Coming round the mountain
Editor Liam Stretch takes the Subaru Forester SUV X Sport for a spin, equally at home on city streets as it is off the beaten track.
Subaru feels like a Kiwi staple despite being made halfway across the globe in Japan. Perhaps it’s because Subaru thrives on New Zealand roads, effortlessly blending rural toughness with city sophistication – truly versatile.
When Armstrongs Subaru offered me the chance to test drive the Forester SUV X Sport, I was excited to see what the fuss was about and why so many New Zealanders choose to return to the brand.
The moment I set off from Armstrongs’ St Asaph Street yard, I was struck by how safe and secure I felt in the Forester. Its easily adjustable electronic seat and generous road clearance give an immediate sense of security – made even more reassuring by the five-star safety rating.
Despite its grit and off-road capability, the Forester SUV doesn’t feel overbearing on the road. It fits perfectly into Christchurch’s more narrow city centre streets – something I appreciate as a CBD dweller. This is, in part, thanks to its flat Boxer engine, resulting in a low profile. Even though it’s a compact SUV, there’s no compromise on space or style.
Let’s talk about that styling for a minute. I’ve come across a few SUVs that lack in the looks department, often compromising functionality for curb appeal. This certainly isn’t the case for this model. The X Sport’s orange exterior trims and matching interior accents draw attention to its 18-inch black alloy wheels. The dark blue shone in the milky late afternoon spring sun. The Forester X Sport is available in Ice Silver Metallic, Crystal White Pearl, Sapphire Blue Metallic, Crystal Black Silica, and Magnetite Grey Metallic, while the wider Forester SUV range is available in a broader range of colourways.
It’s surprisingly quiet to drive, but once you switch to X-Mode, the Forester transforms. X-Mode boosts performance by reducing wheel spin on slippery surfaces, steep climbs, and rough terrain. This added a sense of safety as I ascended from the plains up to the Port Hills. Subaru’s EyeSight technology, including throttle management, brake assist, and lane-keeping features, kept me firmly planted on the winding Dyers Pass Road.
Connecting my phone to the Apple CarPlay-enabled head unit was seamless, and I even managed to take a work call while cruising around the city. A space-age highlight is the gesture control feature, allowing you to adjust cabin temperature with just a wave of your hand. Impressive, right? And the Driver Monitoring System? You’ll feel like Han Solo or Captain Kirk! Facial recognition remembers your seat height, mirror position, and display settings, while also issuing warnings for drowsiness or wandering eyes – no slacking off here!
I had a couple of errands to run while testing out the car, and with a boot full of work gear, the smart boot feature is a lifesaver. Keyless entry and automatic opening make juggling groceries, work equipment, and even a schnauzer effortless.
The Forester SUV X Sport is not the only member of this family, and the full lineup offers something for everyone, with models ranging from the Standard version to Sport, Premium, e-Boxer Hybrid, and e-Boxer Hybrid Premium.