Subaru Forester Vs Subaru XV

Subaru XV

VS

Subaru Forester

Here’s a comparison between the all new and recently release Subaru XV (GX 4 series) and  2012 Subaru Forester. Although the Forester has been one of the most popular compact car based SUVs in the country (but not may other countries) it has now been effectively replaced by the all  new model simply called the Subaru XV, which is based on the all new Imprezza. 

Note that Subaru does plan to release a replacement for the Forester model but truth be told the XV is a physically and technically a much better model in 2012.

Although the Forester is a pretty decent car, especially the WRX engined turbo charged range topper as a package it was not quite complete. The exterior was not quite modern the interior belonged in the 90’s yet the technology was all up to date.  The new XV addresses the short falls and it really is a decent all round compact SUV that goes well and looks and feel good to be in. Admittedly the interior is not completely updated design like say the Honda Civic but for a Subaru it does pretty good.

The exterior of the Subaru XV uses all the current automotive design trends of hard lines and wheel arches. Its not a complete new design refining the prior Imprezza design lines. Looks are a personal tastes but it looks like a relative of the ugly Pontic Aztec of the 90’s.  Makes us wonder if the Aztec was so advanced in design when released all those years ago…

We haven’t driven the XV yet but first impressions are very good. Interior quality and design are finally up to expected standards and there are a few electronic goods that make ownership more enjoyable. The interior is much more like Subaru’s owner Toyota which can only be a good thing compared to the rest of the current Subaru range.

Up to date and up to spec finally for Subaru – pity the poor engine choice which is very ordinary but at least fuel efficient according to others. Aside from the engine the XV is so much more impressive than the Forester it is not even worth considering between the two. Forget the Forester the XV is the only choice – and worth every cent if you want a Subaru.

Subaru XV	Subaru Forester (S3)
Engines
FB20 series engine F4 Petrol DOHC Boxer Engine EFI VVT 2.0 Litre (1995cc) Claimed 110Kw @ 6200RPM Claimed 196Nm @ 4100RPM	F4 Cylinder (EJ25) DOHC VVT EFI Petrol (91 Octane) 2.5 Litre (2457cc) Claimed 126Kw @ 5800RPM Claimed 235Nm @ 4100RPM F4 Cylinder Turbo (EJ25DET) DOHC VVT EFI Petrol 2.5 Litre (2457cc) Claimed 169Kw @ 5200RPM Claimed 320Nm @ 2800RPM F4 Cylinder Turbo (EE20 series) DOHC Turbo Inter-cooled 2.0 Litre (1998cc) Claimed 108Kw @ 3600RPM Claimed 350Nm @ 1800RPM
Weight
Kerb weight FROM 1390Kg Towing capacity up to 1400kg	Kerb weight 1480 – 1525Kg Towing capacity up to 1400kg
Fuel capacity & consumption
Up to 60 litres F4 Petrol 7.3 Lts per 100km AVG	Up to 64 litres F4 Petrol 9.3Lts per 100km AVG (Auto) F4 Petrol 9.3Lts per 100km AVG (Turbo) F4 Diesel 6.0 Lts per 100km AVG (Auto)
Other specifications
6 speed manual or CVT Auyo Overall Height/width 1615/1780 Overall Length/wheelbase 4450/2635 4WD system: AWD Tyre size: 225-55-17 ANCAP Safety: x/5	5 speed manual or 4 speed Auto Overall height/width 1700/1795 Overall length/wheelbase 4560/2615 4WD system: AWD Dual range gearbox on manuals only Tyre size: 225-55-17 or 215-65-16 ANCAP Safety: 5/5
Capability
Angle of: (degrees) Approach xx Departure xx Breakover xx Ground clearance (unloaded) xxxmm Water Fording depth xxmm Max	Angle of: (degrees)  Approach xx Departure xx Breakover xx Ground clearance (unloaded) xxxmm Water Fording depth xxmm Max
Performance
0-100kph 10.5 seconds (petrol)	0-100Kph: 7.9 secs (Turbo petrol) 0-100kph 10.4 seconds (petrol)  0-100kph 10.4 seconds (diesel)
Pricing
2012 $28,490 – 36,990 AUD *Always check with the dealer for up to date pricing, specifications, on-road costs, accessories and specials etc.. everything as usual is subject to change!	2012 $32,990 – 47,490 AUD