Shown for the first time in US-guise at the New York International Auto Show in March, the fifth generation Forester becomes the latest model to ride on the automaker’s Global Platform, and comes complete with a redesigned exterior derived from the North American only Ascent.

Measuring 4 625mm in overall length with a wheelbase of 2 670mm, height of 1 730mm and width of 1 815mm, the Forester comes in at 35mm longer overall than its predecessor, with local models boasting a boot space of 520-litres or 1 060-litres with the 60/40 split rear seat folded down.

As previously reported, Subaru has opted to make the Forester available with a single drivetrain option, the familiar normally aspirated 2.0-litre flat-four Boxer engine that produces 115kW/196Nm, linked to a Lineartronic CVT that is claimed to be smoother and less noisier than before.

Sending the amount of twist, as ever, to all four wheels via the rally derived Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system, Subaru claims a combined fuel consumption figure of 7.6-litres/100km and a 0-100km/h sprint time of 10.3 seconds, with the top speed being unknown. Standard on all models is the brand’s Active Torque Vectoring system and X-Mode with Hill Descent Control.

In terms of specification, the unbadged entry-level model comes with 17-inch alloy wheels, black roof rails, a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Voice Command, auto folding electric mirrors, dual rear USB ports, electrically adjustable driver’s seat, a four-speaker sound system, rear air-conditioning vents, keyless entry and push-button start, a reverse camera, seven airbags, traction control and Vehicle Dynamics Control.

Next-up, the mid-range L ES adds steering responsive, auto on/off LED headlights, a roof spoiler, high gloss 17-inch alloys, leather seats as well as a leather wrapped steering wheel and gear lever, rain sense wipers, an electric tailgate, dual-zone climate control, the bigger eight-inch touchscreen display, an additional two-speakers for the sound system and the SI Drive mode selector with two settings; Intelligent and Sport.

On the safety front, the L ES becomes the latest recipient of the much vaunted EyeSight range of driver assistance systems, which includes Adaptive Cruise Control, Pre-Collision Braking, Lane Sway Warning, Lane Departure Warning, Lead Vehicle Start Alert and Pre-Collision Throttle Management.

Serving as the flagship, the S ES benefits from front LED fog lights and satin silver mirrors, but swaps the 17-inch alloys for high gloss metallic 18-inch rollers. In addition, it also receives black and silver roof rails, chrome exterior detailing, dual sliding sunroofs, alloy pedals, an eight-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, four mode X-Mode system (Dirt, Sand, Snow and Mud), Reverse Automatic Braking, Lane Departure Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Side-view monitor and Lane Change Assist.

A five year/150 000km warranty and three year/75 000km service plan are standard across the line-up.

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