Subaru’s mid-life upgrade touches all the right places

By Gerry Murphy

Subaru has given a mid-life upgrade to the Forester for 2016. Described by many as one of the most capable and versatile SUVs in its class, the 2016 model boasts improved safety, convenience, comfort and refinement.

The upgraded Subaru Forester has arrived across the brand’s Irish dealer network this month. Prices for the range start from €36,995 for the 2.0 Diesel X model.

At the front of the car, the hexagonal grille has been updated with a new ‘wing’ motif grille mesh, while the front bumper has been reshaped and now features new L-shaped chrome trim adding greater visual volume to the lower part of the Forester’s ‘face’.

The wraparound headlamps feature a new black base paint finish, for a sharper appearance. The 2016 model is also fitted with new LED combination lamps at the rear.

Inside the cabin, new materials and technologies have been introduced to further modernise the interior and introduce a higher-quality look and feel, while still retaining the functionality for which the Forester is renowned.

The interior is finished with a higher proportion of soft-touch materials, new piano black and metallic trim, higher-resolution TFT displays, and new upholstery, with leather as an option. Following the adoption of Subaru’s new touchscreen infotainment and navigation system in 2015, the changes to the 2016 Subaru Forester are designed to further improve the quality look and feel of the cabin.

Symmetrical All-Wheel-Drive and the latest-generation four-cylinder ‘Boxer’ engines contribute to the low centre of gravity beneficial to balance, road holding and handling.

Thicker glass has been applied to every door and the front quarter lights at the base of the A-pillar, reducing wind and other noises coming in to the cabin. The seals around the window frames get more sound-absorbent material while additional soundproofing material has been added around the dashboard and in the front passenger foot well.

Updated suspension settings at the front and rear ensure the car remains comfortable and refined, particularly over broken or choppy surfaces, while the adoption of a new steering gearbox quickens the steering ratio to improve reactions to steering inputs.

The range of engines remains unchanged for the 2016 Forester; buyers can choose from two 2.0-litre horizontally-opposed four-cylinder engines – a 150 PS naturally-aspirated 2.0i petrol engine, or a 147 PS 2.0D turbo-diesel unit from Subaru’s FB family of engines.

There are five models in the 2016 Forester range, starting at €36,995 for the diesel 2.0D X, and €37,995 for the petrol 2.0i XE Lineartronic auto. A Lineartronic option is available in the 2.0D diesel, (RRP €3,000), while XC pack spec. upgrades, (RRP €3,000) are available with both engine types.

The upgraded Subaru Forester comes with the brand’s extended five year, 160,000 km. warranty.