A more user-friendly interior
Stepping inside the new 2009 Subaru Forester, it becomes clear that the redesigned, more modern layout is the highlight of the vehicle. In fact, it reminded me of the Impreza's with all these brushed aluminum accents. There are additional storage compartments, including some pretty nifty ones. For example, a retractable cushion table flips outwards from centre of the rear seat to unveil illuminated cupholders and a handy storage tray.

It is clear that the redesigned, more modern layout is the highlight of the vehicle.

The heated front buckets are large and accommodating, with height adjustability for the driver on top of that. A new tilt-telescopic steering wheel has been added, meaning you have all the ingredients to find a perfect driving position regardless of your shape or size.

Elsewhere, it should be noted that, among all compact SUVs on the market right now, the Forester offers unparalleled rearward visibility.

Another distinctive attribute of the Forester is the extra-large power moonroof (optional). It creates a substantial opening and floods the interior with sunlight in addition to the cool breeze that comes in. Depending on how fast you're driving, however, this moonroof can sometimes generate annoying turbulences and noises.

Access to the cargo area is made remarkably convenient thanks to an easy-to-lift rear hatch. Expect to find 8 utility hooks and a 12-volt power outlet as well as 9 percent more room for your luggage behind the second-row seats (949 liters vs 869). Oddly enough, folding those seats results in 0.5 percent less room than in the 2008 model (1,934 liters). Still, that's enough to load four large suitcases or as many golf bags.

If the design of the new 2009 Subaru Forester fails to excite you, I bet the lower MSRP of the 2.5X model (nearly $2,000 cheaper than comparable Escapes and CR-Vs) will catch your attention... maybe all the way to the nearest Subaru dealer.


Photo Credit : Matthieu Lambert