The reason why people prefer SUV models is because it has high space utilization, good passability, and it is easy to face light off-road self-driving tours. The 200,000 yuan level is the most competitive segment in the SUV field, and consumers expect this level of model to have balanced performance and performance in all aspects.
The successful holding of the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics has made many friends' enthusiasm for "ice and snow" unprecedentedly high. Driving in a snowy environment is also a pleasure, but at the same time, it also puts forward higher requirements for the performance of the vehicle, and the four-wheel drive system, driving control performance and tire configuration are all crucial safety factors.
When it comes to driving control and fun, it is necessary to mention the Subaru Forester, a 200,000-level compact SUV, whether driving in snow or other complex road conditions, foresters have a good driving performance.
01
Inherit the advantages, the persistent pursuit of performance
Some people say that if you let JDM players choose the most "fun" SUV model, the forest will most likely become their only choice. What do you mean by that? The Foresters' predecessor was forester racing, and the Foresters set a new record with an average speed of 180.082km/h in the Hulman Trophy 24 Hours in the T-1 category in the United States that year; since then, the Foresters have walked firmly along the performance route.
First-generation models (1997–2002)
In 1997, the first generation of foresters was launched in Japan, and the design of wide and regular windows allowed drivers to have a good and wide view.
The first generation of foresters offered two displacements with a total of 3 horizontally opposed engines to choose from, offering a 2.0L engine in naturally aspirated and turbocharged versions, while the 2.5L engine used the same horizontally opposed engine of the Lishi model at that time.
In addition, the first generation of foresters also equipped with a suspension combination of front McPherson + rear double linkage, and a left-right symmetrical four-wheel drive system.
Second-generation models (2002–2007)
In 2002, the second generation of foresters debuted, the following year official mass production and listing, it continues to take into account the home and performance, although the appearance has not changed dramatically, but the use of aluminum alloy hood, perforated beams and other ways to skillfully reduce the weight of the body, so that the second generation of foresters have a good improvement in control.
The second generation of Forester offers a total of 4 engines in two displacements, including 2.0L naturally aspirated, 2.0L turbocharged, 2.5L naturally aspirated and 2.5L turbocharged. For the 2.5L engine, Subaru also used a reinforced and widened timing belt with a specially customized maintenance plan.
Third-generation model (2007–2012)
In 2007, the third generation of foresters increased the wheelbase to 2615mm and the ground clearance to 215mm, becoming a pure SUV. The interior design is more in line with the aesthetics of the public, and the storage compartment is added, which enhances the overall practicality.
It is worth mentioning that the full-time four-wheel drive system on the third generation of foresters is divided into three versions, and the type of gearbox determines the matching form of the four-wheel drive system. Among them, the 5-speed automatic transmission is equipped with a multi-mode DCCD central multi-plate clutch and a variable torque distribution four-wheel drive system from the Impreza WRX STI equipped with a multi-mode DCCD central multi-plate clutch and a composite planetary gear differential.
4th Generation Models (2012-2018)
In 2012, the fourth generation of foresters has improved their design, texture and comfort. It is worth mentioning that the safety configuration in this generation of models is a highlight, the connection of the body-in-white has been strengthened, the strength of the vehicle's anti-torsion and deformation resistance has been increased, and safety equipment such as knee airbags, pedestrian detection systems, collision warning brakes and lane departure reminders has been increased.
In terms of driving control, the fourth generation of foresters is equipped with the "X-MODE" auxiliary driving system, which will comprehensively control the engine, gearbox, braking system and other hardware, so that the left-right symmetrical full-time four-wheel drive system inherited can be maximized.
5th Generation Models (2018–present)
In 2018, the fifth generation of foresters was fully upgraded, and the interior continued the design of the upper and lower dual screens, and the configuration was also increased. During the 2021 Guangzhou Auto Show, Subaru also brought 2022 Foresters, with a total of 4 models to choose from, and the official guidance price was 22.38-26.58 million yuan.
