Subaru 4th generation. Subaru Forester IV generation SJ

The 4th generation Subaru Forester crossover in the new SJ body went on sale in 2010. In 2015, the car underwent restyling, during which it received a set of external and internal changes, as well as new equipment and a number of technical improvements.

Exterior

In terms of design, the new 2017-2018 Subaru Forester is one of the most unmodern and unattractive crossovers in its class. Although, on the other hand, its somewhat awkward and outdated appearance provides the car with a number of other advantages.

In the front of the 2017 Subaru Forester, the first thing you notice is the outdated (by modern times) headlights, although this is not surprising, since the model has been on the market since 2010.

In front we have a relatively large glass, under which there is a hood with a rather rich relief, and then headlights of a complex shape, between which there is a small trapezoidal radiator grille. Along the edges at the very bottom are round compact fog lights, and between them there is an air intake slot.

The side of the new Subaru Forester 2017 model looks somewhat bulky and high, and the wheels are small compared to the background of the body. The black B-pillars, the rising and falling side windows and the spoiler triangle on the tailgate look nice. The relief in the side part is minimal - stamping at the bottom of the doors and slightly prominent wheel arches.

The rear end begins with a shark fin antenna, under which is mounted a very impressive spoiler visor with an integrated brake light. Next comes a relief door with niches under tail lights located on the rear pillars. There is nothing interesting at the bottom.

Interior

The interior of the 2017 Subaru Forester 4 combines outdated technologies, a laconic design coupled with savings on some points and high-quality finishing materials. Although, due to the rather awkward body, we have a spacious interior and good visibility.

The driver of the 2017-2018 Subaru Forester gets a leather multifunctional three-spoke steering wheel, behind which there is a dashboard with a traditional layout - on the sides there is a speedometer and tachometer, and between them there is an information display, which has a brother located to the right and acts as the top of the center console. Below it are two air duct deflectors with an emergency button in the center.

Below is the display of a fairly good touchscreen infotainment system with a scattering of control buttons around the perimeter, which works in conjunction with very good acoustics. Below is an area with three washers for climate control. At the bottom there is an off-road mode activation button and a gear shift lever.

The Forester has a spacious and comfortable interior with pretty good seats in the front. The back row can accommodate three adults quite well. The interior of the model evokes mixed impressions; there are positive and negative aspects. The best option for a family crossover at not the best price.

Characteristics

Subaru Forester 4 (SJ) is a crossover in a five-door body with a five-seater interior, which has the following overall dimensions: length – 4,595 mm, width – 1,795 mm, height – 1,730 mm, and wheelbase size – 2,640 mm. The vehicle's curb weight ranges from 1,494 to 1,613 kg, and the luggage compartment volume varies from 505 to 1,777 liters.

The car is equipped with independent spring suspension: front McPherson type, rear double wishbone. Both axles have disc brakes, but the front ones are ventilated. The wheels are 17-inch with 225/60 tires, and 18-inch wheels are offered on the top trim level. Ground clearance – 220 millimeters.

The power range of the Russian version of the crossover includes three gasoline engines:

• 2.0 liter flat-four with 150 hp output. and 198 Nm
• 2.5 liter boxer four with 171 hp output. and 235 Nm
• 2.0 liter flat turbo-four with output of 241 hp. and 350 Nm

All engines are paired with a continuously variable transmission, and the base 150-horsepower engine is also available with a six-speed transmission manual transmission transmission The drive is permanent all-wheel drive.

Prices in Russia

The Subaru Forester 4 crossover was sold in Russia in seven trim levels: Base, Standard, Comfort, Comfort +, Elegance, Elegance + and Premium. The price of the 2018 Subaru Forester ranged from 1,739,000 to 2,709,900 rubles.

MT6 - six-speed manual transmission
CVT - continuously variable transmission
AWD - all-wheel drive (permanent)

In their eyes, he lost the charisma and sporty passion characteristic of cars of the first two generations, becoming a victim of the fashion for full-fledged crossovers. However, this model sold out in much larger quantities.

Despite its Japanese origin and success in the market, car thieves do not pay attention to the Forester. A fairly good standard immobilizer built into the engine control module and instrument panel will not protect against a targeted attack, but will become a stumbling block for a random thief.

All Foresters come from Japan. Quality paint coating good - the body has no weak points. Traces of corrosion will indicate unprofessional restoration repairs. But pay attention to the license plate mount on the rear door. Many owners install a number without a frame; over time, it peels off the paint and rust appears.

EYE AND EYE

Before restyling in 2011, naturally aspirated engines 2.0 (150 hp) and 2.5 (172 hp) belonged to the EJ series. These age-old boxer units with timing belt drive are well known for most Subaru models.

The junior EJ20 2.0 liter engine is the most reliable in the line. Servicemen estimate its average resource at 250,000-300,000 km. After major repairs, it is able to serve the same amount of time. The average resuscitation is done without treating the cylinder block or heads. Basically, only the piston rings and liners are worn beyond the tolerances. The main thing is to change the engine oil according to the regulations (at least every 15,000 km) and monitor its level more often - all Subaru engines have a good appetite during aggressive driving or long-term driving at high speeds.

The older naturally aspirated brother EJ25 (2.5 l) is the same 2.0 engine, but with bored out cylinders. Accordingly, due to the thinner walls between the “pots”, it is prone to so-called “overheating”, which occurs under prolonged high loads. Usually this is a long (about an hour!) ride at speeds close to maximum. Even with a working cooling system and clean radiators, head gaskets can burn out. Sometimes it leads to the contact planes of the cylinder block and heads. With severe “overheating” they lie piston rings. Because of this, oil consumption increases, and sometimes even scuff marks appear on the cylinder bore.

When buying a second hand car with an EJ25 engine, do a test at a service station to determine the content of exhaust gases in the cooling system. He will tell you about the condition of the cylinder head gaskets. The operation is inexpensive and requires simple equipment. Spend some money (about 1,500 rubles) on the so-called lick test, which will show leaks in the cylinders. It is similar to a compression test, but much more accurate.

Motors with power of 230 and 263 hp. - supercharged versions of the EJ25 engine. The increase in strength is the merit of other firmware of the “brains” of the engine. The average resource of the supercharged brothers is estimated at 100,000–150,000 km. The malfunctions are the same as those of atmospheric units, only they appear at earlier runs.

The original failure of turbo engines is rotation of the liners. Common reason- oil starvation due to low level lubricant or loss of its properties. Therefore, even with light use, it is important to reduce the oil change interval to 7,500 km, and if the car participates in competitions, the oil must be changed at least every 5,000 km.

A great way to avoid dangerous conditions for the motor is to install additional sensors. Owners typically rely on temperature and oil pressure readings to know when it's time to pull off the track and let the car cool down.

Turbo engines are often tuned during repair: they install a forged piston group, increased performance oil pump, strengthened cylinder block, etc. - who cares.

Often, owners simultaneously squeeze all the juice out of engines, installing, for example, a turbine with more high pressure, - such units do not last long, therefore the purchase of tuned cars must be treated with caution.

The stock turbocharger is reliable. If you follow a couple of simple rules, it will outlive the engine. Shortened replacement interval motor oil will help avoid coking of the turbine cooling tubes. Cool the compressor with the engine running before turning it off after vigorous driving. It is more efficient to do this not idle speed, and while driving, having released the gas a couple of kilometers from home, this way the oil and antifreeze circulate better through the turbine.

A separate story is the timing drive on EJ engines. The belt lasts the required 105,000 km even on modified engines, but it’s better to play it safe and change it early, because in 99% of cases a break means the pistons meet the valves. At the same time, change all the tensioner rollers. To be on the safe side, service technicians recommend updating the crankshaft and camshaft seals. They do not always survive up to 200,000 km, and any intervention in the timing drive is very labor-intensive and expensive. Leaking seals can cause the belt to jump, with known consequences. The cooling pump is more reliable. It is changed together with the second belt replacement. It rarely survives up to 300,000 km. Its play is not as bad as a leak, which again can lead to the belt jumping.

After restyling, naturally aspirated EJ engines were replaced by chain units of the FB series (with indexes 20 and 25). They are built on the basis of their predecessors and have the same power characteristics.

Chain problems are rare. According to servicemen, its resource is at least 200,000 km. The main thing is to monitor the level and condition of the oil. The lubrication of the chain and the performance of the tensioner depend on it. The mileage on these engines is not as long as on the EJ, but there is no reason to fear for their longevity. The only and infrequent disease - oil leakage from under the chain cover with a mileage of 50,000-60,000 km - can be cured with a sealant. “Overheating” of the FB25, which happens with the EJ25, has not yet been recorded, although the motors are structurally similar.

Resource drive belt on any engines depends only on the operating conditions of the machine. The lower limit is 50,000 km. The less dirt and water gets on the belt when off-road, the longer it lives.

The condition of the cooling radiator of any engine does not greatly affect its well-being. But washing is carried out once or twice a year, depending on the operating mode. The engine and air conditioning radiators are located very close to each other, and this “sandwich” is completely disassembled.

On runs over 100,000 km, the lamp often lights up Check Engine. Error 0420 is displayed: “low neutralizer efficiency.” This usually happens when the unit heats up, when the car drives along the highway for a long time at a constant high speed. The reason is bad fuel. Often the error is simply erased, the owner changes the gas station - and the problem goes away. But sometimes the fuel manages to kill the catalytic converter.

Treatment depends on the wishes of the owner. The converter is either replaced with a new one, or cut out and made into a fake (for naturally aspirated engines) for the second (controlling) one. oxygen sensor. This is a spacer in the installation location of the second oxygen sensor, which removes it from the exhaust gas flow. In supercharged engines, the sensor is bypassed by reflashing the “brains”. If the faulty converter is not clogged and not melted inside, it is not touched and is limited to snag.

