Road Test : Subaru Forester S-Edition

Review by Jay Williams - 15/June/2011

In 1997 Subaru introduced the original Forester which shared the same platform as the Impreza.

A year later came the Forester GT, powered by a slightly re-calibrated version of the turbocharged WRX engine.

And now, Subaru has upped the ante once again adding a new model to it's compact sports utility vehicle range. 

The range-topping turbocharged Forester S-Edition is the most powerful Forester to date.

The Forester S-Edition uses a re-tuned version of the WRX's turbocharged 2.5-litre horizontally opposed Boxer engine.

It incorporates a high flow turbocharger for optimum power output and a high-density monolith catalyst. This suits the high power and reduces pressure loss in the exhaust system.

The Engine Control Unit (ECU) is specially tuned to suit Forester S-Edition power, fuel efficiency and emissions.

So, how does this turbocharged machine drive? Let's find out!

Drive: 3/5

The Forester S-Edition is by no means a small car, weighing in at 1585kg, the S-Edition is the heaviest Forester variant, weighing 60kg more than the XT Premium auto. 

But, thanks to it's re-tuned WRX turbocharged 2.5-litre engine the S-Edition is no slouch on the road.

In fact the S-Edition is quite fast (for its size), taking just 6.5 seconds to reach 100km/h from a standing start.

Subaru engineers have made the suspension firmer, this gives the S-Editions more agile handling but at some expense to ride comfort. It's a harder ride than the standard Forester but, it's still very much a family car.

The steering feels too light and does not give the driver the sense of connection with the road that you expect in a sports model of any kind. 

This is where the S-Edition becomes a little unstuck, push the 1585kg S-Edition through some twisted country roads and the S-Edition begins to display noticeable amounts of body roll, add in some soft feeling brakes (feels like it could do with more stopping power) and this makes the driver feel a little uneasy. 

However, I doubt any Forester S-Edition owner would be pushing their SUV to its limits.

So, if its handling performance you're after then stick to the WRX STi, but, for a healthy mix of performance and family comfort the Subaru Forester S-Edition is the way to go.

Engine: 4/5

Sitting under the bonnet of the Subaru Forester S-Edition is a re-tuned version of the WRX’s turbocharged 2.5 litre horizontally opposed Boxer engine.

It produces 193kW of power at 6000rpm and 347Nm of torque between 2800-4800 rpm, while sipping 10.5L per 100km (claimed).

The turbocharged 2.5-litre horizontally opposed Boxer engine adopts a specially tuned version of the five-speed paddle shift transmission from the automatic WRX STI. It uses a higher gear ratio to suit vehicle characteristics. The gearbox also includes Subaru's Variable Torque Distribution All-Wheel Drive system.

A centre differential with a planetary gear set provides 45:55 front:rear torque distribution and continuous variable control. This enables responsive turning and superior straight line stability.

Even when driving in D range, paddle shift enables the driver to shift to manual mode temporarily.

The transmission also features downshift blipping control (engine speed synchronisation). This directly adjusts engine speed to the gearbox after the driver downshifts in manual mode.

The new R160-type rear differential aids fuel efficiency and improves vibration and noise suppression.

Exterior: 3/5

In the styling department all Foresters feature a 'new-look' grille, while the S-Edition features wing mirrors with  integrated indicators.

The front bumper features integrated fog lights, the sleek headlights blend into the 'new-look' grille, while an aggressive scoop sits on the bonnet that feeds the intercooler air. 

The S-Edition's profile features aggressive flared wheel arches that house 17-inch STI wheels that are unique to the model. 

Moving around to the rear of the vehicle the S-Edition features dual exhaust tailpipes, S-Edition badging and a boot lip spoiler.

The model we test drove was finished in the famed World Rally (WR) blue -  available only for a short introductory period.

Interior: 3/5

Inside, the Subaru Forester S-Edition features a darker dashboard finish and darker tone metallic-type highlights. S-edition also gains some leather sport seats that feature Alcantara blue highlights which match the WR Blue exterior paint. The Subaru S-Edition (and XT) also gain new luminescent instruments and noise reducing insulation.

The S-Edition comes with touch-screen navigation with CD/DVD playback, six speakers and a subwoofer, electric driver's seat, electro-luminescent instruments, dual-zone climate control, panoramic sunroof, steering wheel audio controls and paddle shifters.

The stereo includes Bluetooth connectivity and audio streaming with USB connectivity. The S-Edition also comes with a reversing camera which is very handy since the car sits 225mm from the ground.

While I wouldn't say the interior is plush and the dashboard plastics are quite hard and dull, there is however a noticeable improvement over previous model Foresters.

Overall: 3.5/5

The Subaru Forester S-Edition offers up a great package, mixing family practicality with power and performance.

Although, at the end of the day, the Subaru Forester S-Edition still handles likes an SUV and to expect Impreza WRX handling from a car that weights in at 1585kg is a bit of a stretch. But, the added power does make the S-Edition quite an enjoyable ride in its own right.

Priced at $55,103* the Subaru Forester S-Edition does sit in the higher end of the market, with its main competitors being the Mazda CX-7 Luxury Sports, Toyota RAV4 ZR6 and Volkswagen Tiguan 147TSI.

Power, comfort and practicality make the Subaru Forester S-Edition a very tempting option.

* Price is the manufacturer's recommended retail driveaway price (RRP) and includes the vehicle price, 12 months registration, stamp duty, luxury car tax (if applicable), CTP insurance cost estimate (based on private purchaser with good driving record) and a recommended charge for dealer delivery.