The time has come, to return the key to this astonishing ride. 7 days has come and go, but the memories will be deep in us both. The Forester literally changed our lives, for the time we spent together. We were really getting used to life with the Forester and I wished "He"(Yes, we gave it a gender and a name) wasn't such a easy and charming car to drive because parting wasn't easy at all. We kinda treated the Forester like our baby, spending a few unforgettable moments together during our short acquaintance. "He" seemed to fit right straight into our lives as if we were meant to be. And "He" seemed to have cured the missus's motion sickness in such a short while.
If I had to give the Forester a score, I can't(mere numbers don't mean anything) but what I can give, is a picture of what this beautiful car has to offer. Everything, from the comfort to the drive was pitch perfect. You'd be so proud of owning a Forester, that sometimes, it brings out the foolishness in you. While choosing for a lot around my carpark , I spotted a silver 2.0L Forester and parked right beside it. Don't ask me why, because I don't know the answer either.
The ample space in the back seats, the plush leather seats, the behemoth trunk, the waist high ride, the super sweet gear box and the sleek handsome lines are just SOME of the highlights what this car brings with it. And don't forget, IT'S A SUBARU.
For the potential buyers out there considering the Forester, I'll give some simple ratings of my humble opinion to provide the extra teeny weeny push for you to make the decision much easier.
The Exterior: 5 Stars
What more can you ask for? With that large chrome grill and sleek lines coupled with a pair of beautiful head lights, not to mention the very useful fog lights, it's simply dripping with elegance and poise from every single angle. I pity the drivers behind as they can only stare jealously at the dual mufflers pointing right at them.
The Interior: 5 Stars
Plush leather seats really pamper the passengers in the Forester to the extent that you'll be wishing your office chair to be of same quality. The blue illumination was a pretty soothing touch to the cabin and all round storage areas for cups and personal belongings were pretty sufficient. The way you'll be able to customize the layout for the back seats further enhances the practicality of this all rounder.
Stability: 4.5 Stars
After all, it doesn't have a low centre of gravity(ain't gonna mean much, if you're already in the market for a SUV). But body roll would be kept at a minimum due to the superb chassis and suspension system. I even read on the Forester's product page that all Foresters feature a Vehicle Dynamic Control System which is basically, the brains behind the brilliant drive. Seems like F1 technology if you ask me. Take a read at the product page and you'll be blown away by the technology loaded into this beast.
Boot Space: 4.99 Stars
This is where the Forester shines. That boot can gobble up anything you throw at it! Trust me, I tried and there was still space to fit half of Manhattan. It's pretty mind boggling considering the leg room and space for the back seat space wasn't compromised at all. The wide opening of the tailgate further sweetens the deal. The last 0.01 of a Star wasn't awarded because the tailgate can't be popped open remotely(or so on my Forester).
Drive-ability: 5 Stars
The drive is beyond words. You need to test drive one to understand what I'm going at. The steering wheel is my personal favourite. Point and shoot is what I'll describe it if I had to. And the size of the Forester really isn't that daunting to drive in tight places, multi storey carparks and tight winding road leading up to some shopping malls carparks.Most of the time, I'm using only 1 hand to pilot the beast. Parking wasn't much of a problem with the huge side mirrors and accurate reverse sensors. It fits perfectly into a standard parking lot coupled with the automatic folding side mirrors.
There's all I have to say before the missus complains that I'm showing more love for the Forester then her. For those who can afford it, I'll say go ahead and get it. The faster you make up your mind, the sooner you can enjoy this awesome driving machine. As for me, it's off to the Toto queue!
