A new Subaru Forester arrived in September – the Forester has been around a long time and the fifth generation is a big step up– quickly recognized by the marketplace – in August the previous model gained just 352 sales, the new model last month achieved 1792, making it the No.2 selling medium SUV behind the Mazda CX-5. New Forester is loaded with new technology, bigger in the cabin, and now with just one naturally aspirated 2.5-litre petrol engine, a revamped seven-step CVT automatic and all-wheel-drive prices that now starting from $37,990 drive-away, a price lift of $3,390. I tested the top-line 2.5i-S at $41,490 which has all the bells and whistles – technically impressive with a body that differs little visually but which offers new found cabin width and rear storage. Still, one of the few medium SUV with a full–sized spare. This latest Subaru Forester offers much polish on road, ride and steering give it a real quality feel. This fifth generation model will no doubt once again lift its popularity. From my point of view it’s a shame Subaru has not freshened it more from a styling sense. The dash and instrumentation is also very busy with too many surfaces and finishes. This aside, the new its a big step up. Subaru’s always have a robust well-built feel and the build quality on the 2.5i-S was top notch. One aside, I always find Subaru’s have an unusual smell particularly when they’ve been in the sun – perhaps the polymers coming out of the vinyl coverings. I’m David Berthon

Download this podcast here