The compact SUV segment is booming, with sales up 19.4 per cent from last year. It’s a lucrative market, and Subaru wants a bigger slice of it for their Forester – the vehicle that pioneered the segment as a crossover 10 years ago.

Over the years Subaru has promoted itself heavy to the lesbian and gay audience, predominately in the US. When given the opportunity to rate their favorite car, Subaru is often in the top ten, especially when it comes to the driving tastes of lesbians, and generally, the Outback and Forester are the models most commonly mentioned. I did my own research, chatting to a number of girls about why lesbians love a Subaru Forester.

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‘I believe the vehicle of choice for the queer woman should be a Subaru Forester with a sunroof, accessorised with a roof rack (even if you are a couch potato) and CD player (for the Melissa Etheridge box set) – accessories are important in queer culture. This vehicle is sporty enough for the single girl and practical enough for the domesticated one. The Forester suggests a spirit of domestication and play. The logic: If single, the Forester states you’re not opposed to attachment; if partnered, you’re not opposed to say… children or, at the very least, pets. Absolutely, I would date a woman with a Forester. Unfortunately, I don’t own one.’

And gay boys don’t mind a Subaru either, seeing as the Forester has sold 105,000 in Australia over the last 10 years. However, apart from a stint as leader in 2006, it has mostly been the bridesmaid with competitors like RAV4 taking the sales trophy. With its new model, Subaru is making a stated bid to reclaim the crown with a larger, fresher and cheaper third generation line-up.

Exchange rates, platform sharing with Impreza and volume — with Australia the third largest market for Forester behind the US and Japan— mean that various spec levels will arrive between $1000-$2500 cheaper than the outgoing models.

The new arrival leans more towards SUV cues than the previous wagon-like Foresters. And the strengthened body has also answered the call for more space. It’s taller, wider and longer – most of the extra space being found in the rear passenger and cargo area, where larger openings make for easier access. Overhangs have been shortened slightly, which while giving a smidge more leeway, still keeps the Forester in the light off-roading category.

There is a choice of engines with the 2.5-litre boxer four in the X and XS models, and the WRX-sourced 2.5-litre DOHC turbocharged four in the XT models. While a diesel option will arrive in the new Outback next year, there are no plans for it to move across to the Australian Forester line-up.

The Forester is a Suby, so drive goes to all four corners. Transmission choices are a four-speed sequential auto or a five-speed manual with a low range option. A five-speed auto is not available here yet – and there’s no firm word on its future – but Subaru says the four-speed is ‘significantly different, with improved shift response and timing.’

The base model gets four-speaker audio with controls on the steering wheel, 16” steel wheels with full-size spare and the usual electric bits.

Standard safety equipment includes Vehicle Dynamics Control, anti-skid brakes with assistive systems for extreme braking, hill start assist, and front, side and curtain airbags – which inflate even in an offset collision to protect your noggin from rebound off the side windows. While the bar for crash test stars is rising, the Forester still scores five for occupant safety and three for pedestrian.

On the creature comfort lists, XS adds front foggies, 16” alloy wheels, automatic air-conditioning, stacker and two more speakers with the MP3 audio system and a retractable rear tray with cup holders.

The XT gets bonnet scoop, integrated rear spoiler, 17” alloys and auto-leveling xenon headlights with pop-up washers. The premium pack on the XS adds leather upholstery with eight-way power on the driver’s seat and sunroof, while the XT has a touch-screen navigation system with DVD/CD player and Bluetooth compatibility.

The Forester interior is noticeable larger, with the problems of a cramped cargo bay and rear seat leg squeeze that plagued previous models pretty well solved. Back passengers are further treated with reclining seats.

The swooping dash lines that are spreading across the Subaru range smarten up the cabin, but while the gunmetal version looks okay – as long as it wears well – the paler woodgrain/taupe leather compination is a poor imitation aimed at those seeking the feel of a luxury vehicle.

There’s good visibility, particularly to the rear – a rarity with most vehicles in the SUV category – and it’s now much easier to find a comfortable driving position with reach joining the tilt adjustment on the steering column. The versatile centre console in the auto versions can be switched around for a range of storage needs and can happily take large drink bottles – although normal sized ones tended to rattle around in the caddy.

Smaller wing mirrors mean less wind rush. There’s also less wind noise from the redesigned roof rails and around the A-pillars, making for a quieter cabin overall.

Despite being larger and heavier, the dynamics are still there. It doesn’t behave exactly like a sedan, but the slug-like personality of the true SUV never appears. Lower-mounted engines and transmissions give a better centre of gravity and what you get is signature Subaru grip and balance.

AUTO FACTS

• Price: $30,490 – $46,990
• Engine: Petrol 2.5-litre & 2.5-litre turbo
• Transmission: 5-speed manual, 4-speed automatic
• Power: 126kW, 169kW; 229Nm, 320Nm
• Fuel: 9.3, 10.5

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HAVE YOUR SAY: Is the Subaru Forester the vehicle of choice for gays and lesbians?