The recently refreshed 2011 Subaru Forester has been named ‘4×4 of the Year’ by Britain’s best-selling off-roading magazine, 4×4.
The go-anywhere, family friendly Forester, which is now available with a choice of extensively revised petrol and diesel Boxer engines, faced some stiff competition from the likes of a Range Rover Evoque, Porsche Cayenne and Skoda Yeti. However, thanks to its sure-footed Symmetrical All-Wheel-Drive configuration, car-like driving dynamics and exceptional practicality, judges singled-out the Japanese crossover for the highest praise.
The panel of experts at 4×4 magazine said of the Forester: “Typically of Subaru, the Forester does very good things without making a fuss of it. The combination it offers of quality, value, practical usability and driving talent makes it very hard indeed to beat.
“The Forester has always been a star in its own corner of the market, and heavily revised petrol and diesel engines means it now shines brighter than ever.”
The 2.0-litre Boxer diesel Forester range, which returns an impressive 47.9 mpg combined, starts at £23,070 (on-the-road) for the entry-level 2.0D X, rising to £25,070 for the 2.0D XC, and £29,070 for the range-topping 2.0D XS NavPlus.
Customers preferring petrol power have a choice of two models – the Forester 2.0X and 2.0XS, costing £21,370 and £25,370 respectively in manual guise. Automatic versions are available at a £1,000 premium.
