Owner Review: It still puts a smile in me every time after a winding path - My 2018 Subaru Forester SJ

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Basic information

2018 Subaru Forester SJ 

Reasons why I bought this car

After owning a Honda City GM6 for almost 6 years and 190000km mileage it is time for an upgrade. For the last few years, the hype for SUV is more pronounce in the market that every manufacturer wants a share in that segment. I need a bigger vehicle to accommodate 4 adults comfortably and occasional outstation travel. Safety measures and good visibility are my top priorities. I know I need to get an SUV as sometimes flash floods are inevitable.

Car selection process

• I had a budget of: RM130000

• Models that I have considered include: Honda CRV, Proton X70, Nissan XTrail

• Reasons why I chose this car:

1. Top safety with 7 airbags and great visibility
2. Symmetrical AWD for stability even in wet condition
3. Practical NA engine
4. Free Service 3 years or 60000km
5. NVH and build quality

User experience

• I have already done 45000 km

As this SUV replaces my previous B segment sedan, immediately can notice the spaciousness of the cabin and headroom tremendously. Seating height is perfectly on point and anyone can enter the vehicle without a side step. I'm quite amazed by the quietness while driving above the speed limit and the stability Subaru AWD offered. Even driving in wet conditions I feel confident. Engine power is adequate for trunk roads and highway driving although I think it would be better if have some extra torque. If budget was not an issue I would have gone for the XT, but that defeats the purpose of lower maintenance. Power delivery is smooth across the rev range. The Forester's thinner pillar and big window translate to better visibility compared to others. Interior design is dated but it does the job. No fancy tech like Hi Proton but build quality is up to par or better than some Japanese CKD fittings. The original Kenwood Player was small by today's standard so I replaced it with an aftermarket Android player. Boot space is smaller compared to the sedan but it is still acceptable. Fuel consumption in-town driving is 10l/100km and highway cruising can get me about 8.5l/100km. For a full tank of 60 liters averagely I can achieve about 600 to 700km depends on my right foot. 

Pros&Cons

pros

• Symmetrical AWD

• Spacious headroom and cabin

• Good NVH in build quality and due to boxer engine characteristics 

• Lower maintenance cost compared to turbo counterpart in the long run

• Good visibility due to thinner pillars and big windows

Cons

• Service after sales of Subaru are quite scarce in market compared to other local or Japanese brand.

• Under power when driving uphill

• Some common issue appeared just after warranty period is over eg (lower arm bushes, cooling coil and transmission valve body which is a pricey replacement)

• Dated interior and lack of tech upgrade interface

Ratings

• Total Score: 4

• Performance: 3

• Quality & Features: 4

• Space: 4

• Ride Comfort: 4

• Fuel Economy: 4

• Price & Cost: 4

Summary

Subaru Forester might not be the strongest candidate in C-segment SUVs but in my perspective, it is an all-rounder. Subaru owners appreciate the refinement quality and safety features in the chassis and drivetrain. For me personally, it ticks all the checkboxes in my criteria. And I enjoy it very much even if it just a NA powerplant. It still puts a smile in me every time after a winding path.

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