You can’t put a price on peace of mind. Amidst the myriad concerns that already occupy your mind, whether they pertain to your family, career, or general welfare, what you want is a car that functions as a reliable companion, unfaltering day in and day out.

Reliability is a given, but more than that, you’d also want a car that can traverse through any terrain, offering reassurance in times of uncertainty.

Picture a scenario where you embark on a brief excursion through unfamiliar routes. The roads may be deteriorated, or the destination may require venturing off the beaten path. Would you be confident in your car?

It doesn’t even have to be going out of town, it could be the roads you navigate daily, particularly during inclement weather. One day, the road may be smooth; the next, it resembles the lunar surface, not to mention the threat of flash floods.

In the Subaru Forester, confidence reigns supreme. Unlike many SUVs that merely boast a heightened stature and rugged aesthetics without substance, the Forester, equipped with Subaru's famed Symmetrical AWD, will tackle just about any terrain.

This capability is further enhanced by its Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) technology, which intelligently distributes power to wheels with traction while employing braking mechanisms to mitigate slippage.

The X Mode feature optimizes the system for enhanced traction, control, and stability, reducing the likelihood of losing control in adverse conditions. Its adeptness extends to moderately challenging off-road scenarios, making it an ideal choice for professions like construction or farming, where versatility is required.

Whether traversing rough terrain for work or embarking on a weekend getaway with friends and furry companions, the Subaru Forester offers the reliability and adaptability needed to tackle any terrain, creating lasting memories along the way.

Instead of having a separate workhorse, the Subaru Forester can be your all-in-one solution. This unit you see here is the Forester GT Wild Lite Edition, complete with all-terrain tyres for added off-road prowess and bespoke decals.

But it’s not just talented off road, it’s equally impressive on tarmac as well. Thanks to its horizontally-opposed boxer engine, it boasts a low center of gravity, enhancing stability and agility. This design principle translates into enhanced handling, akin to comparing the stability of a plate (boxer engine) to that of a bottle (inline engine).

Even as a somewhat large SUV, the Forester steers with poise and precision, courtesy of its inherent agility conferred by the boxer engine. The moment you turn the steering wheel to change direction, there is a distinct lack of inertia and roll.

Also read: Are boxer engines overrated? – Pros and cons of boxer engines

Driving the Subaru Forester on the infamous Karak highway, the chassis simply feels balanced. From one sweeper to another, it took them with poise and accuracy. This is a result of having a boxer engine up front that imbues the rest of the car with a natural agility not found in any other SUVs.

While conventional 'soft-roader' rivals struggle for grip, the Forester's AWD system ensures tenacious traction, maintaining neutral behavior for longer durations. This duality of character, courtesy of Subaru's AWD system, is something that competitors can only dream of.

Apart from agility, the boxer engine offers inherent balance, resulting in smoother revving, quieter idling, and minimal vibration. This is why Subaru cars have that inherent refinement where it feels mechanically polished.

Looking beyond its mechanical talent, the Subaru Forester possesses a spacious, practical interior with all the amenities you need. Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity comes as standard, so does 360-degree camera, powered front seats, and dual-zone air conditioning.

Safety kit is also packed to the brim, with adaptive cruise control with lane centering, lane departure warning and prevention, lane sway warning, lead vehicle departure alert, pre-collision throttle management, all part of the EyeSight driver assistance suite.

In an era where the majority of carmakers conform to familiar trends, resulting in products that can feel monotonous, Subaru diverges from the norm and sticks to its roots. And the automotive world is all the better for it, because Subaru is brilliantly unorthodox.

If you haven't yet had the opportunity to drive a Subaru, you should – experience how talented these cars are both on and off-road. Don't just take our word for it, get behind the wheel of the Subaru Forester and find out. Chances are, you’ll probably agree with us.

For added peace of mind, Subaru Malaysia is currently offering a 6-year/120,000 km free service package for the Forester 2.0i-L and the GT Wild Lite Edition, complemented by a 5-year/100,000 km warranty.

Those who are after great deals can consider 2023-manufactured Forester units are available from RM 142,500, accompanied by the aforementioned warranty.

This article is sponsored by TC Subaru.