An unrivalled combination of safety, capability and reliability

Since its launch in 1997, the Subaru Forester has been a mainstay of the motoring world, with more than five million vehicles sold globally and over 400,000 cars shifted in Europe alone. The 2025 iteration keeps momentum by mixing refinement with ruggedness to become the perfect companion for adventure.

The new Forester has been redesigned to express its all-weather performance with cleaner, simpler, and more subtle styling. The vehicle offers improved drivability and increased on and off-road capability over the earlier model.

It matches Subaru’s iconic symmetrical, always-on, all-wheel drive system to an enhanced edition of the company’s renowned e-Boxer mild-hybrid power unit. It also boasts an improved X-mode terrain selection system and class-leading 220mm ground clearance.

The Forester offers three trim levels: Limited, Field, and Touring. The test subject here is the £42,995 top-of-the-line Touring model, which is attractive with its glossy blacked-out exterior trim and 19-inch alloy wheels.

Indeed, the Subaru impresses with its new looks at first glance. The front grille adds a sense of width and solidity, capped by slender signature lights and blackout headlamps that give it a contemporary feel. Fresh LED cornering lights also increase night-time visibility by lighting up the front of the vehicle while turning, helping you spot potential obstructions sooner.

The side is defined by sleek lines interrupted only by pleasingly sculpted wheel arches that accommodate attractive alloy wheels, contributing to the Forester’s robust appearance.

The large-opening tailgate provides a spacious cargo area, which we’ll discuss further in a bit. Plus, details, such as a hummingbird design on the windscreen and paw prints on the door trim, contribute to the Subaru’s lively personality.

The new Forester comes with an 11.6-inch Full HD infotainment touchscreen with a resolution of 1920×1080 to improve the usability of its features and controls. The system has increased connectivity through Apple CarPlay and Android Auto – and improved navigation compatible with what3words.

The Subaru’s 2.0-litre four-cylinder naturally aspirated engine delivers smooth acceleration and has gained more torque –  182Nm @ 4000 RPM. The X-mode is ideal for going off the tarmac – and has settings for stuff like mud and snow. And you’ll be glad that the front seats are designed to minimise fatigue and maximise comfort during long drives. The cabin also offers class-leading quietness thanks to active acoustic engineering. This serves to create a serene environment.

Functionally, the 2025 Forester boasts an impressive 508 litres of boot space, expandable to 1,720 litres when needed. Features like the hands-free powered tailgate with a kick sensor simplify loading and unloading.

The redesigned Forester’s permanent symmetrical all-wheel drive and specially engineered e-Boxer mild-hybrid powertrain manage the power split between the electric motor and engine through seamless switching between three driving modes: Engine, EV, and Motor Assist. This versatility enhances fuel efficiency according to driving conditions.

All Subaru Foresters have a factory warranty of three years or 60,000 miles. The traction battery has an eight-year or 100,000-mile warranty. Maintenance intervals are every 12,000 miles or once a year, whichever comes first.

Although it sells well globally, this model isn’t considered especially common in the UK compared with other vehicles, which adds to its appeal by ensuring you’ll stand out. Only time will reveal whether this sixth-generation Forester becomes the best-selling version to date.

Fast Facts

New 2025 Subaru Forester:

• • Max speed: 117 mph
  • 0-62 mph: 12.2 secs
  • Fuel economy: 34.9 mpg
  • Engine layout: 2.0-litre four-cylinder
  • Max. power (BHP): 134
  • CO2: 183 g/km
  • Price from: £42,995 – as tested (Touring model).

Available at RICHTOY, 1-2 King Street, Winterton, North Lincolnshire DN15 9RN. Tel: 01724 735282. www.richtoy.co.uk

A growing logistics firm in York is celebrating success after receiving a national award. Celkom Transport Ltd collected the ‘Brand Ambassador Award’ at a Shareholder Gala hosted by national pallet network Pallet-Track, held at Celtic Manor Resort in Newport.

The independent transport and warehousing company received the award in recognition of its efforts to build its reputation and promote its services. Celkom Transport was also highly commended for the Outstanding Growth Award, following a major expansion and investment in a new 50,000sq.ft. warehouse at its York site, which it has fully refurbished.

The new warehouse facility enables the business to provide greater storage and fulfilment options for its customers, while also creating five new jobs, as part of the company’s wider growth plans.

The York-based firm already provides an invaluable 24/7 operation for its customers, using a diverse transport service from vans to temperature-controlled HGVs.

Lukasz Komamicki, director at Celkom Transport, said: “We are proud to be awarded this trophy in recognition of our efforts to promote our services and the benefits of palletised freight distribution via the Pallet-Track network.

“We work hard to be brand ambassadors for the service Pallet-Track provides by educating our customers and supporting our fellow network members.  It is very rewarding to be recognised in this way and to be able to celebrate our success as a growing business.”

The awards for Celkom Transport celebrate its contribution to the national Pallet-Track network, which enables independent logistics and hauliers’ companies to work together to transport freight efficiently around the UK.

Stuart Godman, CEO of Pallet-Track, said: “Celkom Transport consistently goes the extra mile to promote its services and the Pallet-Track brand and network as a whole, so it’s little surprise they were, very deservingly, honoured with the Brand Ambassador Award at our recent Shareholder Gala.

“They have been committed to improving their own brand, while also supporting their fellow network Shareholder Members, demonstrating their use of marketing and branding for maximum impact, proving a valuable addition to the Pallet-Track network. Congratulations to Lukasz and the team at Celkom, who I am certain will continue with its trajectory of sustained growth as a very valued Shareholder Member of the Pallet-Track network.”