2015 Forester 2.0

[mrhan1982]

I do appreciate the soft springs and dampers on the FXT after 8 years on coilovers. lol. No doubt its no fun on corners but going over humps, uneven road or potholes is def easier.

 

Agree that sound insulation on the forester is quite good. Can easily go over the speed limit unknowingly. My old ride revs to 3.4k around the 100km/h mark and the noise is quite unbearable for long distances up north. Need to dial up the stereo to drown the engine noise. Smaller CC engines like your 1.4T will experience the asthmatic effect and needs to work harder at higher speeds.

At first I thought that the 1.4 will be asthmatic at speeds between 100-120km/h but surprisingly it was able to reach 100km/h below 2k rpm and 120km/h at just slightly over 2k rpm. It isn't that bad after all except for the rougher engine noise.

 

Well, all the power in the fxt is quite wasted on our roads and bad traffic conditions. Most of the time I was either stuck in traffic or creeping in slow traffic. When I do have the chance to let it run a bit I end up risking getting a speed ticket... haa. The mid range pull is great but the cvt is holding it back a little when constantly in start stop traffic.

 

I used to think the 240bhp/350nm turbo boxer was very quick until I tried the vw sharan which comes with the 2L Golf gti engine (which has lower power outputs) mated to a 6 speed dsg. Then I realise the gearbox does make a big difference.

Edited August 2, 2017 by mrhan1982

[richard_crl032]

At first I thought that the 1.4 will be asthmatic at speeds between 100-120km/h but surprisingly it was able to reach 100km/h below 2k rpm and 120km/h at just slightly over 2k rpm. It isn't that bad after all except for the rougher engine noise.

 

Well, all the power in the fxt is quite wasted on our roads and bad traffic conditions. Most of the time I was either stuck in traffic or creeping in slow traffic. When I do have the chance to let it run a bit I end up risking getting a speed ticket... haa. The mid range pull is great but the cvt is holding it back a little when constantly in start stop traffic.

 

I used to think the 240bhp/350nm turbo boxer was very quick until I tried the vw sharan which comes with the 2L Golf gti engine (which has lower power outputs) mated to a 6 speed dsg. Then I realise the gearbox does make a big difference.

 

Performance   Power 162kW (217 bhp) Torque 350 Nm Acceleration 7.8s (0-100 km/h) Top speed 226 km/h Fuel consumption 13.7 km/L CO2 emission

168 g/km (Manufacturer specs)

 

Hi Han,

 

Sharan is same 350Nm torque which is key in mentioned response or quickness albeit 100kg+ heavy in addition to mentioned 6 speed dsg but the price of SGD168k at totally different market compared to FXT or Touran that you have to pay and the reliability issue of dsg need to be considered if you do not need a MPV.  

 

If I need a MPV, Sharan would indeed be a good alternative to Estima at SGD165k onwards which is still using exactly same engine as mine which I am scrapping ... and even Alphard/Vellfare.

Cheers,

 

Richard

[mrhan1982]

Performance Power 162kW (217 bhp) Torque 350 Nm Acceleration 7.8s (0-100 km/h) Top speed 226 km/h Fuel consumption 13.7 km/L CO2 emission

168 g/km (Manufacturer specs)

 

Hi Han,

 

Sharan is same 350Nm torque which is key in mentioned response or quickness albeit 100kg+ heavy in addition to mentioned 6 speed dsg but the price of SGD168k at totally different market compared to FXT or Touran that you have to pay and the reliability issue of dsg need to be considered if you do not need a MPV.

 

If I need a MPV, Sharan would indeed be a good alternative to Estima at SGD165k onwards which is still using exactly same engine as mine which I am scrapping ... and even Alphard/Vellfare.

Cheers,

 

Richard

Hi Richard,

 

Yup u r right the price difference even between fxt and touran already 20k, not to mention sharan...

sharan can get at about 158k after bargain ( I was given this offer when I bought touran)

Touran may be 20k more ex for me but there are substantial savings in terms of fuel, road tax, insurance as well.

