Subaru Forester 2019 Review

In the C-Segment SUV market in Malaysia, family users and outdoor enthusiasts tend to prefer models that balance practicality, off-road capability, and safety features. As the top variant of the lineup, the 2019 Subaru Forester 2.0i-S EyeSight not only continues Subaru's iconic all-wheel drive system but is also equipped with the EyeSight active safety suite, a feature that is uncommon among vehicles of the same price range. The main purpose of this test drive is to verify the actual performance of this safety system and evaluate the overall practicality of the vehicle in daily commuting and weekend suburban outings.

In terms of exterior design, the 2019 Forester 2.0i-S EyeSight adopts Subaru's family design language, with an overall style that leans toward stability. The hexagonal front grille is paired with chrome accents, giving it high recognizability; the LED headlights on both sides are connected to the grille, and they integrate daytime running lights, offering clear visual effects when illuminated. The side profile of the car features straight lines, with a shoulder line extending from the front fender to the rear, enhancing its muscular appearance. The 18-inch multi-spoke aluminum alloy wheels are more imposing compared to the 17-inch wheels of the 2.0i-L variant. At the rear, the LED tail lights adopt a vertical layout, and the rear bumper is equipped with a silver guard plate, highlighting the SUV's rugged nature. The vehicle's dimensions are 4625mm×1815mm×1730mm, with a wheelbase of 2670mm and a minimum ground clearance of 220mm, fully meeting the requirements for light off-road capability.

Inside the car, the interior mainly features a black tone. The center console uses a combination of soft-touch plastics and piano black trim. Although it lacks a luxurious feel, the build quality is solid. The 8-inch central screen is located at the top of the dashboard, featuring a simple interface that supports Bluetooth connectivity and basic multimedia functions, with decent responsiveness. The multifunction steering wheel integrates buttons on the left for volume control and call answering, while the right side houses the controls for the EyeSight system. Paddle shifters are also available to enhance driving pleasure. The front seats are leather-wrapped and support 8-way electric adjustment, including lumbar support, ensuring comfort during long drives. The rear seats can be folded down in a 60:40 split configuration, expanding the trunk space from 520L to a larger capacity, making it suitable for items like strollers or outdoor gear. In terms of features, the dual-zone automatic climate control system comes with a dust filter, rear passengers have independent air vents, and the front offers a 220V/230V power outlet for convenient charging.

For performance, the vehicle is equipped with a 2.0L naturally aspirated flat-four engine, delivering a maximum power of 156PS at 6000rpm and a peak torque of 200N·m at 4000rpm. It is paired with a CVT transmission and an all-wheel drive system. During daily driving, acceleration is relatively smooth and linear, with the CVT transmission providing seamless gear changes and virtually no jolts. When the accelerator is pressed hard, the engine revs up quickly, but the power delivery doesn't surge, making it more suitable for stable driving. The official 0-100km/h acceleration time is 10.3 seconds, sufficient for daily commuting needs, though overtaking requires planning for adequate distance. The suspension features a front MacPherson strut and rear double-wishbone independent structure, tuned for comfort. It effectively absorbs minor road bumps, offers good stability at high speeds, and keeps body roll within reasonable limits during cornering. The all-wheel drive system performs well in rainy or muddy conditions, providing better traction and easily handling gravel roads or gentle slopes during light off-road excursions.

EyeSight active safety system is the core highlight of this car. In actual tests, the pre-collision warning system, when detecting excessive proximity to the vehicle ahead at speeds below 30km/h, provides timely alerts; the automatic braking function, simulated in urban congestion scenarios, automatically brakes just before a collision to avoid accidents. Additionally, the vehicle is equipped with 7 airbags (including knee airbags), ABS anti-lock braking system, reverse radar, and a reversing camera, offering a comprehensive safety configuration. In terms of fuel consumption, the actual fuel consumption under combined road conditions is about 8.2L/100km, slightly higher than the official figure of 7.4L/100km, but considering the all-wheel-drive system, this performance is within a normal range. Regarding noise control, wind and tire noise become slightly noticeable at high speeds but do not affect conversations inside the car.

Compared to vehicles of the same class, the 2019 Subaru Forester 2.0i-S EyeSight has advantages in its all-wheel-drive system and EyeSight active safety package; these two features are relatively rare in C-Segment SUVs priced below RM160,000. However, the 2.0i-L version, though cheaper, lacks the EyeSight system and 18-inch wheels, and the 2.0i-S version does not have the EyeSight system. Overall, this car is suitable for families that prioritize safety features and off-road capability. Whether for daily commuting or weekend family camping trips, it meets the demand.

In conclusion, the 2019 Subaru Forester 2.0i-S EyeSight is a highly practical SUV with extensive safety features. Although its performance is moderate, the all-wheel-drive system and EyeSight system are its core competitive advantages. For consumers needing a car that balances family use and light outdoor activities, this car is worth considering.