Subaru Forester 2.0i S EyeSight Test Drive Review

October 15, 2019

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Here we are test driving the latest version of the Subaru Forester. Here are 5 immediate new features that you will spot with this new Forester.

Added safety features such as Steering Responsive Headlights
Improved exterior features
Brand new grille, taillights and rims
Improved interior features
Refreshed cabin design, a premium head-unit and a LCD Cluster display

Then there is also Subaru’s latest safety feature, EyeSight technology which is Subaru’s pride and joy safety feature which will soon be a must have in every Subaru model.

Let Us Explain EyeSight

EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology is the culmination of everything Subaru engineers know about safety and Subaru has already sold over 1 million EyeSight-equipped vehicles. Adding confidence to every trip, EyeSight monitors traffic movement, optimizes cruise control, and warns you if you sway outside your lane. EyeSight has been found to reduce the rate of rear-end crashes with injuries by up to 85%.

When equipped with EyeSight, all tested 2019 Subaru models receive the highest possible rating for front crash prevention by IIHS. The Pre-Collision Braking feature can even apply full braking force in emergency situations, helping you avoid or reduce frontal impacts.

To date, more than 85% of Forester buyers in Taiwan and Philippines and 55% buyers in Thailand buy the Forester 2.0i-S Eyesight model since its launch a few months ago.

In Malaysia, the take up rate for the 2.0i-S Eyesight model is said to be at least 30% of the current 3 variant lineup as more Malaysian car buyers focus on safety on the road.

Legendary Drive Dynamics

Subaru is car manufacturer that develops vehicles to allow us to say ‘There is nothing we can’t do in life’…. because, there is a Subaru that can take you where you can find adventure, most commonly off-road.

It’s been 47 years since the company launched its first all-wheel-drive model to the global market, which was the Leone coupe and its saloon variant way back in 1972. Since then, Subaru’s many successes in the World Rally Championship have made it synonymous with fast and affordable all-weather sports cars, while its mainstream models have a strong off-road reputation.

Designed To Entertain

This New Subaru Forester is designed specially for the adventurous lifestyle. A SUV that represents the resilience and endless capacity to get what the driver desires. This Subaru Forester is a crossover/SUV that has technology to make it a vehicle that can turn any challenging terrain into an exciting adventure with its generous ride height of 200mm.

Subaru Forester Off Road Features

Subaru created the Forester to be a Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) that can be safely driven through all types of terrain, anywhere, anytime. The development concept for the Forester has remained the same for nearly a decade, improving every model based on the requirements of adventure loving customers.

So, you know it has legendary off road engineering capability and with rally success brings off road technology that is passed on down to all Subaru models like this new Forester. So, here is what is available for you.

1. X-Mode – For optimised control of the engine, Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (S-AWD) and brakes to safely drive over almost any type of terrain and

2. Enhanced suspension for maximum comfort and handling performance in the city.

When in X-Mode, the on-board computer coordinates the throttle, transmission and S-AWD to help anyone safely drive through any difficult terrain. X-Mode’s Hill Descent Control helps modulate speed when the vehicle is going down a steep hill in the city, or through gravel slopes in the outdoors. The combination of X-Mode with Subaru’s S-AWD can also help the Forester get out of muddy situations when one or more wheels get stuck.

Some functions for Subaru’s X-Mode are as follows:

a. Hill Descent Control

b. Enhanced All-Wheel Drive (AWD) System

c. Enhanced Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC)

Staying true to the roots of an all-terrain vehicle, the Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) was chosen to complement the Forester’s performance. Subaru’s CVT allows power to be delivered consistently and smoothly at all times, regardless of terrain, making it ideal for adventurous customers who take their car off the beaten track.

The Forester’s suspension has also been enhanced for maximum comfort and handling performance. With a stiffer front cross member, enhanced coil and damper, drivers will experience a more comfortable ride quality with agile and nimble handling across all urban and off-road terrains.

Under The Hood

All variants of the Forester carry the same 2.0L, 4-Cylinder, 16-Valve, FB20 Boxer Engine that produces 156PS at 6,000 rpm. Better fuel efficiency of 7.9L/100km (combined) is also achieved as a result of a long stroke engine coupled with a lightweight engine block.

The Forester Cabin

You will immediately notice the higher premium materials and build quality that comes with this Forester. Touch panels are better and the equipment provided is on par with the European rivals. Seating comfort in front with power seats is good and rear passengers get good comfort, especially with the added rear seatback tilt function. Cargo room is inline with the rivals and the sundown mood lighting in the cabin is very attractive. It is obvious that Subaru interior designers have listened to the needs of their buyers and they have worked to deliver.

The Forester Drive

This new generation Forester uses an all-new powertrain and chassis technology. The newly developed chassis technology, which ensures not only precisely controllable handling, but also noticeably improved ride comfort when driven over bad road surfaces. Together with the car’s impressive rigidity of the body and chassis, all contribute to a driving experience familiar to European car driving dynamics.

You need to test drive this vehicle from Subaru yourself to feel and understand the dynamics provided. The new EyeSight equipped Forester selling price might put many other options before you and with some rivals selling today with higher engine output, the end decision comes together only after a test drive and understanding of what Subaru provides.