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Subaru Driving experience
 

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THE REAL DEAL

Subaru’s Forester is renowned as the crossover vehicle which sets the standard in the class, constantly repositioning the goalposts – rather than just moving them – which define compact SUVs. And Subaru continues to take the high ground in the segment thanks to a unique design philosophy which enables the Forester to comfortably straddle traditional segments without compromise: no other Brand enjoys the dynamic advantage that comes from combining Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and horizontally-opposed Boxer™ powerplants.

As in the past the Forester shares its basic platform architecture with the Impreza and this translates into a significantly enhanced level of refinement and passive safety, while both ride comfort and luggage volume benefit from an especially compact multi-link rear suspension design. The 2008 Forester is a generously-proportioned vehicle and is longer, wider and higher than its predecessor. A growth of 90 mm in the wheelbase and 45 mm in the door to door measure makes it one of the most spacious in the class. Some of the increase in overall height is as a result of more ground clearance, confirming the Forester’s status as a vehicle which is not confined to just the occasional rutted dirt road.

The Forester stands out from the compact SUV crowd thanks to a number of unique attributes, not least of all the fitment of a low-range transfer case to manual transmission normally-aspirated versions, as well as the option of a potent, 2.5-litre turbocharged powerplant.

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Driving in Snow and Ice

 
While driving in the rain and snow is more challenging and dangerous than driving on dry days, these conditions doesn't have to ruin your travel plans. Reduce your speeds, increase your braking distances and drive with confidence knowing that the advanced features found on all Subaru vehicles will help you stay safe and in control.
 

 

When the road is icy or wet you need traction, the more traction the more grip, the more grip the more control.  Some other all-wheel drive systems engage all four wheels only when a loss of traction is detected. By then, your control has already been compromised. Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive routes power to all four wheels all the time, to help prevent slipping before it happens!

 

The most important consideration when driving in rain, snow or ice is to reduce your speed.  Do not let the Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system give you a false sense of security, although it does pose much greater traction than a two wheel drive vehicle there are still limitations in the sense that a tyre can only provide grip up to a certain point, thereafter forces of nature takes over.

Apart from speed reduction also ensure that you increase your following distance to at least three times your normal following distance.  This will allow you more time to react in case of emergency situations that may arise while driving. 

During harsh braking on snow or icy (dirt roads as well) conditions even your ABS loses some effectiveness due to these slippery and inconsistent and most of the time no traction.  When braking, apply the pedal smoothly, ensure you are aware with the optimal braking point of your Subaru.

Smooth steering is even more critical driving in slippery conditions, chances of loosing traction when steering harshly becomes much greater.  Applying maximum steering in low grip conditions will not allow your vehicle to change direction more effectively, your vehicle most probably will keep on skidding straight.

In order to react timeously in emergency situations ensure that you extend your observations to as far forward as possible in order to identify possible change in weather, road & traffic conditions well in advance.  Some specific conditions are difficult to spot eg large puddles of water on the road surface, black ice, etc

Maximum visibility is important due to visibility outside are reduced due to weather conditions.  Make sure you windscreen wipers are in effective operating condition.  Ensure that you keep you windscreen clean (inside and outside) and that you prevent your windscreen from fogging.

Your vehicle lights should be in good working condition, clean and kept clean during mud, rain, snow driving in order to ensure visibility, not only for you as driver but also to ensure that other road users can spot your vehicle easily.