Subaru Forester 2.0D Xsn review

3. Equipment and design

Among its long list of features the top range XSn model includes sat-nav, a push-button starter, leather upholstery, 17-inch alloys and a six-CD autochanger, though somehow it doesn’t feel quite as luxurious as it should. A rather bland design and indifferent cabin materials is largely responsible for this, and with such a conservative feel the vehicle seems better to suited to the base spec model’s price of £20,295 than the £25,495 version we have here.
Whereas the old vehicle had a strong crossover-influenced image, looking pretty much like a conventional estate with raised ground clearance, the third generation model goes all out for a compact SUV shape and size. Built on the Impreza platform, the new Forester is 45mm wider, 75mm longer and 110 taller than its predecessor, meaning it wouldn’t look at all displaced alongside 4x4s such as the Toyota RAV4 or Freelander. In spite of its increased bulk though, the vehicle still retains its conservative squared-off looks, with even its curved headlights and radiator grille adding little in the way of distinction. Perhaps that’s not such a bad thing though as the Forester clearly makes a determined effort to avoid any fancy detailing, in fact, if you were to set out to produce an attractive, though completely anonymous 4x4, its exterior would probably be your successful end result. 
This modest theme is also continued inside the cabin that has a dashboard lifted directly from, surprise to surprise, the Impreza. While the layout of this area is unquestionably neat and efficient, with more than a touch of contemporary style added by the sweeping curves and an aluminium effect trim, some of the plastics here feel very hard and look rather questionable. The high positioning of the driver’s seat, along with the small A-pillars, allow for an excellent view of the road and help substantiate the vehicle’s SUV claims.

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