2015 Forester 2.0

[Pocus]

The black vezel who tried to cut me is the new hybrid model with the hybrid badge. Also start seeing a few SLE vezel hybrids. Cool! Not that i zhua accelerator to purposely challenge the vezel. I believe they are fast on straight roads, but due to the poor road conditions and narrow lanes, I scared that fellow lose control and kenna me. So I kinda got scared and ran away. Lol. I've driven the non hybrid before, frankly speaking the cost effective rear axle torsion beam just doesn't cut it when I comes to traction on uneven roads. Just typical of any Eco Jap cars. But one thing to note is the stiff suspension of the bezels which I think it's tune to compensate for the taller height. It can be quite uncomfortable as I recall. Design wise, got to admit it wins hands down.

Honestly speaking our FXT is not that fast at stop start acceleration. The CVT lag, no matter how they try to mitigate, is still present. Though not as obvious as other B&b cars. Adding to that our heavy 1.6tonners, bigger turbo with bigger lag and dragged by AWD drive train so there's only so much 350nm can do. If you be driven a 250bhp car in manual gears usually you will feel like you left your brain behind when the car accelerates. can't really feel that in the FXT.

 

I ever struggled with a 2.4l Camry on acceleration and only edged off at higher end speed after 50 to 60kmh. I was using "I" mode but its a smack at reality that the FXT is not as quick as you think.

 

However the FXT is very competent if you do suddenly acceleration on the move, e.g.: 20kmh to 90kmh or 40kmh to 120kmh, based on YouTube it can be as fast as the GTI!

 

FXT was marketed be an all round terrain carrier and never as a fast car.

 

But I think most of us treated like a grown up WRX with a big family friendly cabin and boot.....lol.

Edited July 18, 2016 by Pocus

[Tohto]

Honestly speaking our FXT is not that fast at stop start acceleration. The CVT lag, no matter how they try to mitigate, is still present. Though not as obvious as other B&b cars. Adding to that our heavy 1.6tonners, bigger turbo with bigger lag and dragged by AWD drive train so there's only so much 350nm can do. If you be driven a 250bhp car in manual gears usually you will feel like you left your brain behind when the car accelerates. can't really feel that in the FXT.

 

I ever struggled with a 2.4l Camry on acceleration and only edged off at higher end speed after 50 to 60kmh. I was using "I" mode but its a smack at reality that the FXT is not as quick as you think.

 

However the FXT is very competent if you do suddenly acceleration on the move, e.g.: 20kmh to 90kmh or 40kmh to 120kmh, based on YouTube it can be as fast as the GTI!

 

FXT was marketed be an all round terrain carrier and never as a fast car.

 

But I think most of us treated like a grown up WRX with a big family friendly cabin and boot.....lol.

I have to agreed with Pocus. I also felt that the FXT a bit lag when move off from stationary even in sport mode.

However, once on the move. A hard stomp on the accelerator on sport mode will able to push you back on the seat. And I actually enjoy this a lot. Fast overtaking slow traffic, merge into expressway.

[Skymax]

Can the blue sti seats fit into fxt easily diy?

[mrhan1982]

Honestly speaking our FXT is not that fast at stop start acceleration. The CVT lag, no matter how they try to mitigate, is still present. Though not as obvious as other B&b cars. Adding to that our heavy 1.6tonners, bigger turbo with bigger lag and dragged by AWD drive train so there's only so much 350nm can do. If you be driven a 250bhp car in manual gears usually you will feel like you left your brain behind when the car accelerates. can't really feel that in the FXT.

 

I ever struggled with a 2.4l Camry on acceleration and only edged off at higher end speed after 50 to 60kmh. I was using "I" mode but its a smack at reality that the FXT is not as quick as you think.

 

However the FXT is very competent if you do suddenly acceleration on the move, e.g.: 20kmh to 90kmh or 40kmh to 120kmh, based on YouTube it can be as fast as the GTI!

 

FXT was marketed be an all round terrain carrier and never as a fast car.

 

But I think most of us treated like a grown up WRX with a big family friendly cabin and boot.....lol.

Yup agreed, the fxt is not that fast when comes to initial acceleration from stop. The turbo lag can be clearly felt at I and even sports mode. Sports mode does reduce the effect of turbo lag quite a bit though. However, it is still much faster than most cars off the line without having to stomp your foot in the accelerator once the lights hit green. Compared to those 8 speed BMW gearbox, our cvt is considered quite slow in terms of response.

 

It is much more sensible to use our car as a comfortable family hauler which I'm doing so. Fast acceleration is often not necessary unless I'm avoiding danger or trying to squeeze myself out of tight traffic.

[Mkl22]

I teach 1 trick.

 

Close up to them fast as close as tailgating before you jam brake.

 

If these drivers look at their rear view mirror, sure kancheong spider move left.

 

 

Last time, i drive MRS also cannot tahan these roadhogger le.

