grabbed the promotion. The engine is powerful and responsive and comparable to Nissan X-trail, Mazda CX5 and Honda CRV 2.0 after I test drove all the above. With this price I saved RM37k which means after two years I can still sell the SUV aroung RM120k if I want to upgrade another new SUV. I really enjoy to drive this SUV cos it is-: no more tyre skid feeling when taking corners, responsive braking, brightly lit and easily seen, 7 air-bags, GPS, METASAT service (satelite shut down control in case of being robbed) , automatic boot opening & closing,road grabbing driving feelings and easy parking with small turning radius and lots more to explore. My advice to those beginner for SUV ,then this is a good standard to begin, don’t hesitate.
2017 model for 129k?
1000km service how much?
Just to rectify a typing mistake about the price “RM29K” should be “RM 129K” in my Jun 03, 2017 comment, really sorry and apologise for that.
You bet. I almost ask you to buy me 4 Forester with that price. :)
Hi. HK Tan, May I know the average fuel consumption of your drive?
I’m planning to buy SUV. Subaru Forester or Nissan x trail.Which wan is the best?
Both vehicles have their + or – features. Read more reviews. Go for a test drive. List out and prioritize your “Must Haves”. Second hand value is a factor if you intend to dispose it in the next 5 years or lesser. Budget and loan repayment affordability is also a deciding factor.These are only some of the parameters to consider. Cheers Joy.
hi, anybody know where i can get the subaru forester 2014 2.0i-L compressor? Mind for sharing, tks!