By Xolile Hopa

The Sport and Premium sit at the upper end of the Subaru Forester range. Both share the same engine, all-wheel drive and practical SUV body. The Sport adds a more rugged look, while the Premium focuses on comfort.

Both models get LED headlamps, a roof spoiler, rain-sensing wipers and a power sliding sunroof, but each has its own look. The Sport rides on 18-inch black alloy wheels and adds matt black ladder-style roof rails and gloss charcoal mirrors for an outdoorsy feel. The Premium opts for 18-inch black and silver machined alloys, low-profile roof rails and gloss black mirrors for a more polished finish.

Inside

Standard equipment includes keyless entry, push-button start, a powered tailgate with kick sensor, dual-zone air conditioning, paddle shifters, a 10-way power driver’s seat and rear seat ventilation. Both have an 11.6-inch touchscreen with voice control.

Engine and performance

Whether you choose the Sport or the Premium, the drivetrain is the same: a 2.5-litre Boxer petrol engine and a Lineartronic CVT producing 136 kW and 247 N.m. Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive with Active Torque Split sends the power to all four wheels. Both reach 100 km/h in 9.7 seconds, consume 7.9 L/100 km on the combined cycle and emit 180 g/km of CO2.

Space and practicality

Both measure 4,655 mm long, 1,830 mm wide and 1,730 mm tall, with 220 mm of ground clearance. Boot space is 496 litres with the rear seats up and 1,174 litres with the 60/40 split seats folded. Maximum towing capacity is 1,500 kg.When the road gets rough, X-Mode with Hill Descent Control is there as standard.

Safety

Subaru’s Eyesight technology is standard on both. It includes Pre-Collision Braking, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Centring Control and Autonomous Emergency Steering. Both also have Blind Spot Monitoring, Reverse Automatic Braking, front and reverse cameras and a full set of airbags, including a driver’s knee airbag and a far-side airbag. ISOFIX anchors are fitted for child seats.

Warranty and service

Ownership is backed by a five-year/150,000 km warranty and Subaru Assist on both the Sport and Premium. Each also comes with a five-year/105,000 km maintenance plan, and services are due every 15,000 km.