Subaru’s new fourth-generation Forester sport utility vehicle, which goes on sale in the UK on Wednesday, is expected to quickly become the Japanese brand’s most popular model.

East Anglian Daily Times: NewSubaru Forester has more space, technology and equipment but costs only slightly more than the outgoining model.NewSubaru Forester has more space, technology and equipment but costs only slightly more than the outgoining model. (Image: Subaru)

Last year, the Forester accounted for 170,000 sales globally – 27% of Subaru’s total sales – with 15,000 sold in Europe.

Since the Forester was introduced in 1997, European sales in the SUV-C segment have increased eightfold. More now than ever, the new Forester has the ease of use and practicality that appeals to customers looking for this type of vehicle.

The new Forester costs only slightly more than the outgoing model, despite increased levels of standard equipment and technology, with prices ranging from £24,995 to £30,995 on the road.

Shaped around SUV buyers’ top priorities, the Forester offers a high and commanding driving position, generous interior space and cargo capacity, exterior dimensions that are easily steered through city streets and ease of entry and exit for adults and children. High ground clearance and all-wheel drive provide the all-terrain capabilities that Forester is rightly renowned for.

The new Forester is 2mm taller than the outgoing model, 15mm wider and 35mm longer, with a 25mm longer wheelbase – and through clever packaging, there are bigger increases in interior space than external dimensions. Cargo capacity has also been increased and the addition of a powered rear tailgate on the highest XT trim level further improves the vehicle’s ease of use and functionality.

Subaru designers have significantly improved the quality and ambience inside the new Forester with higher grade materials on the dashboard, centre console and doors. Particular attention has been given to the controls and areas touched by the driver, such as the steering wheel and gear shift, while optimising the switchgear feel of all other controls.

The new Forester is an exceptionally safe vehicle and was recently awarded the full five-star Euro NCAP crash safety rating. The electronic stability control system has been upgraded while a new trailer Stability control also improves safety during towing. Greater use of ultra-high tensile steel reinforces the vehicle, making it exceptionally strong yet light. All safety equipment is fitted as standard to every model in the Forester range, including twin front, side, curtain and knee airbags.

Every Forester is equipped with two core Subaru technologies – Symmetrical All-Wheel-Drive and the latest generation boxer engines, contributing to a low centre of gravity which is beneficial to balance, roadholding and handling.

Forester buyers will have three 2.0-litre horizontally-opposed four-cylinder engines to choose from – a 150PS naturally-aspirated petrol engine, a 147PS turbo diesel and a new 240PS 2.0-litre direct injection turbo petrol unit which has been engineered for high power, responsiveness and efficiency. All three engines comply with Euro5 emissions standards.

The Forester is available with six-speed manual transmission on 2.0i and 2.0D models or an upgraded version of Subaru’s Lineartronic CVT automatic, available as an option on 150PS petrol models and standard on vehicles equipped with the new 240PS engine.

All Lineartronic models also gain paddle shift and a custom driving mode system, Subaru Intelligent Drive, which allows drivers to choose between different driving modes to match road conditions.

In uneven or slippery road conditions, all-terrain capability is enhanced further with the introduction of X-Mode on Lineartronic CVT models, a new all-wheel-drive control system which includes hill descent control and makes traction even better than the outgoing model.

In everyday driving conditions, the new Forester’s agility, driving performance and ride quality are all improved over the outgoing model’s through a combination of Subaru’s latest technologies and enhanced chassis and body rigidity.The fully-independent suspension has been upgraded to improve steering response, traction and ride comfort.

There are six trim levels for buyers to choose from, all with a generous level of standard equipment. XE and XE Premium is available on all naturally-aspirated petrol models, X, XC and XC Premium on all diesel models and XT is standard on 2.0-litre turbo petrol versions. Lineartronic is available on XE and XE Premium models and standard to XT versions.

All Forester buyers will have the peace-of-mind of a five-year, 100,000-mile warranty, plus a 12-year anti-corrosion guarantee.