And some other car with more power than you will also blow you away, if he feels you too are 'hogging'.It's never ending.

[razor54]

Yup agreed, the fxt is not that fast when comes to initial acceleration from stop. The turbo lag can be clearly felt at I and even sports mode. Sports mode does reduce the effect of turbo lag quite a bit though. However, it is still much faster than most cars off the line without having to stomp your foot in the accelerator once the lights hit green. Compared to those 8 speed BMW gearbox, our cvt is considered quite slow in terms of response.

 

It is much more sensible to use our car as a comfortable family hauler which I'm doing so. Fast acceleration is often not necessary unless I'm avoiding danger or trying to squeeze myself out of tight traffic.

That's why most of the time i don't bother with those wannabe racers out there. They can try to edge me as much as they like but I can't be bothered to entertain them. Especially most of the time my family is in the car with me.

 

The FXT by its own credit is good or even great, for what it's engineered to do. Though lacking in initial bite due to the weight and CVT, it makes up with wonderful enjoyment once inertia picks up in the mid range region. Excellent safe family car with a dose of naughty fun anytime. That's why the car was always in my radar since a long way back.

[teomingern]

The Forester will be great with a dual clutch transmission... not only start from standing but the switch up to higher gears on the move.

[Legacygts]

That's why most of the time i don't bother with those wannabe racers out there. They can try to edge me as much as they like but I can't be bothered to entertain them. Especially most of the time my family is in the car with me.

 

The FXT by its own credit is good or even great, for what it's engineered to do. Though lacking in initial bite due to the weight and CVT, it makes up with wonderful enjoyment once inertia picks up in the mid range region. Excellent safe family car with a dose of naughty fun anytime. That's why the car was always in my radar since a long way back.

 

Correct me if I am wrong but Subaru WRX also uses CVT gearbox (same as Forester??). Their engine (not sure if it is the same make as Forester) is tune higher for greater HP output and torque is mated to a CVT gearbox, I dont see any slow pick up from WRX but then it could also be that WRX is 200+kg lighter than FXT.   :P

[Rachdanom]

Honestly speaking our FXT is not that fast at stop start acceleration. The CVT lag, no matter how they try to mitigate, is still present. Though not as obvious as other B&b cars. Adding to that our heavy 1.6tonners, bigger turbo with bigger lag and dragged by AWD drive train so there's only so much 350nm can do. If you be driven a 250bhp car in manual gears usually you will feel like you left your brain behind when the car accelerates. can't really feel that in the FXT.

 

I ever struggled with a 2.4l Camry on acceleration and only edged off at higher end speed after 50 to 60kmh. I was using "I" mode but its a smack at reality that the FXT is not as quick as you think.

 

However the FXT is very competent if you do suddenly acceleration on the move, e.g.: 20kmh to 90kmh or 40kmh to 120kmh, based on YouTube it can be as fast as the GTI!

 

FXT was marketed be an all round terrain carrier and never as a fast car.

 

But I think most of us treated like a grown up WRX with a big family friendly cabin and boot.....lol.

I agree, but when I tried S# the other day it was bang from the start. I think S# is what those who talk about lag are looking for. Never tried manual with paddle shifters yet... Edited July 19, 2016 by Rachdanom

[BenTong]

The Forester will be great with a dual clutch transmission... not only start from standing but the switch up to higher gears on the move.

What ever we put in the FXT, still can't outrun a proton or a Kancil on NSH..

[Tohto]

Correct me if I am wrong but Subaru WRX also uses CVT gearbox (same as Forester??). Their engine (not sure if it is the same make as Forester) is tune higher for greater HP output and torque is mated to a CVT gearbox, I dont see any slow pick up from WRX but then it could also be that WRX is 200+kg lighter than FXT.   :P

 

You already mention the reason.

WRX is much lighter with higher tuned power/torque.

[mrhan1982]

Correct me if I am wrong but Subaru WRX also uses CVT gearbox (same as Forester??). Their engine (not sure if it is the same make as Forester) is tune higher for greater HP output and torque is mated to a CVT gearbox, I dont see any slow pick up from WRX but then it could also be that WRX is 200+kg lighter than FXT. :P

i guess most Fxt owners are just being modest when they say the initial pick up is not fast. Haa. This thing outruns a sonata taxi from stop anytime. Most taxi drivers Rev to 3k or more from initial Rev and u can feel the pull from the peak low end torque. The feeling of being pulled is also due to their 4 speed auto (or maybe 5 speed??) The cvt in the fxt wun let u feel the pull in normal I or sports mode but u got to notice how fast it actually picks up speed. Tried a few times personally when I had to cut in left to exit. Nowadays, I always stop at an empty lane (eg right most even if I need to exit left after traffic lights) as I know I can overtake most cars including taxis at low revs below 3k (up to 2.5k is good enough for most instances).

 

Btw, changing to the recommended oil grade (5w30) confirm can feel better response. The seehum oil is crap...