In terms of appearance, the front face of the 2022 Forester is more layered, while the headlights on both sides are more avant-garde, and the C-type day running lights increase the sense of movement of the front of the car. The interior is still symmetrically laid out, with clear functional partitions and gesture control on the screen, which allows the air conditioning temperature to be adjusted through gestures. It is worth mentioning that the forester continues the wide interior vision design, and the blind area of its A-pillar is very small, and at the same time, it is also equipped with small triangular windows.
In terms of space, the 2022 Forester rear seats support a 4/6 ratio of reclining, making it easy to place longer items; it is worth mentioning that the side of the trunk is covered with easy-to-wipe and durable materials, equipped with 12V power supply, rear seat folding switch, bag hook and intelligent power tailgate.
In terms of configuration, the 2022 Forester is equipped with seat heating, pedestrian protection airbags, driver monitoring system, EyeSight driver assistance system and so on. Among them, in addition to prompting the driver when he is drowsy and inattentive, the driver monitoring system can also be linked with the facial recognition system, which can identify up to five set drivers and automatically adjust driver preferences, such as seat position, rearview mirror angle and air conditioning settings, etc., and can also display personal fuel consumption information. The next-generation EyeSight Driver Assistance system includes collision prevention technology, emergency automatic steering assistance, full-speed adaptive cruise control, lane centering/forward car steering, start throttle misoperation prevention, lane departure correction assistance, and alarm and alert functions.
Of course, the 2022 Forester safety system is more than that, there are active safety systems including active torque guidance system, automatic parking function, vehicle dynamic control system, and passive safety configuration includes collision protection measures, safety auxiliary restraint system, high-strength ring frame, seat belt with locking tongue plate, etc.
02
Hardware and software go hand in hand to conquer snow and ice road conditions
In the 200,000-yuan-level compact SUV market, there is no shortage of balanced models, such as honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4 Rongfang, Nissan X-Trail, etc., as urban SUVs, they are mainly for home use, smooth power, comfortable driving, good space, but lacking in driving pleasure.
Also as a Japanese brand, Subaru is somewhat different from "two fields and one production" in tone, subaru pays more attention to the handling and driving experience of the vehicle, of which the forester combines many advantages. Based on Subaru's global platform, the 2022 Forester optimizes the body, chassis and other structures and suspension systems, allowing foresters to get a lower center of gravity and less noise in the car, thereby improving the driving experience.
Looking at the other models in the same class, most of them use in-line 4-cylinder engines, and their balance is not as good as that of horizontally opposed engines. The cylinders of the horizontally opposed engine are arranged horizontally on both sides of the crankshaft, and the pistons can eliminate the reaction force of each other's inertia when the pistons are moving in opposite directions, reducing the vibration and noise of the engine.
Since the first generation of models, the Forester has been equipped with a left-right symmetrical full-time four-wheel drive system. In order to make the balance of the vehicle better, the drive shaft layout of the four-wheel drive system is in the center of the vehicle, and the drive is arranged symmetrically between the front and rear axles in a straight line, left and right, which has better driving stability than the general transverse engine four-wheel drive system.
It is equipped with an upgraded version of the "X-MODE" system and is available as "SNOW/DIRT" and "DEEP SNOW/MUD". When the tire is facing the danger of idling, the system intervenes quickly and distributes the power to the adhesion tire, helping the vehicle to get out of danger as soon as possible and dealing with ice and snow roads more calmly.
The 2022 Forester upgraded the off-road parameters of the body, with a front approach angle of 21.5 degrees, a rear departure angle of 25.8 degrees, and a longitudinal passage angle of 21.5 degrees, and a minimum ground clearance increased to 220mm. (Note: The off-road parameters of different models will vary, but the overall difference is not large.) ）
Although most of the models in this class are mainly urban driving, better passability and stronger off-road performance can bring more possibilities for car life.
03
What are the odds of competing with the same class?
