All-Wheel Drive for All Conditions
Like all its brethren, the Subaru Forester benefits from a full-time all-wheel drive system. With the 5-speed manual transmission, this system maintains a 50/50 torque split at all times through a limited-slip centre differential. This means that half the power is always driving the front wheels while the other half motivates the rear wheels.

It will give you traction no matter what road condition you have to deal with.

With the 4-speed automatic, the torque split is usually 60/40 (front/rear), which gives the Forester predictable handling and slight understeer. This split automatically changes to 50/50 under hard acceleration or when driving conditions are particularly poor.

In the Forester, the AWD system works incredibly well and is designed to shine when the going gets tough. In fact, its superiority over most other AWD systems is only apparent when you hit, say, a snowy or muddy cottage road.

Heading into a corner too fast? With the 50/50 torque split, all four wheels tend to slide at the same time, making the Forester easy to control; no plowing off the edge of the road, no tail snapping away at the wrong moment.

In addition, the low centre of gravity of the boxer engine, combined with the fully-independent suspension system keep the Forester relatively flat during cornering. Unlike many SUVs on the market, the handling of the Subaru is a definite strength.

A Family Hauler for the Road Ahead
Another key strength of the Subaru Forester is its interior layout, which may be modestly-sized on the outside, but is capable of carrying a lot of gear on the inside. Cargo capacity is rated at 1772 litres, but this space is made even more useable due to the Forester's high roof height and admittedly boxy design.

Other aspects of the interior are extremely pleasing. The fabrics and interior materials seem tough and durable and ready to absorb a lot of abuse. Everything is laid out in a logical fashion and there are storage compartments tucked throughout the cabin

In addition, the seating position is very high, giving the driver a commanding view of the road. This great visibility is further promoted by the Subaru's immense glass area. The Forester can also be ordered with a twin-panel glass moonroof which, when combined with the generously sized windows, gives this SUV an incredibly spacious feel.

The Forester offers cargo capacity aplenty.