CONSTANT

For Subaru, the all-wheel drive transmission scheme depends on the type of transmission and engine. On the Forester, paired with a five-speed manual transmission, there is a center differential with a viscous coupling blocking it. Alas, the clutch does not like long driving in extreme conditions and is prone to overheating. With such operation, it usually dies after 100,000 km. The unit is expensive, but the replacement procedure is simple.

The third Forester has a reduction range in the transmission. It is only available on two-liter cars with a manual transmission. None of the servicemen recall any problems with such distributors.

There are no fundamental differences between manual transmissions coupled with motors of different power. The nodes are reliable. The main thing is to change the oil regularly (every 50,000 km). The average clutch life is 130,000–150,000 km. After 150,000–200,000 km, the gear selector rod oil seal begins to leak.

On cars with hydromechanical automatic transmissions there is an original center differential and its locking device. Paired with supercharged engines, they are more sophisticated. But in both cases there are no serious complaints about their reliability.

With engines up to 230 hp. It is combined with a four-speed automatic transmission, and with 263‑horsepower - a five-speed one. Both boxes are from the same family and are quite old, but reliable. Service technicians advise changing the oil every 30,000 km. At the first “pit stop” a regular (partial) replacement is carried out, at the second - a complete one, with the connection of a special installation. This is justified. After all, off-road and high-speed driving are commonplace for Foresters. But subject to maintenance regulations, these machines can also handle the higher torque of intelligently modified engines.

Due to untimely oil changes, the automatic transmission initially experiences shocks and delays when shifting gears. This is due to wear products in the aged fluid that clog the solenoids. If you ignore the warning signs, then soon an “error” will light up on the instrument panel, and then - overheating of the clutches and torque converter.

IN winter period Due to intense acceleration immediately after a cold start, leaks occur in the gasket between the differential housing and the gearbox input shaft oil seal. The problem here is that the seals have not woken up and become stiff.

The oil change interval for gearboxes is also short - 50,000 km. Sometimes, at a mileage of over 100 thousand, the oil overheating indicator lights up rear gearbox. The reason is a dirty contact in the connector of its sensor, located outside. It often rots. There is no need to change the sensor - just clean the contacts or repair the wiring.

The only thing frankly weakness in the transmission - an outboard bearing of the propeller shaft. It begins to hum strongly at speeds above 50 km/h after 30,000–40,000 km. Dealer services often replace the entire cardan assembly (about 70,000 rubles), and unofficials replace the bearing separately for 700 rubles.

Cardan crosspieces last 150,000 km. Strong play in them causes noticeable vibrations.

Transmission seals and boots are durable. Only elements located close to the exhaust system are at risk. The inner boot of the front right drive is destroyed the fastest (after 100,000 km) by heating.

On modifications with all EJ engines they install hydraulic booster steering wheel The slats rarely leak, and not earlier than 100,000 km. Usually the upper oil seal sweats where the steering shaft exits. The rack repair kit also includes other seals, so it is completely disassembled and updated

Hoses under the expansion tank and on the pump leak even less often. It is important to periodically monitor the oil level and change it according to regulations - every 50,000 km. When changing the oil, do not allow the power steering pump to run dry for a long time - the unit dies quickly and costs about 20,000 rubles.

Electric power steering is assigned to versions with FB motors. Knocking in the rack occurs after 30,000 km. Formally, this is not considered a malfunction, and not everyone gets their racks replaced under warranty, although the manufacturer tries to meet customers halfway (ZR, 2014, No. 9, Subaru specialists answer). Unofficials have found a cure. The knocking noise occurs at the junction of the steering shaft gear and the rack and pinion mechanism. The rack is disassembled and the factory support sleeve of this pair is replaced with a non-original, homemade one. The gap decreases and the knock goes away.

Suspension consumables - bushings and stabilizer struts. They are enough for 30,000–40,000 km. The weakest are the rear silent blocks of the front control arms, which last at least 100 thousand. They can be purchased separately, like many other rubber-to-metal hinges. The exception is the silent blocks of the rear upper forged arm: the assembled unit costs 16,000 rubles.

Wheel bearings also consistently survive 100,000 mileage. The price complete with hubs is quite affordable - 5000–6000 rubles.

A special feature of the Forester's suspension is rear self-priming shock absorbers, which provide constant ground clearance regardless of the vehicle's load and less roll when cornering. But they quickly die on dead roads after several serious breakdowns on a loaded car. Fortunately, there is an alternative to original parts, estimated at 25,000 rubles. The inflation system is built into the shock absorber rod and body. Therefore, for 17 thousand, a set of two conventional shock absorbers with corresponding springs is installed. In everyday driving conditions, the difference in the behavior of the car will not be striking.

Front shock absorbers last 100,000–150,000 km. The support bearings are renewed during the second change of shock absorbers.

Many owners who switched to Forester from other Japanese crossovers in this class complain about insufficient brake sensitivity. Later they get used to it, but some still modify the brake system. They're throwing money away - you can't get rid of this feature.

The only weak point of the lighting technology is the thin glass of the front fog lights. They often crack due to a sharp temperature change - for example, when water gets on the headlights while driving through puddles or when storming high snowdrifts.

