Motoring
2009 Subaru Forester 2.5XT
Finding a More Appealing Forester
Neither an SUV nor a station wagon, the previous Subaru Forester gained a loyal following among those who appreciated its rare combination of SUV-like cargo space, wagonlike handling and all-weather versatility. Subaru has further reinvented the Forester as a genuine crossover SUV in order to give segment leaders a run for their money. Enter the turbocharged 2009 Subaru Forester 2.5XT Limited-=to paraphrase R.E.M. it's the end of the Forester as we know it.
The new Forester 2.5XT Limited boasts a substantially roomier cabin, attractive styling all around, a segment-leading 8.9 inches of ground clearance and possibly the best combination of power and overall refinement in its class, the Forester 2.5XT Limited has made an exceedingly graceful transition from wagon-on-stilts to SUV.
The car offers familiar Forester features along with increased comfort and refinement in an endearingly rugged wrapper. Die-hard Forester fans will likely embrace the changes, and Subie newbies will appreciate the 2009 model's considerably broader appeal. The Forester has finally found itself as a class-leading compact crossover SUV.
Performance
The all-wheel-drive 2009 Subaru Forester 2.5XT Limited is motivated by a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that cranks out a lag-free 224 horsepower and 226 pound-feet of torque. A four-speed automatic with manual shift control (unavailable on previous Foresters) is the only available transmission. Record a 0-60-mph sprint of 6.8 seconds en route to a quarter-mile time of 15.1 seconds at 90.4 mph — excellent numbers for a compact SUV, particularly given the four-speed auto's deliberate shifts and widely spaced ratios.
Handling is also SUV-grade, as the Forester rolls and bounces its way through tight corners like a four-wheeled pogo stick. It can achieve a 60-0-mph stopping distance of 125 feet, with the brake pedal evincing a consistently spongy feel.
The payoff for the Forester's nautical handling becomes evident while traversing uneven surfaces. You can't think of another compact SUV that soaks up bumps with such assurance. Moreover, while light on effort and feel, the Forester's crisp steering makes it feel surprisingly maneuverable in close quarters, aided by a usefully tight turning circle.
Comfort
Road and wind noise in the 2009 Subaru Forester 2.5XT Limited are about par for the course in this segment — always perceptible, but rarely objectionable. Consumers drawn to the Forester's buff new body should enjoy the commandingly elevated driving position, although the diminutive dead pedal seems to have been designed for feet men's size 8 and under. Controls are easily reached, and well-placed armrests ensure satisfactory long-distance cruising comfort.
To Read More Subscribe to latest HFM
More Articles on Motoring
Holiday Road Trip
Take good Precaution
During the festive season a good number of people take to the highways and roads upcountry or to exotic destinations in search of fun, sun, and adventure. They take road trips for a much needed vacation from their everyday hustles and bustles.The most important thing in taking a road trip vacation is to make sure your vehicle is in top shape. A monster in the form of car troubles can destroy even the nicest vacations. So before packing suitcases and filling the cooler with drinks and snacks, take some time to make sure that your vehicle is ready to take you to paradise. All it takes is a few minutes of preventative maintenance in your driveway and you can help eliminate hours of costly on-the-road problems.
Vital fluids
Check all of your vehicle's fluid levels. This includes engine oil, coolant, transmission fluid, brake fluid, power steering fluid, and windshield washer fluid. Most new cars have transparent reservoir tanks and in many cases, you don't even have to get your hands dirty. Refer to the owners' manual for the proper procedures for checking and adding fluids to your vehicle. In particular, when checking the brake fluid level, also look at the fluid color. It should be clear or light amber. If it's dark and cloudy, the brake fluid is contaminated and should be replaced and the brake system flushed. You can also do a quick "leak test" at home. Let your engine run for about 15 minutes so it reaches full operating temperature. Then park it over a large piece of cardboard a while and see if any fluids have dripped from underneath it. Very often you can tell what fluid it is by feel and color. A reddish liquid is either power steering fluid or transmission fluid. Engine oil is usually black or brown. Pink or yellow green liquid is anti-freeze. Clear liquids are either water, condensation from the air conditioner, which is no problem, or clutch or brake fluid..More
