» Get the best price on a new Subaru Forester XS

Long-term Tests - Why?
The Carsales Network aims to make your choice of vehicle easier. Hopefully, our Editorial section does this via our mix of news, international and local launch reviews and our seven-day tests.

From time to time we also take the opportunity to spend more time in a vehicle. These longer term tests can be as short as a couple of weeks, but more recently we've settled on a six-month period as indicative of 'normal' ownership.

Long-term tests give our staff writers and contributors a chance to get to know a car as an owner would. While the car is with us, we pay for fuel, pay for the servicing and generally use and live with the car as a new owner would.

We believe long-term tests give car buyers an added insight into the vehicle on test, but also the qualities behind the brand and nameplate. The extended period also allows us to touch base with the dealer networks in question.

Our most recent long-termer was Volkswagen's Touareg V6 TDI (more here); a favourite for its versatility in the various capacities our testers had in store over its 10,000km with us.

No surprise manufacturers tend to have a love-hate relationship with long-term tests ... six months is plenty long enough to fall out of love with the latest and greatest, and start to nitpick -- just like real owners do.

SUBARU FORESTER XS
Subaru released the updated version of its evergreen Forester in March this year (more here). After our sample at the launch we were impressed enough to ask the company to try one of its best-selling models for a long-term test.

For its third generation, Forester has a new look, bigger dimensions, powertrain and chassis refinements and revised pricing -- all designed to maintain the versatile wagon's popularity.

In its segment, Forester regularly out-sells the likes of Mitsubishi Outlander, Honda CR-V and its stablemate, Outback. The popular compact SUV managed around 1000 sales a month for the new model but since the release of the updated version, Forester has even threatened Toyota RAV4's long-held top spot.

MODEL OVERVIEW
Though still based on the same platform as the Impreza, this is the most differentiated Forester model yet. Effective cargo width has increased, thanks to revised rear suspension which intrudes less into the load space, and cabin dimensions and passenger room have increased, availed by the new model's longer wheelbase.

Forester's body is also wider than the model it replaces, and longer, although rear overhang is shorter. The new model also gains higher ground clearance, now at 220mm making it one of the best in class.

Like the Impreza the Forester moves to framed doors for better noise and vibration control and the doors swing wider than the outgoing model to aid access. Forester's interior has also received updates, including a new centre console and reclining backrest for the rear.

Standard-fit equipment on all Forester models includes aircon, cruise control, power windows and mirrors, single CD player with MP3/iPod compatibility and audio controls on the steering wheel, rear cargo blind and roof rails.

Sitting above the circa-$30K X model on specification, our midrange XS long-termer starts at $33,990. Both naturally-aspirated and turbo Forester models come standard with a five-speed manual or can be ordered with four-speed automatic transmission, for an additional $2000.

We've got the manual version, which comes with low range and hill start assist as standard.

The five-speed's a time-worn unit, but a good-un, however, since the release of the new-generation model the sales split between autos and manual Foresters is now 70:30; in favour of the (even older) four-speed automatic.

Subaru's fleet-wide 'Premium' upgrade applies to this latest-generation Forester. According to the company just over half (53.3 per cent) of new Forester buyers are happy with the equipment fit of the standard model, while the remainder goes for the Premium's extras in leather upholstery, leather-trimmed steering wheel and gear shift knob, eight-way power adjustable driver's seat and sunroof.

We're in the majority; content with the standard XS model's attractive cloth trim and 16-inch alloy wheels. The XS also comes standard with foglights, body coloured mirrors and metallic door handles, privacy glass to the rear, woodgrain interior trim, sound system upgrade (over the X model's) and climate control.

Related reading
Subaru Forester long-term test - First 1000
Subaru Forester long-term test - To 5000

 » Get the best price on a new Subaru Forester XS