The interior electrical system is simple and reliable. The only complaint is the heater fan shaft bearing. If you immediately turn on the heater at maximum speed on a cold car in winter, the bearing will begin to hum by 150,000 km. And it can only be replaced as an assembly with a fan.

At a mileage of more than 100,000 km, the headlight range control sensor located on the rear suspension arm, by which the system determines the position of the body, sometimes fails. The hinges in its moving joints become sour. In this case, the system error lights up and the corrector lowers the headlights to the lower position.

Bottom line

The reliability of the third generation Forester is all right. If the maintenance regulations are observed, even modifications with turbo engines do not cause any trouble. There will be no difficulties with servicing and repairing the machine.

Owner's word

Vladimir Lopatin,

Subaru Forester S‑Edition (2011, 2.5 l, 263 hp, 90,000 km)

Before purchasing the S‑Edition modification, I owned a previous generation Forester (SG) for six years. And I don’t share the position of the subarists who criticize the third “forik”. Yes, in the usual version it is more rolly than its predecessor, but it is much more comfortable. And the charged version is completely better in all respects.

Initially, I didn’t plan to tune the car, but then it got delayed. By 47,000 km, when the engine cranked the liners, it produced about 340 hp, and now - 400 hp and 600 Nm. My Forester is equipped with water-methanol injection, forged pistons are installed, and the stock turbo is replaced with a more efficient one. The machine was modified for high torque, increasing the pressure in its oil system. The kit for further tuning is waiting for the box to die. But so far it does not cause any trouble, just like the chassis components.

Some of the suspension elements (shock absorbers, springs and stabilizer) have been replaced with more sporty ones. I note that I have no complaints about the reliability of standard parts. I plan to continue improvements, but the process is slowed down by rising prices for imported spare parts.

Car maintenance is simple: change the oil in the engine every 5,000 km, in the gearbox and gearboxes - every 30,000 km.

Word to the seller

Alexander Bulatov,

sales manager for used cars at U Service+

Forester SH is liquid regardless of configuration. The most in demand are 2.5‑liter cars. Moreover, one half of the buyers chooses a manual for bad roads, and the other half chooses an automatic for the city.

Cars sit idle waiting for a buyer for an average of two to three weeks. Even specific turbo versions are quickly disappearing, which is explained by limited supply on the market. In this segment, the Forester has no competitors that offer similar driving characteristics and a competitive price.

In recent years everything more crossovers they try on “glamorous clothes”, losing even the slightest opportunity to conquer off-road terrain and turning into typical city dwellers. Against their background, the fourth generation Forester stands apart, which for many years has tried not to change its traditions - “masculine” appearance and exclusively all-wheel drive.

The world debut of the fourth generation Forester took place in 2012 at the Los Angeles Auto Show, and it appeared before the European public in all its glory in March 2013 at a show in Geneva.

Two years later, still in the same place - in Los Angeles, the Japanese from Subaru presented an updated crossover, which, without changing in appearance, acquired minor improvements in the interior, improved in terms of safety and lost its “mechanics” (for the Russian market).

Forester IV underwent its second modernization in May 2016 - this time its bumpers, optics and radiator grille were slightly adjusted, sound insulation was improved, the list of available equipment was expanded and the “manual” gearbox was returned (for our country).

The next, most recent update affected the car in September 2017 - this time the Japanese bypassed the design of the exterior and interior, but again separated previously unavailable options and added new levels of performance.

In general, we can say that the “fourth” Subaru Forester is designed in a discreet and deliberately rough style, which gives it unmistakable recognition compared to other models. Most of the design delights are concentrated around the “front” part: a radiator grille with the signature “six edges” and “sharp” headlights with LED running lights, complemented by a bumper with a regular or “sporty” design with characteristic “jowls” in the foglights.

The Forester's profile demonstrates muscular and respectable proportions with swollen wheel arches housing 17-18-inch alloy wheels, a rib defining the sidewall and a large glass area.

The monumental rear of this Subaru SUV is designed in a typical crossover concept - compact lights, a distinctive trunk lid and a bumper into which one or two exhaust pipes are integrated, depending on the version.

The 4th generation model formally acts in the compact crossover segment (although in fact it has already come close to the “mid-size”): 4610 mm in length, 1795 mm in width and 1735 mm in height. The length of the wheelbase is 2640 mm, and the minimum ground clearance(at curb weight) is 220 mm.

When traveling, the weight of this car varies from 1551 to 1702 kilograms.

The interior of the Subaru Forester cannot be called sophisticated - everything inside is quite ascetic and simple, but it is located “in its place” and is executed with high quality. In general, the decoration of this “Japanese” can be described as “the embodiment of reasonable sufficiency.”

The instrument cluster with analogue dials is easy to read and provides only the information you need, and the multifunction steering wheel correct form comfortable and attractive in appearance. The central part of the front panel is crowned with a color monitor on which readings are displayed on-board computer and information about the operation of the all-wheel drive transmission. Just below, depending on the configuration, you can see a radio, or a large display of the multimedia center, as well as three “lambs” of a dual-zone climate control system.

