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Forester Turbo in 1 year
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Comments
http://www.autoweek.com/specials/2003_chicago/subaru/info.pdf
I'm very impressed, though there are some things that could have been even better:
* no VTD
* no Shiftronic for the auto
* no 5 speed with the Premium package
The first two would increase the price, so hopefully by not including those they can keep prices within $2 grand of the regular 2.5l models.
But lots and lots of pluses:
* major down-low torque
* less lag
* AVCS
* black/gray interior looks nice
* rims look better than those on the XS
* extra guages standard
This thing is gonna rule the small SUV segment, in terms of performance.
-juice
It's exactly what I want except:
1. The black interior! Gah! It's not always snow and ice around here. It will roast in summer.
2. No manual with the permium package ?!?! What ARE they thinking?
3. The engine is SO obviously de-tuned. I was hoping to at least match the 220hp of the L.L. Bean. My Saab has a 2.5 turbo and it cranks 240hp. I don't see 210 as exactly anemic but it could be much better.
Are these deal breakers? I doubt it. But it must come in some color other than black. I hate driving an oven. I will make a point to test drive it on a sweltering day.
I think the hp is listed as such to avoid drawing attention away from the H6 and the non-STi WRX. The torque is more important: the 0-60 in 6.1s says it all. I had hoped for 6.9, so I am just blown away.
- D
Not surprising since the Japanese have 2.0's putting out ~300 h.p. Yeah, it's definitely torquey though.
-Dennis
From the brochure it looks like all turbos are based on the XS in terms of packaging, with optional premium package (moonroof, and leather) available for the automatic. There are a few other things extra that add to the price (rear spoiler, 7speaker system, modified gauges). I don’t know if there is a consensus in the board about the pricing, but my guess is a street price of $1,500 more than the equivalent XS for the turbo, $500 for the higher value of the redesigned engine (new block, new pistons, new cam, and AVCS), and $500 for the above extras and styling enhancements.
For example, the lowest priced one would be the manual w/o premium package. The typical street price of the manual XS with $200 of options (air filter, cargo net, armrest extension, wheel locks) is $22,000 (see Edmunds’ TMV). So, you should end up with $24,500 (MSRP: $26,200) including destination charge.
Perhaps I am a little optimistic, but I think those could be realistic street prices a few weeks after release (when the initial euphoria has slowed down). Add ~$800 for an automatic transmission and $1,600 or so for the premium package with leather.
- D
And 210hp means affordable insurance, 235 lb-ft mean serious performance. Subaru is estimating 6.1 seconds to 60, that's not quick enough for ya? :-)
-juice
-Bob Cronin
-juice
Yep. I'm also not crazy about a black leather interior. However, the dealer in Chicago where I bought my '99 Forester typically has a local shop do the leather seats - so I know I could at least get different color seats.
From those, we were able to conclude that the redline is 6500 (higher than the SOHC 2.5l), the sway bars are the same, the exhaust looks different, etc.
Check under Owners Clubs, then Subaru Crew. Those are very active, fun topics. In fact we host a chat every week - tonight at 9pm EST.
-juice
-Bob
-Bob
-juice
Whatever rock or obstacle you hit would've ruined the front end of that Jetta too, maybe worse.
-juice
Speaking as someone who's owned both a Jetta and a Forester, I know which one I'd buy again.
Ed
-B
In the end, I think the Forester will appeal to the more practical/family buyers, while the WRX will sell to younger singles.
-juice
Of course over the life of the vehicle, I bet the Forester would have lower insurance rates, and a lot less stoplight challenges, although the WRX wagon is a bit better than the sedan in both respects.
Hmmmm...
-B
-juice
Plus you get twice the useful cargo space and a lot more torque at a more accessible rpm.
-juice
Doug
No moonroof with the 5 speed at first.
Tires are the same as the XS, so clearance is tight. You might have to go with Z-chains, meant for low-profile applications.
-juice
-B
-juice
comfortable seats, better odometer, map pockets in back of front seats, smoother stick shift, remote that opens and closes doors better, seat belts that retract, wheel wells / tires that take chains. For turbo cars, run on regular fuel, sunroof & stick combo. Most of this should be simple SOA, since you do so many things right.
And last I heard the PT Cruiser did not have AWD (and, I believe, has no independent rear suspension).
I don't think too many people will cross-shop these, but perhaps I am wrong.
- D
Hmm, I haven't considered the PT Turbo as a potential competitor. Guess so, at least outside the snow belt.
The PT is too trendy for me, more of a boutique car, I dunno.
-juice
-B
-juice
Bob
Ken
Bob
This would right on time for me as we need a second vehicle.
Damax07
The choices would be:
Impezza WRX wagon,
outback wagon,
forester xs or xt.
Thanks for any input.
Does any group do caravan trips?
I am in Fresno, and subies are not nearly as popular here as So Cal or Bay area. I do some "off roading" in agricultural areas, the XS is light and powerful. I could wish for a lower first gear for really bumpy terrain.
John
Is your forester a 5speed or automatic.
Do you know the published 0-60 time of the 165 hp forester 5 speed?
How is the Forester for comfort on a long trip?
How tall are you?
John
On the road, torque is good with my 5 speed. I've towed about 1500 pounds and had no trouble climing a steep hill near my house. It even managed to accelerate while pulling that load.
Note that even though it's a 4 banger, it'll outrun a lot of competing V6 models, like the Santa Fe, the Grand Vitara, and the XTerra. It is a 2.5l, which is about the size of many small V6s.
Now, you want more than adequate power to blow the competition away? Get in line for the XT model. 0-100kph has been estimated at 6.1 seconds, that puts it in the high 5 second range for 0-60mph.
That makes the regular 2.5l seem slow, but only comparatively.
It's fine on trips, I have plenty of room for my 6" 215lb body. We have 2 little kids so the back seat works fine for us.
-juice
- D.
If so, I want pictures and commentaries, and I want them NOW!!!
Heh, heh...
-Bob
http://www.subaruforester.ca/english/index.htm
-Bob
BTW, I asked SoA when they will have more specs, they answered in June, when the Forester will be available in the showrooms!
- D.
I am now seriously looking at alternatives. I have to get a new car soon.