2014 Subaru Forester

**LoBudget** · March 10th, 2013 11:15 PM

Originally Posted by istan

Test drove the XT. That HK sound system is still crappy. :/
Rest of the car, utilitarian.
The drive, awesome.

Same impression, but i dint try the radio. They only had the XT as a test drive so its no way to judge the base unit which is what we are considering buying. Acceleration is like whoa! They sales rep did say the suspension and drive feel is the same only the power is different. First time to drive CVT as well and it was not too noticeable to me since I drove it slow... the wife on the otherhand drove it harder.

**powerloord** · March 11th, 2013 03:28 PM

Motor Image Hong Kong's website has updated 2014 Forester features and specs:

SUBARU FORESTER - Introduction | Motor Image (Hong Kong)

**LoBudget** · March 11th, 2013 05:02 PM

Im confused, do they like it or not? Odd that they have a lot more options in Australia and they really limited the versions here to just the 2 like before. They could have made the reverse camera standard on both models though.

Subaru Forester XT Premium: review | carsguide.com.au

**NeilJohn** · March 11th, 2013 06:42 PM

They didn't. :D

Spent lots of time in Oz but I think its about the same everywhere with motoring journalists -- You have to read between the lines. Its a delicate balancing act between writing it as you see it and pleasing the brand enough to allow you to get test drive vehicles (read this from a motoring journalist somewhere else).

That's why I like this forum, reviewers like Niky Tamayo participate frequently and say things as he see it, but like everyone else's also has his bias (on the sporty side of things - the way I read it). One of the better writers in the Philippine motoring press too along with James Deakin and Tito Hermoso.

One of the rare times I saw/felt like I was reading an honest review was suzuki swift review by Vince ****elos -- he liked it much!

Anyway, if you are trying to convince yourself in getting a Subaru, head over to ************ as they like their Subaru's a lot.

Also looking at the XV and forester 2.0, both entry level and the mind says XV but the heart says CX-5 (Just felt better to drive -- properly tuned suspension according to my bum and nicely weighted steering).

OT na.

Originally Posted by LoBudget

Im confused, do they like it or not? Odd that they have a lot more options in Australia and they really limited the versions here to just the 2 like before. They could have made the reverse camera standard on both models though.

Subaru Forester XT Premium: review | carsguide.com.au

**Calistro** · March 12th, 2013 01:04 AM

+ 1 on the post above. I only buy Top Gear now for entertainment, reviews, much better to refer to this forum.

*SIr LoBudget, your inbox is full, can't reply =)

On Topic : The CVT's a hit or miss amongst most reviews I've come through, reading up on the XV when it was new. Seems like they just learn to live with it and enjoy the efficiency it brings.

**EQAddict** · March 12th, 2013 08:57 AM

240 hp only ? I thought it was 275 hp....

hmmm.

**cfule** · March 12th, 2013 10:19 AM

Originally Posted by EQAddict

240 hp only ? I thought it was 275 hp....

hmmm.

so what i saw sa draft brochure ng subaru alabang was indeed true, kala ko typo lang yung 240ps. i also thought that it is 280ps like in japan since ours is CBU from japan. and the US have 250hp. what gives bakit kaya 240ps lang? sa australia parang 240ps lang din.... does it have something to do with fuel octane? will it be 280ps if i load petron blaze?

**WilsonL** · March 12th, 2013 11:14 AM

Originally Posted by cfule

so what i saw sa draft brochure ng subaru alabang was indeed true, kala ko typo lang yung 240ps. i also thought that it is 280ps like in japan since ours is CBU from japan. and the US have 250hp. what gives bakit kaya 240ps lang? sa australia parang 240ps lang din.... does it have something to do with fuel octane? will it be 280ps if i load petron blaze?

Here's some info about fuel octane and engine performance from the 2014 forester owner's manual from Subaru's US website:

Fuel requirements:
-Non-turbo models
The engine is designed to operate using unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 87 AKI (90 RON) or higher.
-Turbo models
The engine is designed to operate at maximum performance using unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 93 AKI (98 RON) or higher. If 93 AKI (98 RON) fuel is not readily available, unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 91 AKI (95 RON) or higher may be used with no
detriment to engine durability or driveability. However, you may notice a slight decrease in maximum engine performance while using 91 AKI (95 RON) fuel. Regular unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 87 AKI (90 RON) or higher may also be used. Using regular unleaded
gasoline will not be detrimental to engine durability, nor will it affect your warranty coverage. However, depending on your driving habits and conditions, you may notice a decrease in maximum engine performance, fuel economy or slight engine vibration or knocking. If you experi-
ence any of these conditions while using a lower octane rated fuel, you may want to return to using 91 AKI (95 RON) octane rated fuel as soon as possible. Additionally, if your vehicle knocks heavily or persistently, or if you are driving with heavy loads such as when towing a trailer,
the use of 91 AKI (95 RON) or higher grade unleaded gasoline is required.

**cfule** · March 12th, 2013 12:11 PM

thanks for the info sir WilsonL!!! the question now is, at what RON of fuel did subaru based the 240ps? kung yun e same as xtra unleaded of petron, thats good. if i use xcs of petron, i might see some increase in hp

**LoBudget** · March 12th, 2013 06:04 PM

Originally Posted by cfule

thanks for the info sir WilsonL!!! the question now is, at what RON of fuel did subaru based the 240ps? kung yun e same as xtra unleaded of petron, thats good. if i use xcs of petron, i might see some increase in hp

I was also surprised with the HP rating... though from the quotation sent to me from BGC the XT is rated at 250HP the base is 150HP.