As mentioned earlier, there are many compact SUVs available at the 200,000 yuan level, and most of them are known for their practicality and balanced configuration. The Honda CR-V is a big hit at this level, known for its space, while the Toyota RAV4 Rongfang inherits the balanced performance of the Toyota model and gives the impression of moderation.
Honda CR-V
Toyota RAV4 boom
Consumers at this level pay the most attention to space performance, and the body size has a great impact on the seating space, and the length, height and wheelbase of the Forester's body have a good performance.
In terms of appearance and interior, the configuration of the three models has reached the mainstream level of this level, such as electric trunk, leather steering wheel, LED headlights and adaptive near and far beam lights, etc. are equipped in place, in addition, the Forester is also equipped with AFS follow-up steering headlights function, which is honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4 Rongfang do not have the configuration.
In terms of comfort configuration, the three models have their own advantages, foresters are equipped with front electric seats, rearview mirror reversing automatic down, rearview mirror memory, dual-zone automatic air conditioning, rear privacy glass, rain induction wiper. In this regard, the configuration performance of the Toyota RAV4 Rongfang is slightly inferior to that of the Foresters and Honda CR-V.
In terms of intelligent technology, the performance of forest people is still good, equipped with full-speed adaptive cruise, blind spot image on the side of the car, steep slope slow descent, 8-inch central control large screen (support carPlay mobile phone interconnection), face recognition and other functions. It is worth mentioning that the "X-MODE" and four-wheel drive system are equipped to allow foresters to have terrain mode switching functions such as snow, and the off-road performance is better.
04
Foresters break the circle with strength?
Foresters tell us with strength: entry is high matching. Although the starting price of the joint venture model of the same level is about 170,000 yuan, the actual volume is mainly based on the medium-sized model, and the price has also gone to about 220,000 yuan, which is equivalent to the starting price of the forester. In addition, among the models in the same price range, the Forester has a richer configuration, especially in terms of safety and driver assistance systems.
While other models are more focused on space and weaker handling, the Foresters still insist on optimizing handling. Thanks to Subaru's global platform, horizontally opposed engines and excellent chassis tuning, the Foresters have an excellent driving performance.
Forester believes that it is not a simple commuter car from point A to point B, but a partner who can communicate with the owner and bring driving pleasure to the owner.
The left-right symmetrical full-time all-wheel drive system cooperates with the "X-MODE" function to maintain good stability and safety when driving on deep snow, dirt roads or gravel-covered roads, and with the steep slope slow descent control function, it can maintain a constant speed and safe driving even if it encounters a wet and slippery slope.
The strength of the model product is beyond doubt, what is the pre-sales and after-sales service of Subaru? According to the official announcement, from January 1, 2022 to June 30, 2022, the replacement or purchase of the same brand model car can enjoy a replacement / additional purchase subsidy of 5,000 yuan (for details, please consult subaru authorized dealers).
It is worth mentioning that Subaru officially launched a free basic maintenance policy of 15 times within 5 years/75,000 km for the Forester and other Subaru models; at the same time, it also provides a brand extension service of up to 6 years or 200,000 km; interested friends may wish to visit the local dealer to find out.
05
Write at the end
Compared with the same level of SUV models, the 2022 Forester's shape is more off-road, and the rigid and soft line design with black + silver surrounded guard plate gives people the impression of "born to go off-road". Interior design is like an insistence on performance, the symmetrical center console design of the 2022 Forester makes many "obsessive-compulsive patients" feel comfortable, and a lot of high-grade wrapping materials are added to the car to add a luxurious atmosphere.
"Symmetrical design" is not limited to the interior, but also Subaru's unique horizontally opposed engine, left-right symmetrical full-time four-wheel drive system, all the persistence is for better performance, so the attitude of car building is really admirable. If you are tired of the boring driving of ordinary urban SUVs, have higher requirements for off-road performance and control, and attach great importance to practicality, I believe that the forester will make you satisfied.