SITTING atop the new, gen’ six Subaru Forester 2.5 petrol range is the well-equipped Touring variant tested that’s priced from $50,990 excluding on-road costs.

Though there’s a new ‘strong’ hybrid model this version may hold plenty of appeal for rusted-on Sooby fans and others as it is $5000 less than the electrically assisted top liner.

It’s in against a raft of tempting mid-size SUVs not the least being the Toyota RAV4 and other contenders including the Nissan X-Trail, Mazda’s vast CX-60 line-up (and old CX-5), Kia Sportage, Hyundai Tucson, Honda CR-V, Mitsubishi Outlander, and a whole bunch of Chinese and European possibilities.

Few have the Japan-built Forester’s rock-solid track record earned over nearly three decades during which time it has become a favourite of lifestyle seekers and practical-minded owners.

Far from being an evolution of the previous model the latest Forester stands out in every way with much better blocky styling, handsome front and rear facades (crab claw taillights be gone), additional kit and an improved powertrain that retains a Lineartronic transmission, arguably the best CVT in the business.

Also receiving an upgrade is the technology suite, safety, ride/handling balance, and overall refinement.

According to Subaru, its engineering team has “worked to evolve the Forester formula while retaining the features and functionality owners desire”.

The back-room boffins made some major improvements to body rigidity and stability, handling, control, and the reduction of noise and vibration.

It’s on a new “Super Global Platform” that provides increased torsional rigidity (up 10 per cent when compared with the previous model) and uses a full inner-frame construction method in concert with an increased amount of structural adhesive (up 300 per cent).

The new architecture ushered in comprehensive changes to the minutiae involved in dynamics like bearings, bushes, springs and mounts as well as further suppression of NVH by thicker window glass and more insulation material throughout the body.

Aerodynamic improvements are claimed to improve fuel economy and reducing drag considering the model’s off-road capable ride height.

Steering feel is upgraded via a dual pinion electric assisted steering system where the drive motor is installed on the rack, and not on the column.

Taking it off-road is facilitated by class-leading ground clearance and geometry with underbody clearance listed at 220mm while approach, ramp-over, and departure angles are 19.0 degrees, 19.3 degrees, and 24.7 degrees (SAE) respectively.

The test vehicle’s dual-mode X Mode all-wheel drive system is carried over and offers cross-axle torque vectoring by brake, and alternate traction modes for improved grip in mud, snow, and sand.

Driving Impressions

After a succession of what we’ll describe as “underdone” test cars from various other manufacturers, it comes as something of a shock to get into a properly fettled car like the Subaru Forester Touring.

As a sensible car to own for everyday applications, the practical five-seat wagon ticks all the boxes showing its pedigree straight off the mark when you notice how smooth and quietly it runs, the supple and controlled suspension, responsive steering, grip in the wet, accessible power and how connected you feel to the car as a driver.

Other practicalities add to the Forester’s appeal like the decent size door apertures and heated/ventilated seats, the high opening electrically assisted tailgate, single (not too) large tablet screen in the centre of the dash and easy to read graphics contained therein.

And we like the utilitarian look with a bluff front and upright rear accentuated by gloss black body hardware and sporty fixtures such as the low roof rails and chunky 18-inch alloys.

It’s patently obvious that the Forester has been designed and built by people who actually drive and like cars and pay attention to how they should operate and is not some AI-generated anomaly.

Though no powerhouse, the Forester’s 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine smoothly delivers good solid performance across a wide range starting off the mark and spinning right through to high speeds.

It’s only rated at 136kW/247Nm but feels stronger than this which is a touch surprising given the test vehicle’s 1652kg kerb weight.

It must have something to do with the Lineartronic CVT auto that is blessed with eight ‘steps’ mimicking an eight-speed conventional automatic and the multiple drive modes provided via the handy Si-Drive system.

The usual CVT slur is completely absent in the Forester which flicks between ‘ratios’ almost imperceptibly and is always in the right zone to deliver optimal performance.

Which in turn sees respectable fuel economy claimed by Subaru to average 7.9 litres per 100km of 91RON combined but noted by us on test as low as 7.1L/100km.

We loaded up the Forester with five passengers which made little difference to its performance, economy or dynamics even over the ragged roads around these parts.

However, it scores a black mark for incorrectly cutting power and braking (in front of an approaching truck) as a result of the Eyesight safety system determining Emergency Driving Stop was needed…and despite prior deactivation of every ADAS function.

We weren’t able to hook up a trailer and tow test the Forester which is rated at 1800kg braked capacity but suspect it would make a good fist of the challenge.

Inside the cabin is like the outside, practical, sensible and well laid out with decent size supportive seats, leather/suede upholstery, easy to operate dash controls, multi-function wheel and attractive fascia materials.

The large sunroof is superfluous as far as we are concerned but good for moon baking and other nocturnal activities.

The harman/kardon 10-speaker audio on the other hand is sweet and phat producing pin sharp tones across all music genres.

It rained on test, but the Forester’s symmetrical AWD system ensured adequate traction away from the ‘lights and cornering regardless of how much water was on the road.

It has a sporty feel to the dynamics offering up good grip through high-speed turns with ultimate understeer. Bump absorption is impressive thanks to the well calibrated and long travel suspension.

The dual axis steering is, like Honda’s similar system, a revelation in terms of feel and response. Something so simple can make such a huge difference…

Other dynamic features are similarly impressive – the brakes, the tyres, and the vehicle’s rolling resistance.

We have a new appreciation of the Forester following our test drive as it’s almost the ideal “everyperson” vehicle good for commuting, distance travel, light off-road work, and much more.

Perhaps the only criticism we would make is of the ADAS that was turned off but wasn’t really.

It begs the question: Who is in charge here? The car or the driver?