Subaru Forester – Why you should buy this SUV?

MANILA: Subaru, the renowned Japanese automaker, needs no introduction in the auto world. With a sumptuous fleet packed with advanced technology, this brand has a strong market position in the Philippines automotive market. Talking particularly about the Subaru Forester, this drive is no exception when it comes to power and aspects and carries the legacy of Subaru with utmost pride. The stunning SUV was showcased for the first time in Tokyo Motor Show in November 1995 and launched in the year 1997. Over approximately 2 decades, Subaru Forester has gone through four generations with several major and minor changes under and above the hood. For Filipino customers, this drive is available in 3 trims – 2.0i-L, 2.0i-Premium and 2.0XT with some distinction in features. Though Forester has always been among the most sold out SUVs in the Philippines, the popularity of the 2016 Forester is even higher than ever. What makes this drive so popular? Well, for that you have to check out the facts and features this drive comes with. Let's have a look at what this drive has within to offer to its customers -

The Turbocharger

For the customer who prefer an SUV, which can deliver thrill and goosebumps during the drives, 2016 Forester is packed with a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine. This engine is available exclusively in the 2.0XT model and knocks out 241 PS of maximum power at 5600 rpm along with 350 Nm of maximum torque between 2400 and 3600 rpm. This gasoline engine comes mingled with Lineartronic CVT for better performance and efficiency.

Fuel Efficiency

Though Forester 2016 is not the best in class when it comes to fuel economy, this SUV shows significant figures. Taking this SUV on city drives, a mileage of 10.2 kmpl is delivered, while on highways, it elevates to 13.4 kmpl, which sounds pretty decent in its class. The combined fuel economy counts to 11.8 kmpl in standard conditions.

Cabin space

The new Forester comes with better dimensions ensuring more room for all passengers in the cabin. Most of the SUVs have good height to ensure comfortable headroom but sometimes lag on the legroom front. Subaru Forester 2016 has not compromised on the comfort of the occupants and so there is ample room for all the occupants. Also, the big boot worth 505-litres sounds good for an SUV. This boot can be further enhanced by folding the rear seats in 60/40 split. Also, there are door pockets, center cup holders, console box, seatback pockets and glove box to store your handy stuff in the cabin.

Safety First

The Japanese manufacturer has taken the safety of the occupants in priority and the numerous safety aspects given to this drive prove it well. While the 2014 model of this drive was selected as the IIHS top safety pick plus, the 2016 model has also aced in the crash tests ensuring the best in class safety for all the occupants onboard. The ring-shaped reinforcement frame protects the occupants from any impact energy while absorbing it within. Also, this frame keeps the kerb weight light and increase the torsional rigidity which again adds more towards the safety of the passengers. Apart from this frame, the Boxer engine and gearbox are also designed in such a way that they can absorb any frontal impact energy. Subaru Forester 2016 is packed with front, side, curtain and driver's knee side airbags to enhance the protection and the whiplash-reducing front seats ensure that the front seat occupants may not experience any head and neck injuries after a hit.

Off-road Capabilities

If you are someone who wants to own a drive to take it for off-roading, Subaru Forester 2016 is a perfect pick. This drive comes with a re-engineered suspension and allows 220 mm of minimum ground clearance, which is quite good in its class. This high ground clearance allows you to take this drive on varied terrains whether hilly or rough. Also, Forester's symmetrical all wheel drive layout supports this off-roading capability and make this drive a good choice for people who want an all-weather drive. The upper notch trims are packed with advanced technology and additional features like X-Mode for safety and convenience while driving on slippery or hilly terrains.

EyeSight – Driver Assist Technology

This is a new feature, which Subaru has added in its 2016 Forester for the safety of the occupants. EyeSight is `a feature designed to prevent crashes and work as an extra pair of eyes on the road. Two cameras are mounted on the rearview mirror to keep a check on the traffic and react to according to the conditions even before the driver does. EyeSight, before taking an action itself, sends an alert to the driver through a visual warning and if the danger still persists, it automatically applies brakes.

Resale Value

Subaru Forester 2016 is one of those drives which carry a high car resale value due to its features. This drive is in the market for nearly 2 decades and if history is dug, it has always carried a good resale value. Even if you are not thinking about selling it sometime soon, there would always be an option of getting a good value while exchanging your Forester for an updated version. Good deal, we must say!

Overall, Subaru Forester sounds a good SUV for people who are looking for an efficient off-roader with an affordable price tag and advanced features. With hi-tech aspects to comfort and offer convenience during drives at any terrain, this SUV should be your choice if you are looking for a 5-seater versatile car with a robust stance on the road. A power packed 2.0-litre engine (option of turbocharged is also there) is like the cherry on the cake. The base model of Subaru Forester 2016 is available for PhP 1.448 million, which is pretty competitive in its class and sounds apt for the features it packs within.