Edited July 19, 2016 by mrhan1982

[Legacygts]

You already mention the reason.

WRX is much lighter with higher tuned power/torque.

 

 

Yeah...which i was trying to steer the conversation back which was not entirely the CVT that causes the slow pickup..   :) 

i guess most Fxt owners are just being modest when they say the initial pick up is not fast. Haa. This thing outruns a sonata taxi from stop anytime. Most taxi drivers Rev to 3k or more from initial Rev and u can feel the pull from the peak low end torque. The feeling of being pulled is also due to their 4 speed auto (or maybe 5 speed??) The cvt in the fxt wun let u feel the pull in normal I or sports mode but u got to notice how fast it actually picks up speed. Tried a few times personally when I had to cut in left to exit. Nowadays, I always stop at an empty lane (eg right most even if I need to exit left after traffic lights) as I know I can overtake most cars including taxis at low revs below 3k (up to 2.5k is good enough for most instances).

 

Btw, changing to the recommended oil grade (5w30) confirm can feel better response. The seehum oil is crap...

 

Agree..CVT just made the drive so much smoother and in fact zero juddering at all. 

[razor54]

Correct me if I am wrong but Subaru WRX also uses CVT gearbox (same as Forester??). Their engine (not sure if it is the same make as Forester) is tune higher for greater HP output and torque is mated to a CVT gearbox, I dont see any slow pick up from WRX but then it could also be that WRX is 200+kg lighter than FXT. :P

I'm not into the technicalities of the engines, so might not be able to derive a technical answer. But I think both the FXT and WRX evolved their turbocharged engines from the BRZ natural aspirated FA-engine.

 

WRX although having similar displacement as FXT, they are definitely tuned differently (more hp to WRX here). Add the extra 200+ kg to the FXT, as mentioned by you, the WRX is going to outsprint FXT anytime. It's like drag racing 2 same cars and adding 3 adults to one of them. Sure can feel difference (not mentioning the extra 30 horses in the lighter car). FXT also at a disadvantage due to the higher wind resistance signature from its SUV form.

 

But then, the FXT being an SUV, will go some places the WRX won't bother to even try. It's for different purpose. And some will choose one over the other according to their wants and needs. I'm no boy racer at my age now. Family comes 1st and the FXT wins in my book this round.

[mrhan1982]

Yeah...which i was trying to steer the conversation back which was not entirely the CVT that causes the slow pickup.. :)

 

 

Agree..CVT just made the drive so much smoother and in fact zero juddering at all.

Yeah this is by far the best cvt transmission to be implemented in passenger cars. Way better than nissan's xtronic which occasionally has juddering at low speeds and it can get confused when going down slope at higher speeds. The era of jerky auto gb where u feel each pull is gone. Now it's just step and go.

[Legacygts]

I'm not into the technicalities of the engines, so might not be able to derive a technical answer. But I think both the FXT and WRX evolved their turbocharged engines from the BRZ natural aspirated FA-engine.

 

WRX although having similar displacement as FXT, they are definitely tuned differently (more hp to WRX here). Add the extra 200+ kg to the FXT, as mentioned by you, the WRX is going to outsprint FXT anytime. It's like drag racing 2 same cars and adding 3 adults to one of them. Sure can feel difference (not mentioning the extra 30 horses in the lighter car). FXT also at a disadvantage due to the higher wind resistance signature from its SUV form.

 

But then, the FXT being an SUV, will go some places the WRX won't bother to even try. It's for different purpose. And some will choose one over the other according to their wants and needs. I'm no boy racer at my age now. Family comes 1st and the FXT wins in my book this round.

 

Totally agree..boy racer times has passed our age now...haha..no doubt its not a right comparison with FXT and WRX..this is very evident from their 0 to 100km clocking. 

[mrhan1982]

I'm not into the technicalities of the engines, so might not be able to derive a technical answer. But I think both the FXT and WRX evolved their turbocharged engines from the BRZ natural aspirated FA-engine.

 

WRX although having similar displacement as FXT, they are definitely tuned differently (more hp to WRX here). Add the extra 200+ kg to the FXT, as mentioned by you, the WRX is going to outsprint FXT anytime. It's like drag racing 2 same cars and adding 3 adults to one of them. Sure can feel difference (not mentioning the extra 30 horses in the lighter car). FXT also at a disadvantage due to the higher wind resistance signature from its SUV form.

 

But then, the FXT being an SUV, will go some places the WRX won't bother to even try. It's for different purpose. And some will choose one over the other according to their wants and needs. I'm no boy racer at my age now. Family comes 1st and the FXT wins in my book this round.

It's a great all terrain and all season car even in our local contexts. We have tons of rough uneven roads from the incessant road diggings and construction works. Driving in the rains makes me feel so much confident now. It's kinda fun actually.

[Ming99]

There are mechanical differences between the forester and WRX engine.

 

WRX has a better flowing top block, hence a wider torque band and higher red line compared to the forester.