Crossover ("all-terrain vehicle" in the station wagon with all-wheel drive) Subaru Forester SF (first generation) was built on the basis of the Subaru Impreza. The concept car was shown at the 1995 Tokyo Motor Show and was designated Sutoriga. The car was launched in 1996, serial production from 1997 to 2001, and since 2002 the second generation Forester SG has replaced the 1st generation Subaru Forester.
Subaru Forester SF (1st generation) in the late nineties of the last century became a noticeable phenomenon in the automotive world. The class of the car was then difficult to determine unambiguously: the high ground clearance (190 mm) and all-wheel drive made it possible to classify the Subaru Forester SF as an SUV, and the bodywork as a station wagon. The developers themselves emphasized that this car combines the advantages of a passenger car and an SUV. In general, the Subaru Forester is a crossover that appeared even before this type of car was defined as a class.
By body type, the car belongs to five-door, five-seater station wagons, and in appearance, the Subaru Forester SF, thanks to its low body, looks more like a station wagon than an SUV. The car has rather large overhangs. At the same time, the rear optics are not expressive enough. Although: halogen headlights (equipped with an auto-corrector), foglights, an original body shape and roof rails somehow smooth out the overall picture. But the feeling of some understatement remains.
The body of the 1st generation Subaru Forester car was made of metal, which is double galvanized. As a result, the crossover has excellent corrosion resistance.
The dimensions of the Subaru Forester SF are as follows:
- length - 4450 mm;
- width - 1735 mm;
- height - 1590 mm;
- wheelbase - 2525 mm.
The interior of the Subaru Forester SF is distinguished by a high seating position, a comfortable and practical interior. For the interior trim, plastic was used, the quality of which raises no objections.
The default trunk volume of this car is not very large (corresponds to the trunk volume of a sedan) - only 410 liters. But if you fold out the rear seat, then the volume of the cargo compartment increases to 1530 liters.
Side windows without frames look spectacular, increasing the glass area and visibility.
The car is distinguished by well-thought-out ergonomics, characterized by Japanese minimalism. Everything is taken into account to the smallest detail.
We also note the rich configuration of the Subaru Forester SF5 / SF4. Basic options include power windows, heated rear windows, stereo, cruise control, air conditioning and central locking.
Specifications. Initially, the Subaru Forester SF was fitted with four-cylinder gasoline flat-box engines with a volume of two and two and a half liters and a capacity of 115 and 165 horsepower. A little later, turbocharged engines appeared, which had a capacity of 175 horses. The engines have distributed injection and run on A-95 gasoline. Boxer engines are characterized by a low center of gravity and compactness (due to their design features). The gas distribution mechanism of the motors is equipped with a toothed belt, it is characterized by increased reliability of the cylinder head.
Subaru Forester SF with turbocharged engine can be distinguished on the road by a characteristic detail on the hood - an oversized air intake. In some cases, you can still find a nameplate in the form of the Latin letter "F" on the radiator grille.
The gearbox was installed on cars of two types. It could be either a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic.
The all-wheel drive system is distinguished by its reliability, practicality and unique design, including viscous coupling and a number of other elements. Some modifications are equipped with a limited-slip differential and a reduction gear (demultiplier).
Some modifications are equipped with an anti-rollback system, which facilitates the start of the uphill movement.
The front suspension on the 1st generation Subaru Forester was installed by MacPherson, the rear suspension was double-wishbone, with a double wishbone.
The steering is equipped with a power steering and is made as a gear-rack.
The braking system consists of front ventilated disc brakes and rear drum brakes. The vehicle is equipped with an anti-lock braking system (ABS). In the luxury configuration, the rear brakes are disc brakes.
The maximum speed, fuel consumption, dynamic characteristics of various trim levels of the Subaru Forester SF differ and depend directly on which engine is installed.
The total curb weight of the car is 1380 kg with a permissible total weight of 1860 kg.
Wheels on the crossover were installed fifteen-inch, type 205 / 70R15. There are modifications that are equipped with 16-inch wheels.
The performance and driving characteristics (test drive) of the Subaru Forester SF are quite unique. On the one hand, this is a passenger car (a station wagon built on the basis of a passenger car), which is distinguished by minimal rolls, high directional stability, informative steering and good dynamic characteristics ... but, on the other hand, when driving off-road, all the charms of the suspension are immediately visible , which in this car is practically "unkillable", capable of withstanding a lot. Affected by the fact that the designers who prepare cars for rally races took part in the development of the car.
