German Car Zone

Clearcut: Soaring Fuel Prices and a Fizzling Economy Have Made It a Jungle Out There, But This Year's Winner Is Easy to See for the Trees


It would be easy to say that this year's winner is a knee-jerk reaction, that the editors of Motor Trend responded to the skyrocketing cost of gasoline like the rest of the driving public by abruptly abandoning the traditional SUV formula for something smaller, more fuel-efficient, greener, more, well, forest-y. It would be easy to categorize our selection of the Subaru Forester as Motor Trend's 2009 Sport/Utility of the Year as a choice made solely at the pump, but it wouldn't be true.

Sure, our Subaru Forester 2.5XT contender posted the best observed fuel-economy numbers (16.0 mpg) for an all-wheel-drive SUV in this year's competition, but that's not the whole story.

So how does a small, quirky, former airplane manufacturer from the Gunma prefecture of Japan finish first among surprise offerings from established players and bold moves by newcomers? How does it beat a chest-thumping, head-turning macho mobile known as the BMW X6? How, when Ford wraps stylish sheetmetal around a Gulfstream V interior and calls it Flex? How can it win, when Kia serves notice to the entire category with its own body-on-frame, V-8-powered Borrego, and Infiniti conjures up seven-speed transmissions and jaw-dropping bird's-eye-view monitoring systems?


Full Article: 2009 Subaru Forester - 2009 Motor Trend Sport/Utility Of The Year - Motor Trend


M

Martin, congats on the new Subie.

M

^ Thanks Marcus, but we haven't got it yet - we're holding thumbs that there'll be sufficient stock availability! Can you imagine... a waiting list on a Forester. The irony.

Well they're unique cars so I can see it. Kinda like what Saabs used to be, characterful and different enough to stand out.

M

Well folks... it is done. I took delivery of a demo model Forester XT in pearlescent white today. Black interior, Xenons, 2600 km on the clock - got a good deal all in all.

Good bye to cherished SLY - you were an absolute star! I hope you make your new owner as happy and engaged as me.

I haven't got the camera here - heck I still owe you guys pics from JIMS auto show - but I hope to post pics soon.

All the best, my friend! Hope it's gonna serve you just like the old one!

Many happy miles!

Congratulations again, Martin! I can only imagine how great you must feel right now! Enjoy it!

Well, congrats from me too! I know that you will just enjoy the car as much as you can!

Many happy and safe miles my friend!

Congrats Martin , since i bought my first Japanese car (and one that's actually made in a Japanese factory also) last year and i 'm really happy with it i think that you made (once more) a wise choise.

Those who speak about cheap plastics obviously haven't seen how mediocre the build quality is in the VW Tiguan , Ford Kuga or the Opel Antara. I would take a Forester over those three in an instant...

Thanks all.

Yannis look, the plastics are downright shite. But build quality and refinement are top-notch. Controls as usual are precise and nice to use; steering's a bit light and the rear axle's springs are too soft. One can just feel that the car's put together properly. Yes, it's Japanese and yes, it doesn't carry the on-road presence of a Q5 or GLK but it's my third turbo Forester now and that's the faith that I place in the product.

But the benefits for the family are huge; much better interior space, better std equipment [even the sound system's got some good quality! ] much more comfortable ride and still some good enough handling to keep me entertained.

It's distinctly less grunty than the old car, more sedate (definitely a little slower) and less of a hooligan. But then again, I'm also getting on and such antics in an SUV are rather unbecoming in any event. It's a great lifestyle vehicle - truly the best of both worlds.

Mozambique: Here. I. Come.