The new Subaru Forester is bigger, more spacious, and a tad more economical. Most importantly, though, it’s finally got decent ground clearance and also comes with traction control to help its off-road ability. In fact the stylish newcomer now has the credentials to take on its logical competitors – notably the Mitsubishi Outlander, the Niaan X-Trail and the Toyota RAV4, and in some respects even the more expensive Land Rover Freelander II. We drove the new vehicle on a varied course which was mainly on tarmac and very loose gravel, but also incorporated a bit of off-road. And what we can tell you is that it now has superb balance, great turn-in, and a suspension system that not only gives a good ride, but ensures the gutsy permanent 4WD station wagon always follows the front wheels without being kicked off-line by unexpected mid-corner bumps. The extra size – for a weight increase of only 65 kg – also means a roomier cabin with more luggage and rear seat space in particular and a high standard specification on even the price leading Forester X model. The Forester comes with a 126 kW 2.5-litre “Boxer” engine and a choice of dual range 5-speed manual or “Sportshift” 4-speed automatic gearboxes. The 2.5-litre naturally aspirated engine is used in all models except the Forester XT (which gets a 169 kW turbo motor) while torque is now 229 Nm, and at a much lower 3,200 rpm instead of 4,400 rpm of the previous model. Behind the wheel this translates into much more flexibility. Despite the new Forester being much larger, fuel efficiency has improved in the manual version from 9.6 litres per 100km to a claimed 9.3 litres per 100km. There are now four Foresters, the X ($36,990 manual/ $37,990 auto), the XS ($39,990/$40,990), the XS Limited ($42,990/$43,990) and the turbocharged XT, a special order model available in June ($44,990/$45,990). Compared to the previous model, the new Forester is 110 mm taller and 45 mm wider, and its wheelbase has been expanded by 90 mm, increasing interior space and improving ride comfort. Off-road capability is further improved by better approach and departure angles, coupled with a generous 220 mm minimum ground clearance – 225 mm on the turbo XT. The double-wishbone rear suspension makes room for a deeper and wider luggage compartment which enhances the versatility, as do the cargo area tie-down hooks and a DC12V/120W power outlet, as well as fold-flat rear seat backs. Cargo capacity is 450 litres with the rear seat up and 1,660 litres with the rear seat down. Larger door openings provide improved entry and exit and the rear doors open 75 degrees. Rear visibility remains a Forester strength. There are 16 and 17 inch aluminium-alloy wheels (depending on the model).. The Active Torque Split 4WD system is used on automatic models. Manual models come with the centre differential 4WD system with viscous LSD (limited slip differential). Both systems distribute optimal power to the wheels with the most grip and traction. Vehicle Dynamics Control (electronic stability and traction control) is standard on all models. The vehicle is equipped with McPherson strut front suspension and the newly designed double-wishbone rear suspension, with a wider track. Four-wheel disc ABS brakes come with Brake Assist and electronic brake force distribution. Manual gearbox models feature Hill Start Assist, which prevents the vehicle from momentarily rolling backward when accelerating away from a stop on an incline. Six airbags are standard on all models, and there’s an audio system that combines a CD player and an AM/FM tuner (compatible with MP3 and WMA formats) on all models, with four speakers for the Forester X and a 6 disc CD with seven speakers on the XS and XT. Remote control central locking provides a keyless entry system. A driver’s seat lifter and tilt adjustable and telescopic steering are standard and the front seats recline flat when headrests are removed. The 60/40 split fold down rear seatback also has a reclining feature. Durable, water repellent, double-stitched fabrics are available on the XS and XT, while the XS Limited has leather trim and a power adjustable driver’s seat. *