Subaru Forester Diesel
The new Forester is a decent looking machine – which is good given that Subaru continues to be a lesser-considered badge than many others in the UK. There’s more space, practicality, better safety and greater ground clearance than the older version too.
The new Forester is based on the platform of the hatchback Impreza, offering multi-link rear suspension, power steering, Subaru Vehicle Dynamics Control, automatically levelling suspension and a revised automatic transmission that (for no reason) offers sports – along with normal and manual settings.
This Subaru offers real off-roading ability and make no mistake, the low ratio, dual range gearbox is proof of that. Simply depress the clutch and raise the level next to the gear shift and away you go, pulling strongly.
Once again, Subaru offers great improvements over the previous edition of one of their range – with perhaps the only let-down being the high emissions which are 198g/km. Overall, this is a good looking, capable car that should provide years of reliability. Whether it can compete with the likes of the CR-V or the Nissan X-Trail is entirely up to you – but it’s certainly a credible choice.
Your article on the Forester diesel describes an automatic gearbox. Just the car I’m after, but the range in UK seems only to include a manual gearbox. Where can I get an automatic?
Hi Mike,
The new Forester is available with a 2.0 litre petrol automatic: http://www.subaru.co.uk/Subaru_co_uk/ViewMenu.qed?menuid=M0M5M3 otherwise, you may need to look for an older model for a diesel auto.
So Diesel automatic has been dropped? Really? seem odd
There never was a Subaru diesel automatic of any incarnation – the new boxer diesel described above is the first time Subaru have offered an oil-burning option, and it is not available with an automatic gearbox. This is one reason that the new diesel Subarus have not been available in the US (cf: Forester Owners’ Club forums), and American owners are moaning about it. As of September 2011, I am still waiting to see whether a diesel automatic will be made available in the UK – until then I will sticking with my 2006 Petrol Auto Forester.