Topic: Day-by-Day Review: 2014 Subaru Forester 2.5i; Day 1

[Autos_Editor]

James spends a week in the new 2014 Subaru Forester 2.5i with the base 2.5L four-cylinder boxer engine and a new CVT that aims to reduce fuel consumption.
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[Ex-airbalancer]

From your picture, I see Subaru is all ready dipping into Toyota old parts bin
They must of got the  left over Corolla paint 

[sailor723]

From your picture, I see Subaru is all ready dipping into Toyota old parts bin
They must of got the  left over Corolla paint 

Funny, I was thinking along similar lines...... Subaru continuing their history of limited (and somewhat odd) colour options.....and... why do they insist on offering grey as the interior option for exterior colours that would look better with tan/parchment? 

[Solstice2006]

So if you didn't get the Convenience Package, that information screen at the top of the dash would be empty?

[wing]

No just smaller.

[libraman]

This got 35 miles per US gallon in Consumer Reports tests on the highway....6.7 litres per 100 km. I think it got 25 combined. They said it lost some driving pleasure though.

[blotter]

This got 35 miles per US gallon in Consumer Reports tests on the highway....6.7 litres per 100 km. I think it got 25 combined. They said it lost some driving pleasure though.

that beats my Matrix...
and has AWD, more power, more space.

[mixmanmash]

It's sad that the turbo doesn't come with a 6 speed manual anymore.  Not that it matters to most.

[Ex-airbalancer]

It's sad that the turbo doesn't come with a 6 speed manual anymore.  Not that it matters to most.

who is going to buy a manual in NA
There was only 3.8% of cars sold in NA with a manual

[carcrazed]

I am looking forward to the driving impressions with the NA engine.

I would pay $900 more for automatic climate control, power hatch, panoramic sunroof and more if I was buying this.

[johngenx]

What's with these stupid power hatches?  Honestly, if you can't muster the strength to open and close the hatch, maybe you're lacking the basic physical ability to drive?  The hatch on our Highlander is SO easy to open and close, it's amazing.  I have never once wished for a power operated liftgate.

[carcrazed]

What's with these stupid power hatches?  Honestly, if you can't muster the strength to open and close the hatch, maybe you're lacking the basic physical ability to drive?  The hatch on our Highlander is SO easy to open and close, it's amazing.  I have never once wished for a power operated liftgate.

You don't know what you're missing until you start using it and have to live without it. 

I said "I" would like to to get it.  I didn't say YOU should get it.

I don't see the need to question one's physical ability to drive for wanting an option.

FWIW, I'm pretty sure I have much more physical strength to operate a manual liftgate.

[dkaz]

I don't see the point of a button operated power liftgate since you'd have to put down what you're carrying to push the button, but when one is carrying heavy boxes, being able to wave your foot to open the liftgate seems like an awesome idea.

[wing]

Even with the button you can usually just hit it and go.  Much easier, although that said the Forester hatch is VERY light.

[carcrazed]

Even with the button you can usually just hit it and go.  Much easier, although that said the Forester hatch is VERY light.

It didn't seem that high when i checked it out at a dealership a few times.  I'd say the button is at round 6'3" high from the ground.

I don't see the point of a button operated power liftgate since you'd have to put down what you're carrying to push the button, but when one is carrying heavy boxes, being able to wave your foot to open the liftgate seems like an awesome idea.

The idea is that you can press a button on your remote, while holding your cargo, and have the hatch ready and open when you get to your car.  To close, you would press the button and go, or just sit in the driver's seat and close the hatch from there.

[sailor723]

What's with these stupid power hatches?  Honestly, if you can't muster the strength to open and close the hatch, maybe you're lacking the basic physical ability to drive?  The hatch on our Highlander is SO easy to open and close, it's amazing.  I have never once wished for a power operated liftgate.

I can muster the strength to roll up a window or push down four lock buttons one at a time but that doesn't mean I want to go back to crank windows or manual locks. I love the power tailgate on the ML.  (especially in the winter when it's covered in road grime.)

[blotter]

What's with these stupid power hatches?  Honestly, if you can't muster the strength to open and close the hatch, maybe you're lacking the basic physical ability to drive?  The hatch on our Highlander is SO easy to open and close, it's amazing.  I have never once wished for a power operated liftgate.

while I agree with you John and i've never used one.... i can see when this can be handy.
imagine yourself packing the Highlander before your next big climb, hands full and simply moving your foot under the bumper for it to open (a la, Ford commercial)

I would NEVER pay extra for this, but can see the very odd time it is handy.

[johngenx]

I've been on a bunch of trips with a Highlander equipped with the power gate, and didn't see the appeal, at all.  After using it, I wouldn't pay for one, and wouldn't want the extra weight/complexity.

[Solstice2006]

I agree with John as well, especially on sedans, my neighbours MB has it, and he pushes the button!  Its faster by hand.  Even if your hands are full, you need a hand to push a button on the keyfob.  And all these other sensors, everytime he washes the car, all I hear is beep beep every so often, so stupid.  I always slam the hatch on my moms Lexus 400, screw the button...

[jpd]

James, if you don't mind please also check the oil consumption at the end of the week!