The 2019 Subaru Forester is a well thought-out crossover SUV with exceptional space, a great ride, and standard AWD without a fuel-economy penalty.
Pros Fantastic utility Comfortable ride Great safety tech Thrifty for a crossover Good value
Cons Sun Belters might want FWD Manual and turbo gone Sport trim about looks only Dowdy styling
Completely redesigned for 2019 More powerful 2.5-liter flat four-cylinder engine Subaru's EyeSight system is standard on all models Increased passenger and cargo space 2.0-liter turbocharged engine has been discontinued
Pros Standard all-wheel drive A full complement of driver assists is standard equipment Off-road ability with better-than-average ground clearance Generous cargo capacity
Cons Handling isn't as composed as it is in some competitors CVT automatic feels less responsive than a conventional automatic Modest tow rating limits overall utility Only available engine is underpowered
It looks visually similar to the last model, so has enough changed to entice buyers into the all-new Subaru Forester?
Pros Loaded with safety and convenience features Ultra-wide passenger door opening aperture Full-time all-wheel drive system Fuel efficient four-cylinder petrol engine
Cons Archaic three-year warranty 12,500km service intervals Higher starting price
The Mitsubishi ASX doesn’t get the pulse racing, and its size makes it better for inner-urban use than open road touring. Because fuel economy can suffer if the engine is required to work too hard, it’s also better suited to terrain where engine performance is less of an issue.
Pros Flexible, pragmatic interior Well-specified equipment list Goldilocks size for inner-urban use
Cons Outdated material and build quality Drivetrain really lacks verve NVH and wind noise
Pros Phone integration; spacious interior; five-year warranty.
Cons Tyre noise.
The Mitsubishi ASX is a compact SUV that is, well, a little bit boring – something that matters in a class full of funky rivals such as the Renault Captur, Peugeot 2008 and Honda HR-V.
Pros Low running costs Roomy interior Decent levels of kit
Cons Not game changing Not very stylish Plasticky interior