 

In terms of maintenance, dsg 7 speed is a worry for many but I'm prepared for this. The 2L turbo boxer is not a exactly worry free. Before I bought my fxt I've already read about head gasket leaks, and some other wear and tear issues which may happen a little prematurely. These were reported by fxt owners from US who were early owners and have ran easily 80-150km on their fxt.

I believe all turbo cars will have higher maintenance costs compared to na ones perhaps for vw owners, the dsg is another potential additional cost. It is no surprise that most people will think badly of dsg as there are numerous reports of their premature failures. There are also many vw owners whom I know of who keep their rides stock and have enjoyed their rides for past 4-5 years or more.

 

Anyway, while I'm contented with my touran, I still miss the sweet sounding engine note of the fxt.

[Andyngps]

Hi Andy,

 

How about some TS version black A, B, C and D pillars ? Can wrap leather for these and dashboard, side doors etc. but these will be most fitting ..keke !

 

Cheers,

 

Richard

Real leather wrap?

[Tohto]

"Fxt - Is definitely more confident inspiring at high speeds (130-150km/h). whole car just feel very solid and stable and u can feel all 4 wheels well planted on the road. Despite being a higher car, i feel more confident inspiring and able to remain driving in higher speeds."

 

mrhan1982,

 

Quoting your above statement, what tyres did you use? My FXT on original tyres squeal like crazy on cornering.

Time to change your tyre.

I change the tyre on 1st day of car collection. Drive out from MI, straight to tyre shop.

[richard_crl032]

Real leather wrap?

Hi Andy,

 

Sure ..look at this dashboard:

 

http://www.mycarforum.com/index.php?app=sgcarstore&req=showprod&product=19131

 

Cheers.

[Bplakad]

Time to change your tyre.

I change the tyre on 1st day of car collection. Drive out from MI, straight to tyre shop.

Yes am thinking of changing tyres. I am leaning towards Goodyear as3. Any comments on this choice of tyre so?

[WML888]

Ok here comes the next part...

 

Performance

I shall talk about acceleration first. On the straights, fxt feels faster and will probably reach 100km/h slightly earlier. Despite the cvt, it feels responsive enough like a regular 6 speed auto box. The difference comes in when u need to suddenly accelerate to catch pockets of space to change lanes. The dsg is very fast and responsive and able to do suddenly speed changes more quickly compared to the fxt. In such instances, the touran actually feels faster than the fxt. Of course not forgetting that fxt is almost 200kg heavier than touran. Not saying the fxt is slow in sudden need of acceleration but honestly the dsg responds way faster. Say I'm accelerating from 50-60km/h onwards to hit 100-130km/h, in this aspect the fxt surely wins due to higher cc with bigger bhp and torque figures. But for day to day driving in our local traffic, I feel that the touran is more suited to my needs.

 

Brakes

Fxt braking performance is quite linear and feels a bit soft. I need to anticipate the traffic more and brake earlier to bring the car to a stop. The brakes on the touran are much better. Firm and accurate.

 

FC

Fxt gave me about 10km/L on a mix of 60/40 hw/city driving style which is very good in my opinion. The touran on the other hand is totally unbeatable, returning 15km/L plus with the same driving style and traffic conditions.

 

Interior space

If u think the forester is spacious, the touran totally trashes it in this aspect. Be it driver's space, 2nd row space, or head room, the touran wins hands down. Though exterior wise it is not bigger than the fxt, it does cleverly maximises its use of interior space. With the 3rd row down the boot space is ridiculous for a compact mpv. Well I actually chose touran due to 3rd row seats and boot space. But, fxt does have a slightly bigger driver foot well.

In terms of cubby holes and door bins, again the touran wins hands down.

 

Quality of materials and construction

The dashboard of the touran is comparable to premium makes such as merc or BMW. Front doors wise, Upper panels are soft touch, middle part being leather cladded, bottom part are hard plastics But rear doors has obvious cost cutting. Upper Panels are hard plastic instead of soft touch materials.

Fxt interior built and choice of materials are pretty good and suited its image of a rugged SUV, but workmanship (alignment and joints) can't win touran. Areas where fxt loses out includes cheap and poorly fitted speakers covers on dash and doors panels. Overall, conti cars interiors are hard to fault even though vw is more of a mass market brand.

