Subaru Forester (02-08) - Review

Rear seating is tight for three adults and head and legroom aren't overly generous in the back, but are fine in the front. Refinement is good - although you'll get to enjoy the throaty engine note if you're working it hard. The ride is generally good, but given the performance potential of the high performance models in particular, it has the potential unsettle passengers.

The boot is only a little bigger than that of a Ford Focus, but it should cope with most family needs and the rear seat backs split/fold and when fully flattened the cargo capacity is significantly greater than that of a typical hatchback.

The exterior theme continues inside, being sturdy, practical and comfortable rather than stylish or sport - but it's starting to look dated. It is more akin to an off-roader than a saloon, although the driving position is not quite so high up. The front seats have arm rests, and there are plenty of practical touches like a large dash-mounted lidded storage bin and multiple cargo nets throughout the cabin. All but the most basic model have a glass sunroof that stretches back over the rear seats to create a more open feel.