The interior of this crossover is neither expensive nor outright cheap - the finishing materials are inexpensive, but of high quality, and the level of assembly is still at a high “European” level. In the “top” versions, the seats are upholstered in natural leather.

One of the features of the 4th generation Subaru Forester is its well-organized interior space. The front seats are not only endowed with a comfortable profile with good support on the sides, but also with the necessary range of adjustments. For rear row passengers there is a comfortable sofa with an adjustable backrest angle, a folding armrest and a significant amount of space in all directions. There is only one drawback - the protruding transmission tunnel on the floor.

For the transportation of goods, the “fourth Forester” provides a 488-liter luggage compartment of the correct shape, a wide opening and an acceptable loading height. The “gallery” is laid almost flush with the floor, which increases the useful volume to 1548 liters and allows you to transport large items. Only a compact spare wheel could fit in the niche under the floor.

For Russian consumers, the 4th incarnation of the Subaru Forester, updated in 2017, is offered with three four-cylinder gasoline units with a horizontally opposed “pot” configuration and a DOHC timing belt with a 16-valve circuit. In cooperation with each of them, an all-wheel drive system with dynamic traction distribution (ACT), which has an electronically controlled multi-plate clutch, operates. By default, the moment is divided between the axles in a ratio of 60:40, but this proportion may change depending on the situation.

• Under the hood of the basic versions of the crossover is a 2.0-liter naturally aspirated engine (1995 cubic centimeters) with multi-point power, generating 150 horsepower at 6200 rpm and 198 Nm of possible potential at 4200 rpm.
  Together with a 6-speed manual transmission or a Lineartronic V-variator, it allows the Forester to reach 100 km/h in 10.6-11.8 seconds, achieve a maximum speed of 190-192 km/h and consume no more than 8-8.2 liters of fuel in the "" mode. city/highway."
• It is followed in the hierarchy by a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated engine (2498 cubic centimeters) with distributed injection, whose peak performance values ​​amount to 171 horsepower at 5800 rpm and 235 Nm of torque at 4100 rpm.
  In combination with it, only a CVT is installed, thanks to which the car takes off from zero to 100 km/h in 9.8 seconds, hits the bar at 197 km/h and consumes 8.3 liters of gasoline in mixed conditions.
• The top of the power palette is “occupied” by a 2.0-liter “four” (1998 cubic centimeters) with turbocharging and direct fuel supply (producing 241 “horses” at 5600 rpm and 350 Nm of maximum torque at 2400-3600 rpm) – aggregated with Lineartronic transmission.
  This all-terrain vehicle takes only 7.5 seconds to “run” to the first “hundred”, its “maximum speed” exceeds 220 km/h, and its “appetite” does not go beyond 8.5 liters in the combined cycle.

The fourth generation crossover is based on a modified Subaru Impreza platform with MacPherson struts on the front axle and a multi-link part on the rear axle. Subaru Forester is equipped with electric power steering and efficient braking system with disc devices on all wheels (front ones with ventilation) with ABS and ESP.

On the Russian market, the 2018 model year Forester is offered in eight equipment levels – “Base”, “Standard”, “Comfort”, “Comfort+”, “S Limited”, “Elegance”, “Elegance+” and “Premium”.

For the basic package, dealers are asking a minimum of 1,659,000 rubles, and its functionality includes: seven airbags, four electric windows, ABS, EBD, BA, VDC, hill start assist system, ERA-GLONASS technology, 17-inch steel wheels, heated front seats, climate control, multimedia complex and some other equipment.
For a crossover with an automatic transmission you will have to pay from 1,749,900 rubles, and the “top modification” with a 241-horsepower engine is sold for at least 2,599,900 rubles. “Full stuffing” can boast of: 18-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, an electric sunroof, leather trim, heated rear seats, dual-zone climate control, rear view cameras, light and rain sensors, a navigator and a huge number of other “bells and whistles” .

In Spain there are few forests and Foresters, that is, Subaru Forester crossovers. But what if the fourth generation Forester becomes a breakthrough? The makings are there.

Isn't this a restyling? The length is 3.5 cm longer, the silhouette and front design are preserved in the style of the “junior” Subaru XV crossover. And the interior... Exactly like the XV! I didn’t find even a dozen differences: except that Lesnik has normal door handles instead of recesses on the XV, there is backlighting of the buttons not only on the driver’s door, and a different “podium” for the transmission lever.

By the way, they are co-platform - after all, the Forester is built on the Impreza chassis, and the XV is an Impreza, just “raised.” And, creating a new Forester, the Japanese wanted to “separate” both cars in order, if not to avoid, then at least to reduce the “internal competition” between them.

The fastening and drive mechanism of the sunroof and the unaesthetic rag covering the gap above the steering column are on display - awkward, right...

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I began my acquaintance with Lesnik with the basic version: the previous 150-horsepower 2.0-liter FB20 boxer plus the new six-speed manual gearbox from the XV. Alas, the stubborn “switch” has remained a generic subar feature - the only thing that pleased me was the vigorous start from a standstill, and only because the Forester with “mechanics” no longer has a range-shifter and instead the creators “shortened” the first gear.

