JohnA
Forum Member
I've driven both side by side
As my bro in law has a 2006 XS. The old shape and suspension definitely is better on the road in terms of handling. Off road I think my 09 is superior - it's not just got more stroke in the suspension, the whole feel is more forgiving.
Interestingly, I get better mileage than he does. I've done Canberra to Sydney at 120 on the freeway and averaged 7.6 per hundred, though there's some assistance from gravity along the way. I find at around 100 kays on the open road I can get consumption down around 7l per hundred and cruising at 90 on a freeway I've used 6.6l over a 100-odd km circuit. That's pretty good, I think. Better than I was expecting when I bought the car, though I admit in traffic, the forester can get up into the mid 9s.
Shame you don't like the new shape. I like both but I find the big simple interior of the 09 suits me and my messy habits very well. Given the footprint of the Forester is the Impreza, it's certainly not a huge car, the 09 - taller but not much bigger.
I don't know how much more efficient the 2.0 litre is but I understand that's the engine they offer in the UK. Go figure.
Personally I wish they made the current body shape with a more powerful 2L diesel, a bigger tank, a stock snorkel, a lift, underbody protection and a proper low range - along with a notchless 6-speed gear box.
Why only offer the diesel as an upgrade with a $2500 sound system and those weird half leather seats? It's ridiculous. Since when was a diesel a luxury item?
Dumb.
As my bro in law has a 2006 XS. The old shape and suspension definitely is better on the road in terms of handling. Off road I think my 09 is superior - it's not just got more stroke in the suspension, the whole feel is more forgiving.
Interestingly, I get better mileage than he does. I've done Canberra to Sydney at 120 on the freeway and averaged 7.6 per hundred, though there's some assistance from gravity along the way. I find at around 100 kays on the open road I can get consumption down around 7l per hundred and cruising at 90 on a freeway I've used 6.6l over a 100-odd km circuit. That's pretty good, I think. Better than I was expecting when I bought the car, though I admit in traffic, the forester can get up into the mid 9s.
Shame you don't like the new shape. I like both but I find the big simple interior of the 09 suits me and my messy habits very well. Given the footprint of the Forester is the Impreza, it's certainly not a huge car, the 09 - taller but not much bigger.
I don't know how much more efficient the 2.0 litre is but I understand that's the engine they offer in the UK. Go figure.
Personally I wish they made the current body shape with a more powerful 2L diesel, a bigger tank, a stock snorkel, a lift, underbody protection and a proper low range - along with a notchless 6-speed gear box.
Why only offer the diesel as an upgrade with a $2500 sound system and those weird half leather seats? It's ridiculous. Since when was a diesel a luxury item?
Dumb.