Subaru says the 2015 Forester offers comfort and a smooth ride.
By Agota Alvarez
You’re probably familiar with automotive advertising that simply highlights the vehicle in question and how it performs — but Subaru has does something a bit different to showcase the 2015 Subaru Forester.
“They lived.”
A battered-up Subaru is displayed in various scenes being either towed or brought in to a junkyard. And in each instance, whether it’s a yard supervisor or police officer, they all take a moment to pause and say, “they lived.”
A very different — yet memorable — approach to advertising, for sure. And it’s no wonder the all-new Subaru Forester was named “Best Small SUV” by “Consumer Reports.” It also has been named an IIHS Top Safety Pick for eight years in a row, Motor Trend’s 2014 Sport Utility of the Year, and lowest cost to own and best resale value of all brands for 2015 by Kelley Blue Book.
Starting at $22,195, the 2015 Subaru Forester houses a 2.5¬liter DOHC aluminum-alloy 16-valve horizontally opposed four-cylinder Subaru Boxer engine with Dual Active Valve Control System as well as a fully synchronized six-speed manual transmission. Together, they work to push out 170 horsepower and 174 foot-pounds of torque. The new Subaru Forester also boasts a symmetrical all-wheel drive system with available X-Mode, and an efficient 32 miles to the gallon on the highway.
Available X-Mode adjusts the engine response, monitoring the symmetrical all-wheel drive along with the braking and traction control systems to maximize grip on slippery surfaces. It also helps provide additional traction going up steep inclines or going down with Hill Descent Control.
The exterior of the 2015 Forester is that of a clean, sporty SUV that isn’t so large that it is unwieldy, but also not so small that it would come across as compact. Drivers can choose from eight exterior color options and five upholstery fabrics.
Selection Specialist Scott Bregman of Coleman Subaru in Ewing, was kind enough to take me out on a test drive in a 2015 Forester.
“One of the greatest things about this car is that although it sits high, it’s not like you’re driving a truck,” said Mr. Bregman. “It feels comfortable, it has a great, smooth ride, and the driver has a broad range of vision.”
The inside was bright, and the panoramic sunroof made for a light and airy feel in the very roomy and spacious interior. With a maximum cargo volume of 74.7 cubic feet and a maximum towing capacity of 1,500 pounds, drivers can pack quite a bit into the new Forester no matter where they go.
“This is a great car for anyone with an active lifestyle,” said Mr. Bregman. “People who love being outdoors, love camping, and doing other outdoor activities really love this car. And it’s not limited to those people. Anyone with a family, or just anyone looking for a safe and reliable SUV will also love this car.”
In addition to the 10-way power adjustable driver’s seat, the 2015 Forester includes heated front seats, reclining rear
By Agota Alvarez
seats, and accessibility at the driver’s fingertips via the steering wheel controls.
Drivers are able to enjoy available systems including HD Radio, Harman Kardon speakers, USB/iPod control, Bluetooth audio streaming connectivity, an available touch screen navigation system, and SiriusXM Satellite Radio.
In addition to entertainment technology, the new Forester uses its innovative technology to keep drivers safe. The Eyesight Driver Assist System uses two cameras mounted by the rearview mirror to monitor traffic. This system sounds an alert, and also provides a visual warning when it senses the danger of a collision. It includes a pre-collision braking system, pre-collision brake assist, and pre-collision throttle management to either apply the brakes automatically or control the throttle if a potential collision is imminent. Also, with a lane departure warning system, drivers are warned if they sway outside their lane.
“This is one of the safest vehicles on the road,” said Mr. Bregman. “We have a lot of very loyal Subaru customers, who keep their cars for many years and won’t drive anything else because of that.”
The Subaru Forester features a total of seven airbags including front, front seat side pelvis/torso, side-curtain and driver’s knee airbags. The advanced system uses an array of sensors to help deploy the airbags in the most effective way
possible.
Also, the ring-shaped reinforcement frame is designed to shield and protect in a collision. Made of high-tensile strength steel, it directs impact energy around the passenger compartment, rather than through it.
Sales Manager Sean Lucas agrees that the new Subaru Forester is the best all-around SUV for customers.
“The Forester is such a versatile vehicle,” said Mr. Lucas. “It’s really an everything SUV for everyone. The quality is unsurpassed. The safety features are outstanding, and it’s reliable. So it’s no wonder it’s won awards in almost every category.”
Coleman Subaru is located at 1710 North Olden Ave., Ewing. For information, call 877-470¬1831.