The 2024 Subaru Forester Sport 2.0i with EyeSight blends rugged capability with a sporty flair, making it a compelling choice for adventurous drivers. This isn’t your average Forester. The “Sport” designation adds a touch of excitement without sacrificing the practicality that Subaru is known for.
Standing Out From the Pack
My test vehicle arrived in a stunning Crystal White Pearl paint job, accented by the black 18-inch alloy rims. These rims, coupled with the orange accents sprinkled throughout the exterior, give the Forester Sport a sense of purpose and a hint of speed. At 4,640mm long, 1,815mm wide, and 1,730mm tall, it offers a commanding view of the road while maintaining a manageable size for navigating city streets. With a 220mm ground clearance and a 2,670mm wheelbase, it is clear that this Forester isn’t afraid to get down and dirty when needed.
A handy feature, often overlooked, is the 63-litre fuel tank, perfect for those longer road trips where gas stations may be few and far between.
A Sporty Haven Awaits Inside
Stepping inside the Forester Sport, you are greeted by a surprisingly spacious cabin. The headroom is impressive, ensuring comfort for even the tallest passengers. A major highlight for me was the large, retractable cargo cover. This is a fantastic addition for keeping your belongings hidden and secure, especially when venturing out on adventures.
The interior continues the sporty theme, with bold orange stitching adorning the seats, steering wheel, and gear lever. This colour scheme may remind you of the Ford Ranger Wildtrak but with a distinctly Subaru touch. One other noteworthy feature is the expansive sliding glass sunroof, perfect for bringing the outdoors in on beautiful days.
A Capable Companion on the Road
The “Sport” designation translates into a more spirited driving experience. The 2.0-litre engine delivers 156 horsepower and 196 Nm of torque, providing enough pep to navigate highways and twisty mountain roads with confidence. And for those who enjoy a more engaged driving experience, paddle shifters are readily available.
Subaru’s legendary Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD) ensures that you have ample traction in all weather conditions. Hill climbing is a breeze with the auto vehicle hold function, which keeps the car stationary even on inclines.
Safety is paramount with Subaru, and the Forester Sport boasts a suite of advanced driver-assistance features under the EyeSight umbrella. This includes a rearview camera, front-view camera, side-view cameras, auto rain-sensing windshield wipers, and headlights with auto levelling. These features work seamlessly together to give you peace of mind behind the wheel, especially during challenging nighttime drives.
The adjustable steering wheel ensures that you can find the perfect driving position for maximum comfort. While navigating the winding roads of Mount Rosser at night, the auto-levelling headlights provided excellent visibility around every bend.
The Verdict: A compelling Blend
The 2024 Subaru Forester Sport is a compelling choice for drivers who crave a blend of sporty aesthetics, practicality, and safety. It offers enough capability to handle off-road adventures while maintaining a comfortable and stylish interior. With its impressive suite of driver-assistance features and a peppy engine, the Forester Sport is a well-rounded package for the active driver.
Vehicle was provided courtesy of Kingston Industrial Garage Ltd, 923-6479, [email protected]
Price of tested model: $9.85m
Price Range/ Options: Mid Spec $8.725m, High Spec $9.475m, High w/Eyesight $10.2m
Engine: 2 litre
Power: 156 hp
Torque: 196 Nm of torque
Transmission: AWD
Fuel tank: 63-litre
Gas consumption: 7.29 km/ l
Body Type: Compact SUV
Competition: Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Mazda CX-5, Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage