Subaru Forester 2002 test drive - 2005 SUV
Subaru Forester car overview
General Forester (Forester), which is one of the three pillars among Subaru cars (and the other two, of course, Impreza and Legacy) underwent partial modernization. The content of modernization of the entire series is to improve quality and change equipment in accordance with time. In particular, the design of the dashboard, the air conditioner, the steering wheel, etc., the side pillows were changed, the air pillows were increased, the electronic sound signal was added during the reciprocal reaction for the remote closure of the doors, the optional upholstery was added (on the seats of the rear layout of dark blue), expanded Choosing a body color.
But the main attention is drawn to the release of two additional models. This is L.L. Bean Edition and STI Version. First of all, L.L. Bean Edition is a widely advertised model with a familiar brand that has received a label in honor of the 50th anniversary of the foundation of Fuji Heavy. Beige seats made of genuine leather, two -color coloring, etc. Create a front sensation, which is also visible in the previous Lancaster modification. There are two X20 options with an engine with a natural inlet and CT with a turbine.
Another modification is Sti Version. Forester, named the STI - subsidiary of Fuji Heavy, engaged in motorsport, previously existed in the form of a small -scale machine, but its content was limited to light refinement of streamlined elements, suspension and engine. But this time everything is different. The new Forester STI is positioned as a leading catalog model in the Forester series, and its heart was a 2.5-liter turbine engine with a double upper camshaft, which appeared in Japan for the first time. In addition, efforts are made everywhere, up to a specially adjusted suspension and brakes. The content of this work is not inferior to several generations of Impreza Sti Version models, as well as modifications of the S401 based on the previous generation of Legacy, entering a limited sale.
Exterior and interior This time we tested the STI Version modification, the level of attention to which is the highest among the new Forester lineup. The modification is prepared specifically for traffic on roads, which is characteristic of STI. As in the modification of CROSS Sports from the same series, it has lowered road clearance (up to 170 mm) and the total height (up to 1550 mm). In addition, the front and rear crosses (especially for STI) are strengthened, all wheels are equipped with inverted racks (which is done only in STI), the diameter of the rear stabilizer is increased. The machine is equipped with a steering wheel with a transfer number 15.0: 1, as well as with special 18-inch cast wheels and bs Potenza RE030 size 225/45. In the depths of the wheels, you can see the brake calipers of the production of Brembo, painted in golden color. In addition, the front and rear bumper, as well as the radiator grille, have a special STI design, and naturally, blue, familiar to cars participating in the rally, is made with a traditional color. By the way, other colors are only running, such as snow-white and silver (more precisely, crystal gray-metal).
In the interior, what was promised. Front seats monorm type buckets familiar to the STI system. On the upholstery, trimmed by suede, the pink logo of the STI is embroidered. Naturally, the upholstery of the transmission handle and the trim from genuine leather are also made in pink. In addition, the dashboard has a special design and masterfully honed in detail. In particular, on other models in its center there is a speedometer, and in this case a tachometer. As for the transmission, you can afford a 6-speed manual, created specifically for STI Version. 6 -speed hand transmission is a special product that is currently given only to STI modifications - Impreza Sti, Legacy S401, etc. Currently, STI, which is headed by Mr. Subaru - Katsurad
Masaru retains the image of the brand with such a type that she absolutely does not do anything half.
Performance The crosses are strengthened in the pulled reduced suspension, Potenza tires are installed, and Brembo brakes are combined with honed steering control. Thus, consistently adjusted management clearly increases combat capabilities. In particular, the effect of the brakes is regulated not by the length of the stroke, but by the magnitude of the force on the pedal, as is customary for Brembo, and they can be called unique. In addition, among the original installed types of Potenza tires, not the most sharp RE040, but still RE030 were selected, so the comfort of the movement was not worse than the STI proposed for modifications (although some tightness is felt). However, one moment attracted attention. Maybe due to such a combination of tires, suspension and steering wheel, there is a blind area (a small insensitive area) when the steering wheel is close to neutral, and this slightly spoils the general feeling of unity of the machine.
Naturally, from the point of view of the moderation of Forester as an SUV, his refinement in the form of a sequential deceleration of the steering wheel is completely good. However, in the case of Forester STI, the movement occurs as follows: from the moment of rotation of the steering wheel to the reaction of the bow passes, then the nose turns sharply. With a relaxed movement along the street, this does not attract much attention. But if you are going to slip a few centimeters on a mountain road, as is characteristic of a purely sports universal, then a barely noticeable discrepancy arises between the driver’s consciousness and the movement of the machine. In this case, it would be better or make the car more sharp, enjoying some stiffness in motion, because it is STI, or turn it into a comprehensive sports SUV, making a pendant and steering softer.
However, in the modification of the Forester STI Version, it is still impressive her heart, in which for the first time in Japan, a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder horizontal engine and turbocharger are combined in Japan. Power of 265 hp Now it cannot be surprised even when compared with a 2.0-liter turbine engine. Nevertheless, the impulsive nature is eliminated (it is good or bad), in which, in a two -liter turbo engine, after a sluggish low speed, the power at an average speed increases explosively, and now the feeling of smooth and high -quality torque appears throughout the speed. Thanks to the turbocharger, absolute power, of course, does not cause a drop of discontent. A 2.5-liter turbine engine allows you to drive powerfully, easily and quickly at any speed, and I personally consider it the most preferable among all the horizontal Subaru engines (including 6-cylinder).
A source: CarView.co.jp