The “square boxer” FA20DIT with a cylinder diameter and piston stroke of 86 mm lost Toyota’s combined injection system, like on the Subaru BRZ (fuel is supplied only to the combustion chamber), but retained phase shifters on the intake and exhaust. The location of the turbocharger under the engine reduces the warm-up time of the closely located converter and improves throttle response thanks to shorter intake pipes. But under the “turbine” it was necessary to attach an oil sump housing, the oil from which is pumped out by a special pump driven from the intake camshaft

I am changing the “handle” to the Lineatronic TR 580 variator from the Impreza. Better! The unit is more like a good “automatic” - it “switches” intelligently, simulating six quasi-gears, is able to brake with the engine and is in no hurry to raise the speed during acceleration. But this well-sung duet is completely “transport”: the linear trolleybus sensations with it are exactly the same as on the Subaru XV, and adjusted for the extra hundredweight of mass.

Lineatronic CVTs on all versions - with a “manual” mode and convenient steering wheel paddle shifters. Behind the selector there is a button to turn on the X-Mode system. To the right of it is a button to disable the start-stop system, which is used on cars for Russian market will not

The external air intake on the hood, through which air is supplied to the intercooler (the famous Subarya “nostril”), for the sake of aerodynamics, was replaced by an air duct from the “underside” of the hood

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We still won’t see the two-liter EE20 diesel engine (147 hp) that Forester needs and is available to Europeans - it still hasn’t been fitted with the automatic transmission required in our market. But the “American” FB25 engine with a volume of 2.5 liters (170 hp) will remain, but also with an Impreza CVT instead of the traditional “automatic”. And the top of the range is the completely new two-liter turbo engine FA20DIT (240 hp), the closest relative of the naturally aspirated unit from the BRZ coupe.

Turbo versions of the Forester are equipped with alloy protection for the engine compartment, right behind the slots of which the turbocharger is visible

The suspension has not changed structurally, but the diameter front stabilizer increased by 3 mm, the rear subframe became more powerful and the angles of the rear wheels changed

The optional electric tailgate “eats” 12 liters of usable volume. It can be activated using buttons on the door or on the instrument panel. The right button on the license plate light bar locks the side doors

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How will it make friends with the Lineatronic CVT of the TR690 series from Subaru Legacy and Outback?

Friends, their union is wonderful! A slight hitch - only at the start, while the torque converter, working instead of the clutch, digests the 350 Nm of torque available already from 2400 rpm. And then - the endless pressure of the Twin Scroll turbocharger with a double “snail”. Acceleration is almost without CVT tires and mournful freezing at speed. This is the best continuously variable transmission in my memory!

The settings of the proprietary SI-Drive (Subaru Intelligent Drive) system, which manages the transmission algorithms, are also pleasing. You select the Sport (S) mode with a button on the steering wheel - and the variator holds the “low gear” longer, preventing the engine from rolling off the “shelf” of maximum torque. The Sport Sharp (S#) mode allows you to click not six, but eight quasi-gears using the convenient paddle shifters, jumping down two or three “steps” in an instant when you ask for acceleration.

It’s a pity that the smart SI-Drive system doesn’t simultaneously change the control program for the newfangled electric power steering that appeared on the Forester - on the narrow winding and deserted roads near Seville it was precisely because of it that it was uncomfortable. The steering wheel is “empty”; when turning, the steered wheels seem to lag behind it, and you have to grope for the trajectory as if blindfolded.

The front seats for all versions are of the same shape. The lateral support is rather weak, the profile of the back is unsuccessful - after a couple of hours my lower back began to ache

But off-road... Of course, Forester is not Land Rover Freelander: primarily thanks to its meaty front and rear overhangs. By the way, I would advise future owners of supercharged cars to be especially careful: the lowest part of the engine is an expensive turbocharger, albeit covered with an aluminum protection sheet.

But Lesnik will leave the vast majority of other SUVs behind! And I’m not just talking about the manual versions, which retain permanent all-wheel drive with a center differential locked by a viscous clutch. We are also talking about “automatic” Foresters! It would seem that their rear axle is connected by an electronically controlled multi-plate clutch. And the CVT and off-road - are they compatible?

Compared to the previous Forester, the unpretentious interior of the XV is a breakthrough. But, unlike the optional Harman/Kardon “music”, full-fledged automatic windows on all doors are not available and at an additional cost

The rear seats retained backrest angle adjustment, and thanks to the thinner front seatbacks, legroom increased

Mirrors on colossal visors - without backlight

The side doors stretched down and covered the protruding parts of the thresholds with pads - you no longer have to dirty your trousers

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Imagine, yes. On the Andalusian hills, I deliberately drove the CVT Foresters onto steeper hills, and along the way I mockingly stopped and started in the middle of the slopes, anticipating the smell of a well-cooked transmission, but it never came. Because Subaru uses not V-belt, but V-chain variators with a Luk steel chain - like on Audi. I dare to assume that the resource of the chain variator will be much longer than the “belt” one, 150-180 thousand kilometers.

