Now, forgive me if it sounds like I drank some of the Subaru kool-aid served up on the event, but Forester Project General Manager Takuji Dai targeted four key areas of improvement for this generation: enhance strength of product by improving safety, technology, AWD system, and user friendliness; improve on weak points like fuel economy, outdated transmission, and rear seat space; offer high end options like power tailgate, premium audio, and advanced infotainment interface; apply direct injection to the 2.0L turbo for better power and fuel efficiency. Check, check, check, check.
   2014 Subaru Forester. Click image to enlarge |
I think we’ve established that direct injection offers impressive power, and its fuel consumption rating is 8.9 L/100 km city and 7.2 highway, but not if you drive like I was. On this brief route, I saw over 12. Most impressive about this DI turbo is that it beats the base manual-transmission 2.5L horizontally opposed four-cylinder for highway fuel economy and almost matches it in city driving. The naturally aspirated 2.5L makes 170 hp at 5,600 rpm and 174 lb-ft of torque at 4,100 rpm, within range of key competitors like the CR-V, RAV4 and CX-5.
The base 2.5L feels easily as strong as the CR-V because of its superior torque, and not far off the CX-5’s new SkyActiv 2.5. The six-speed manual transmission is available in similarly limited fashion to the CX-5, with only the base engine in 2.5i and Touring Package trims. It is a functional shifter, though I had a couple ‘moments’ trying to get into second gear, and the clutch is light and easy enough to modulate. But for efficiency, the CVT is the way to go, because even if it is a bit whiney, it drops the fuel consumption estimates from 9.5/7.0 with the manual to 8.3/6.2, and does not feel inadequate getting the Forester up to speed. The 2.5 with CVT is on par with many FWD compact SUVs in efficiency and performance, and beats most other AWD SUVs in this segment, an impressive role reversal for a brand that often lagged far behind others in fuel consumption because of its commitment to AWD.
 2014 Subaru Forester. Click image to enlarge |
If you are dubious about the fuel consumption benefits of Subaru’s CVT, in our recent Mini-SUV Comparison Test, the CVT-equipped Subaru XV Crosstrek bested five other extra small crossovers by a wide margin despite being larger and heavier than some and featuring permanent AWD to some of the others’ part-timers.
Even without the trick SI-Drive’s stepped ratios, the CVT is everything an automatic needs to be in this segment: smooth, responsive and unobtrusive.
The CVT is also a minimum requirement for Subaru’s new X-Mode with hill descent control. X-Mode is a selectable function that essentially simulates low-range gearing. Throttle response is reduced for greater control, AWD clutch pressure is increased to better control speed differential between front and rear axles, lower transmission ratios are maintained and the torque converter will not lock up. Subaru’s VDC (Vehicle Dynamic Control, Subaru-speak for stability control) plays its part as well, braking a spinning wheel in order to keep torque flowing to the wheel on the opposite side, and controlling all braking functions to ensure a steady crawl with its hill descent control function. X-Mode will operate at speeds up to 40 km/h, then it will automatically shut off and revert to Subaru’s standard AWD.
