Again, the Forester didn't fail to impress. The four-wheel, fully-independent suspension, MacPherson strut with lower L-arm in

The ride is stiff enough to take tight turns with ease, but not so rigid that everyday driving becomes uncomfortable. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, Canadian Auto Press)

front and MacPherson strut with parallel link in the rear, is definitely above the class average. The ride is stiff enough to take tight turns with ease, but not so rigid that everyday driving becomes uncomfortable. I found the 2.5X SE to have the strength and comfort of an SUV, with the precision and agility of a sedan, due to its tall wagon-like structure enhanced by the powertrain and platform of the Impreza compact car. It drives and handles well. Great handling can't be had without great rubber, so the Forester boasts a set of 215/60 all-season tires on 16-inch steel wheels. Behind the rims is a set of front ventilated discs with dual piston calipers and rear drum brakes, along with four-channel, four-sensor, four-wheel ABS, so the 2.5X SE provides decent braking capability. As mentioned,

The two-tone gray, flat woven cloth seats with which my test SE was equipped are the epitome of comfort and style. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, Canadian Auto Press)

the roads weren't all that slippery during my test week, but the few times that they were, the Subaru stopped safely and efficiently. Another area where the Forester excels is in its interior. The two-tone gray, flat woven cloth seats with which my test SE was equipped are the epitome of comfort and style. They offer the driver six-way manual adjustability and dual-level butt warmers. The instrument cluster is fashioned with analog gauges featuring red illuminated needles and silver trim, and has an outside temperature display with a digital odometer and dual trip modes. The cabin also features a quality AM/FM/weather band/CD player with four speakers.