Moreover, the CVT Forester copes with difficult terrain so effortlessly in any of the transmission modes that the “off-road” X-Mode system seems like nothing more than a marketing bait. It makes itself felt by dulling the accelerator pedal, holding the “gear” and braking harder on slipping wheels. But, for me, the main benefit of X-Mode is the hard-wired HDC (Hill Descent Control) descent assistance mode. But be careful: HDC only works up to 20 km/h; exceed even a little and you will suddenly be left without an assistant.

The “supercharged” Forester can be distinguished externally only by a more aggressive front bumper (pictured on the left), but “as a load” with 18-inch wheels it can be obtained for an additional fee on any version

The “fourth” Forester will reach us only by the summer, and prices will be announced closer to May. But the Subarovites made it clear that basic versions The Forester's prices will overlap with the top trim levels of the Subaru XV (1.2-1.3 million rubles) - that is, the price will increase by about 100 thousand. But the current Subaru Forester is already 50-60 thousand rubles more expensive than its classmates Volkswagen Tiguan, Toyota RAV4 or Nissan X-Trail and sells three to four times worse. It seems that his replacement can only rely on Subarov’s individuality. Nowadays these are not frameless doors, “nostrils” on the hood or range-multipliers, as in the old days - in addition to boxer engines, the emphasis is on CVTs on all, even “charged” versions. Will it work?

Foresters

Subaru launched the compact crossover project in the early nineties. According to the creators, the car was supposed to unite best qualities passenger car(comfort, high dynamics, efficiency, controllability) and the advantages of SUVs (cross-country ability, durable and rigid body, high seating). In 1995, the Subaru Streega “concept” was shown at the Tokyo Motor Show, and two years later the production first-generation Forester debuted. Over the course of fifteen years, more than two million Foresters of three generations were produced, and the design remained almost unchanged.

The first generation Subaru Forester (1997-2002) with a length of 4460 mm is built on the Impreza platform: from it came four-cylinder boxer engines (122-250 hp), and two types of all-wheel drive transmission: with a center differential locked by a viscous coupling, and a multiplier for cars with “mechanics” and with a multi-plate clutch in the rear wheel drive for versions with “automatic”. 520,515 cars produced

The second generation Forester (2002-2008) grew in length to 4485 mm. The power structure of the body has changed, a new automatic transmission and brakes with four-channel ABS have appeared, and engine power has increased slightly (125-265 hp). In 2005, Forester underwent modernization: the “facial expression” changed, and under the hood there were engines with two camshafts in the cylinder heads and an intake phase control system, although they had been installed on cars for the Japanese market since 1998. 674,993 vehicles produced

The third generation Subaru Forester (2008-2012) has become not only longer (4560 mm), but also noticeably higher than its predecessors - 1700 mm versus 1585 mm. The McPherson rear suspension has given way to a new multi-link, frameless doors are a thing of the past for the sake of passive safety. The range of engines remained virtually unchanged (145-263 hp), but in 2008 Europeans were finally offered a turbodiesel, and in 2010 a new generation appeared gasoline engines. 854,988 vehicles produced

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It was developed with an emphasis on such operation, and hundreds of thousands of people around the world confirmed that the Forester lived up to the potential the engineers invested in it and its name. Not very smooth dirt roads, snow-covered country roads, forest paths, as well as other “highways” with soft surfaces are his element.

The name has been firmly associated with the concept of “all-wheel drive” for several decades, even when we talk about sedans and hatches from this Japanese manufacturer. Others, reliability, comfort.

So many positive qualities merged into one model, it’s amazing.

What's new with the 2016 Subaru Forester:

The fourth generation Forester went into production in 2012, with a new CVT, revised suspension, increased interior volume, a bunch of new safety features, and, importantly, a new and improved design of the SUV's front end.

Time has passed, the 2016 model is on its way. Since then, no major changes have been made to the Forester, except for some standard features that have become a little better, and the new STARLINK infotainment system has been introduced into the car; in all other aspects, the model is seriously similar to the '14 version.

What's under the hood of the IV generation Subaru Forester?

In Russia, and throughout the world, Subaru is represented by two engine options, both of them are opposed. This is either a 2.0 liter engine or a 2.5 liter naturally aspirated engine. Oddly enough, the 2.0-liter turbo engine easily outperforms its larger counterpart in charge, producing as much as 80 hp. more than the 2.5-liter engine and putting 113 Nm more torque into rotation.

Economy Forester

Let's say right away that efficiency is not the Forester's strong point. , which will easily give Subaru a head start. It even gets a colossal efficiency of 6.1 liters on the highway and 7.3 in the combined cycle, in the version with a 2.5 liter engine, all-wheel drive and automatic transmission.

The car we are considering consumes, according to official data, 6.7 liters on the highway, in the maximum sold GR configuration, and 8.2 l/100 km in the combined cycle. The difference seems small, but long-term operation it will hit the wallet "well".