 

Overall, I feel that the fxt is a fun car to own and drive. Over the Long run, fc may be a concern to some if u are clicking quite a lot of km as I do (30-35k km annually) for a family of 4 adults or 2 adults with 2 kids, it is a comfortable car with good performance. It offers a high level of confidence and safety for the family.

For a growing family of say 3-4 adults with 2-3 kids, and a truck load of stuff to haul around, a mpv is still more practical as it offers a better flexibility in terms of interior space configuration.

If I were to choose again, I would still choose the touran for practical reasons.

 

Hope the above is helpful to daddies whom are tearing their hair off trying to choose between the fxt or a compact mpv.

Very useful information

[Tohto]

Yes am thinking of changing tyres. I am leaning towards Goodyear as3. Any comments on this choice of tyre so?

That maybe my next tyre. Changing in 4mth time.

[Stratovarius]

At first I thought that the 1.4 will be asthmatic at speeds between 100-120km/h but surprisingly it was able to reach 100km/h below 2k rpm and 120km/h at just slightly over 2k rpm. It isn't that bad after all except for the rougher engine noise.

 

Well, all the power in the fxt is quite wasted on our roads and bad traffic conditions. Most of the time I was either stuck in traffic or creeping in slow traffic. When I do have the chance to let it run a bit I end up risking getting a speed ticket... haa. The mid range pull is great but the cvt is holding it back a little when constantly in start stop traffic.

 

I used to think the 240bhp/350nm turbo boxer was very quick until I tried the vw sharan which comes with the 2L Golf gti engine (which has lower power outputs) mated to a 6 speed dsg. Then I realise the gearbox does make a big difference.

Mine was a sss so revs tends to be on a higher side. But my experience with small engines is that they are noiser at higher speeds be it tc or na. The asthmatic effect im refering to is maybe 120 to 150. Tried flooring my ex ride up north last time and can feel its pulling in alot of air but car not moving much. Of coz this is not really an issue in sg roads.

Agree on the importance of gb. The fa20 in the fxt is a good engine. The cvt kinda zaps the power away. I wont say cvt is bad. Tried the one on the wrx and it feels different than the one on the fxt. Maybe the cvt is tuned differently. But then the fxt is no sports car and no one tracks with it. So im okay with the transmission. Just that i will press the s# button when i need a more responsive acceleration.

[Carhorn]

Yes am thinking of changing tyres. I am leaning towards Goodyear as3. Any comments on this choice of tyre so?

GY AS3 has 225/55/18 option?

[Tohto]

GY AS3 has 225/55/18 option?

Use 235/50/18.

I am using this size on stock Rom. But not GY ASY3.

[Andyngps]

Hi Andy,

 

Sure ..look at this dashboard:

 

http://www.mycarforum.com/index.php?app=sgcarstore&req=showprod&product=19131

 

Cheers.

Wow. But i am more keen on our doors actually. The dahsboard is ok woth the soft touch unless it cracked over time.

[richard_crl032]

Wow. But i am more keen on our doors actually. The dahsboard is ok woth the soft touch unless it cracked over time.

Hi Andy,

 

Even easier and cheaper ...my estima doors had been rewrapped.

 

Cheers.

 

Richard

[chooyj]

Thank god I choose harrier turbo after seeing all the rubbish from MI

 

Lots of Harrier owners have complained about torque converter failure in the Facebook group

[Andyngps]

Hi Andy,

 

Even easier and cheaper ...my estima doors had been rewrapped.

 

Cheers.

 

Richard

Can pm me your contact and price bro? Any experience in doing in jb? Edited August 3, 2017 by Andyngps

[Drainwater]

Hi, i was using Michelin primacy 3. The bridgestones were crap unfortunately..

 

What are the recommended tyres that do not squeak.  The stock tyres really sucks, squeak during U-turn and also when going over wet rubber humps in MSCP.

[Aloe111]

What are the recommended tyres that do not squeak. The stock tyres really sucks, squeak during U-turn and also when going over wet rubber humps in MSCP.

Hi, what is the model of the stock tyres?