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Feann Torr19 Mar 2015
REVIEW

Subaru Forester Diesel 2015 Review

Forester joins the automatic diesel squad. But is it a case of too little, too late?
Review Type
Local Launch
Review Location
Hobart, Tasmania

The Subaru Forester is a big deal for the Japanese importer. In 2014 it was Australia's third most popular medium SUV after the Mazda CX-5 and Toyota RAV4, plus it accounts for more than a third of Subaru Australia's annual sales. Although a manual diesel model has been around since 2010, the company has been without an automatic oiler – until now. The Subaru Forester 2.0D-L automatic is priced from $35,490 (plus on-road costs).

After a day in the saddle, striking through the centre of Tasmania, first impressions of the Forester 2.0D-L and 2.0D-S models are positive.

The continuously variable transmission (CVT) has been given a special calibration for the new diesel auto variants, and all 2015 Foresters now benefit from a mid-life upgrade, a few new features and a condensing of the range.

There are two 'automatic' turbo-diesel Foresters available, priced from $35,490 for the 2.0D-L and $41,490 for the 2.0D-S.

It's clear that Subaru has effected progressive change on the CVT, which it dubs 'Lineartronic'. In combination with the 108kW/350Nm 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel Boxer engine,the CVT modulates engine power well and is responsive to driver input. Unlike earlier CVTs, it works with the driver, not against them.

In other words, it's smooth, quiet and generally good to drive.

There's a seven-speed step-shift mode than can be activated via the gearshifter. It works well, giving solid control over engine revs like a traditional auto. This mode will also be useful for towing.

A new electronic brain – or transmission control unit (TCU) – has also been fitted, which includes a neat new feature that every CVT should have: It switches to the seven-speed step-shift mode whenever you apply more than 65 per cent throttle in regular 'D' mode.

Picture this: You mash the accelerator pedal and instead of a droning, whining mess, the transmission engages a stepped mode which banishes unpleasant engine flare. This improves driver engagement when gunning it too.

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It's a small upgrade, but it works a treat, and it's a shame that only the diesel Foresters get this function.

The transmission is quieter now, due in part the fitment of a sound shield cover. On the road the result is meaningful – the usual drone when holding revs in stepless mode is only faintly detectable now.

The overall integration of the CVT to the diesel Subaru Forester was always going to increase its appeal, but the changes made to the CVT improve drivability immeasurably.

If only the turbo-diesel boxer engine was a more dynamic unit it'd be a terrific powertrain, arguably class-leading. As it stands it's merely good.

The engine isn't offensive in any way and certainly won't be a deal breaker. In fact it's remarkably quiet in operation thanks to the addition of polyurethane sound-absorbing material at key points for this updated 2015 model. It's efficient too with a claimed 1000km highway cruising range, but it has a somewhat lackadaisical nature and doesn't deliver the punch of 2.0-litre units offered by its Asian and European rivals.

That the two diesel auto variants are among the heaviest in the range at 1633kg and 1667kg doesn't help either.

Claimed fuel consumption of 6.3L/100km (ADR) and longer distances between fills will entice more customers in regional and rural areas says Nick Senior, Subaru Australia manager director, but an automatic is now a must.

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"Nearly 20 per cent of all medium SUVs were automatic diesels [in 2014]. We weren't there, it cost us. This new auto diesel Forester can help in this regard," he explains.

Taking on the big-selling diesel SUVs in the market, such as the Mazda CX-5, RAV4 and Ford Kuga, Senior notes that people who want a diesel usually want an automatic.

"It plays in a part of the market where we have not been represented. We expect diesel sales to increase," he adds.

And it seems Subaru's range claims aren't unrealistic either. Although the trip computer was giving me a reading of 8.0L/100km at the end of the launch drive, which followed an inland route between Hobart and Launceston, it was an impressive figure given the enjoyably fast, flowing mainly 100km/h country roads encountered.

Perhaps a quarter of the journey was on gravel too, where the Forester showed a clean pair of heels.

It's a predictable, easy-going vehicle on dirt roads, even when honking along at triple digit speeds. And although it doesn't feel quite as planted as Subaru's new Outback on sealed roads, exhibiting more body roll into corners, ride comfort is generally good.

The Forester is Subaru's top-selling vehicle in Australia for good reason – it meets most customer's expectations yet is one of the few vehicles in its class, from under $30,000, to offer native four-wheel drive. Not a part-time system that kicks in when you need it, but an "always on" system.

Like all Subaru models offered in Australia, the Forester has been awarded a five-star ANCAP safety rating.

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Apart from the driveline updates there's been several other changes to the vehicle as part of the mid-life update, most of which contribute to the Forester's smoother, more refined persona. It's a quieter car now, for example. Even at 110km/h there's not a great deal of tyre, wind or engine noise, which imparts a more premium feel in the cabin. Conversation volumes are always relaxed.

The driving position is great, the seats are comfortable and rear seat room is par for the course – four adults in comfort, five is cosy.

An impressive 220mm of ground clearance also provides that now-compulsory commanding view of the road, and the above average ride height also helps when the car goes off-road – something it's a lot better at than most of its rivals, barring perhaps the Jeep Cherokee.

Subaru has made a couple of other tweaks to the 2015 Forester, too, with new heating/cooling controls and some other minor trim upgrades. Despite being 'newly designed' the heating controls look dated.

All models get a new multifunction steering wheel with more buttons and fiddly bits and it all works rather splendidly.

The updated Subaru Forester also benefits from a new 7.0-inch colour touch screen, which is attractively integrated into the centre stack. In operation it's not the fastest or prettiest infotainment system, but works as intended. Overall the cabin doesn't have the flair and high-tech feel of something like a Mazda CX-5 but it could be argued the conservative design suits its more rugged airs.

The top-shelf 2.0D-S models feature a powered tailgate, but once open the boot floor feels a little high and compromises space somewhat. The flip side is that all models feature a full-sized spare. This is important says Subaru, because one of the leading purchasing decisions for Forester is off-road ability, and a full-sized spare is a must for anyone heading off the beaten track.

There's a lot to like about the new Forester diesel auto, and the days of whinging about CVTs could be at an end.Granted the engine is a bit dull, the three-year warranty is not class-leading, and the advanced Eyesight safety usually offered in Subaru models is not available here.

But on balance the good far outweighs the bad.

What the new 2015 diesel Forester brings to the table is a more refined, more drivable and quieter vehicle that sets a new benchmark for CVTs. That the new models are more affordable and better equipped than ever is the icing on the cake.

2015 Subaru Forester 2.0D-L CVT pricing and specifications:
Price: $35,490 (plus on-road costs)
Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel
Output: 110kW/350Nm
Transmission: Continuously variable
Fuel: 6.3L/100km (ADR Combined)
CO2: 163g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety Rating: Five-star ANCAP

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Our team of independent expert car reviewers and journalistsMeet the team
Expert rating
75/100
Engine, Drivetrain & Chassis
16/20
Price, Packaging & Practicality
15/20
Safety & Technology
15/20
Behind the Wheel
15/20
X-Factor
14/20
Pros
  • Engaging CVT
  • Quiet diesel engine
  • Well equipped vehicle
Cons
  • Interior feels dated
  • Diesel lacks performance
  • No Eyesight safety tech for diesels
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