The most economical of the Foresters - a simple configuration with naturally aspirated 2.0i, CVT automatic transmission gears, its indicators are 10.6 l/100 km in the city, 6.3 in the suburban cycle. The most wasteful is the 2.0 XT, with a turbine, it consumes 11.2 l/100 km in the city and 7 l/100 km on the highway.

Equipment and configurations

In Russia, Foresters are available with all-wheel drive, front McPherson struts, double wishbones at the rear and electric power steering.

Subaru Forester is available in the Russian Federation in five trim levels: VF, BM, CB, CS, GR.

Price list starts from 1.499.900 before 2,019,900 rubles.

Description of some configurations:

VF: Main basic equipment, at the moment (09/07/2015) starts from 1,599,900 rubles, with discounts the cost will decrease by 100,000 rubles. The engine in this configuration is 2.0 liter, 150 hp, CVT transmission. The package includes:

-Metallic or pearl color

-17-inch steel (or aluminum) wheels

-Halogen headlights

-Fog lights

-Daytime Running Lights

-Retractable headlight washers

-Rear fog light

-Windshield wiper with adjustable intermittent operation interval and special blade design

-Wiper rear window with intermittent operation

-Glass with UV protection: windshield and front side windows

-Roof spoiler

INTERIOR

- Steering column adjustable for tilt and reach

-Seats with fabric upholstery

-Heated front row seats

-Pockets in the backs of the front seats

-Mirrors in sun visors

-Map reading lamps

-Glasses compartment in the overhead console

-Tray in the center console

-Boxing in the armrest

-Side door pockets with built-in bottle holders

-Cup holders in the center console

-Seats in the second row, folding in a ratio of 40/60

-Luggage compartment lighting

-Set of hooks for attaching and hanging luggage

-Retractable luggage compartment curtain

COMFORT

-On-board computer

-Power windows

-System remote control door locks

-Three 12V sockets for connecting additional electrical equipment (in the center console, in the armrest box and in the luggage compartment)

-Remote opening of the gas tank flap from the passenger compartment

MULTIMEDIA

-Multifunction steering wheel

-AUX and USB connectors for connection external devices(in the armrest box)

AIR CONDITIONING CONTROL

-Climate control with dust filter

-Air ducts for supplying warm air to the feet of the rear passengers

-Heated windshield wiper blade area

-Heated side mirrors

-Electric heated rear window with timer

CONTROL AND ACTIVE SAFETY SYSTEMS

-4-channel anti-lock braking system (ABS) with electronic system Brake force distribution (EBD)

- Brake Assist (BA)

-Brake priority system

-System dynamic stabilization(VDC), switchable

-Assist system when starting from a place on a slope

PASSIVE SAFETY SYSTEMS

-Front airbags

-Side airbags for the front row of seats

-Curtain safety

-Knee airbag for driver

-Front seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters

-Height-adjustable seat belt anchorages (for driver and front passenger)

-Seat belt indicator (for driver)

-Seat belts with three-point fastening for three passengers in the rear seat

-Front seat design to reduce the risk of whiplash injury

-Head restraints for three rear seat passengers

-Injury-safe brake pedal

-Steering column support beam

-Beams for strengthening side doors

-Blocking the rear doors from opening from the inside ("child lock")

-ISO-FIX system for installing child seats (with securing straps)

-Spare wheel ("dokatka")

-Engine immobilizer

BM: The next configuration starts from 1,684,900 rubles. For extra the fee on the car will appear:

Xenon headlights with automatic beam level adjustment

Leather seats

-LED turn signal repeater in the side mirrors

-Electric tailgate

-Cruise control

-Light sensor and rain sensor

-Two USB ports

-System intelligent drive SI-Drive (dual mode)

CS: Cost 1,824,900 rubles. Added:

-Seats with leather upholstery

-Keyless entry and engine start button

GR: And finally the most expensive package: GR. It is pampered with the owners of the most advanced modifications, 2.5i-S and 2.0XT. The first of them costs 2,019,900 rubles, the second 2,199,900 rubles.

-18 inch aluminum alloy wheels

-Power sunroof

-Aluminum pedals

-SUBARU STARLINK infotainment system with 7.0 diagonal LCD color screen

inches, with a Harman/Kardon audio system with 8 speakers

-Navigation system

Which version of the 2016 Subaru Forester should you buy?

Having briefly outlined all the pros and cons of the Subaru Forester sold in Russia, to this rhetorical question “Which version of the 2016 Subaru Forester should I buy?” We cannot give an answer. A matter of taste and the quality of the bank account will come into play here.

Let’s just say that Subaru has thought out their configurations well; with each subsequent level, the buyer receives several useful and necessary bonuses in his car, which is of course very good.

Important facts and specifications of the 2016 Subaru Forester:

Price: from 1,499,900-2,019,900 rub.

Trunk volume: 1548 liters

Fuel type: AI-95

Volume of the tank: 60 liters

Transmission: 6-speed CVT

Engines: 2.0 liter boxer (atmospheric/turbo); 2.5 liter naturally aspirated

Drive unit: Full AWD

Curb weight: 1.497 kg - 1.655 kg

Ground clearance: 220 mm