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Reader: Bundu-bashing Forester

‘IT’S JUST THAT SIMPLE TO USE’: Wheels24 reader Robert Daniels says the 2013 Subaru Forester is an ideal choice for buyers who a comfortable SUV with the option of taking on the great outdoors. <i>Image: ROBERT DANIELS</i>
‘IT’S JUST THAT SIMPLE TO USE’: Wheels24 reader Robert Daniels says the 2013 Subaru Forester is an ideal choice for buyers who a comfortable SUV with the option of taking on the great outdoors. <i>Image: ROBERT DANIELS</i>
Once in awhile a vehicle comes along and completely changes your perspective. The 2013 Subaru Forester is such a vehicle.

I use to think it looked rather silly and could never understand why leading magazines and websites made such a fuss about it. If you're fortunate enough to drive the new Forester, you'll realise it's a game changer if you’ve never been into 4x4s.

‘MOST CAR-LIKE SUV’

It’s by far the most “car-like” SUV you will come across. Its ride and handling is superb when compared to even more road-focused contenders.

I’d compare it to Audi’s All-road but with even more bundu-bashing prowess.

Most SUVs seem top-heavy and sluggish. The misconception states that an SUV needs to be huge, high and have giant wheels with enough ground clearance to fit another car underneath.

Apparently this is important because apparently if you’d like to venture off the tar, you need to be able to climb Kilimanjaro. You also need a huge diesel engine, low-range transfer gearbox, a spare wheel on the back door with 4X4 branding on its cover.

‘MOST NEVER VENTURE OFF-ROAD’

Sadly most us will never venture off-road, so why drive a 4x4?

If you’re not going to use a 4x4 for its intended purpose you’re going to suffer ridiculous fuel consumption figures, maintenance costs and not to mention the daily rigours of trying to find a suitable parking spot.

To fully utilise a 4X4 in the great outdoors requires training on a off-road trail which seems like a waste if you’re never going to leave tarred roads.

The Subaru Forester answers demands for ride-height and off-road ability while combining the traits of a soft-roader. Not only does it handle like a car, it has great off-road ability. With its latest 4x4, Subaru proves you don’t need to compromise.

The model I drove was powered bya 2.0 turbo charged boxer four, capable of 177kW.

The 2.0 rockets the vehicle from 0 - 100km/h in eight seconds with a fuel consumption of  10 litres/100km. It’s nippy to the point where I want to compare it to some of the hatchbacks on the market and dynamically it’s a revelation for a vehicle of its size and height.

INSIDE

You get seven airbags and host of safety features. The spacious interior seats five comfortably.

There are lots of buttons and displays but everything is clearly marked and you don’t need to take some time off work to figure out how the controls. It’s just that simple to use.

The XT model I had comes with everything from leather seats to sunroof and power tailgate.

I’d opt for the 2.0SX (R330 000) since the XT derivative costs R529 000. Overall the Subaru Forester is a choice for anyone wanting an honest 4X4 without the emotional baggage.

Price:
Subaru Forester 2.0XT Lineartronic CVT - R529000



 
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