UNUSUAL CARS MODEL GUIDE
The first-generation Subaru Forester S-Turbo was one of Britain’s earliest genuinely rapid crossovers. It combined the raised, square-backed practicality of the original Forester with a detuned relative of the Impreza Turbo’s 2.0-litre boxer engine, permanent four-wheel drive and road manners that felt far more like a sporting estate than a traditional off-roader.
Quick answer: Subaru introduced the Forester to the UK in September 1997 and added the S-Turbo in October 1998. Early cars produced about 168bhp, with a modest increase for 2001. Manual and automatic versions were available, and a good standard example remains a remarkably usable modern classic.
How the Forester created a new niche
Subaru described the Forester as a practical vehicle built on passenger-car engineering rather than a ladder-frame off-roader. It shared much of its underlying thinking with the Impreza: horizontally opposed engines, independent suspension and all-wheel drive. Extra ride height, a tall roof and a large tailgate made it useful on farms and family duties without sacrificing predictable road behaviour.
The S-Turbo made the formula memorable. At a time when most compact SUVs were slow and softly tuned, Subaru added an intercooled turbocharger and produced a car capable of keeping pace with contemporary hot hatchbacks in poor weather.
UK specification and performance
The 1,994cc EJ20 flat-four was tuned for approximately 168bhp and 240Nm in early UK cars. A five-speed manual provided the most direct experience, while a four-speed automatic broadened the S-Turbo’s appeal. Permanent four-wheel drive was standard, although the torque distribution and hardware differed between manual and automatic transmissions.
| Specification | Forester S-Turbo |
|---|---|
| Engine | 1,994cc intercooled turbocharged flat-four |
| Power | About 168bhp initially; approximately 175bhp from 2001 |
| Transmission | Five-speed manual or four-speed automatic |
| Drive | Permanent four-wheel drive |
| 0–60mph | Approximately 7.7–7.9 seconds |
| UK launch | October 1998 |
A 2000 facelift revised the nose and tail, improved the rear seating area and refreshed cabin details. The 2001 S-Turbo gained a small power increase and cruise control. Equipment could include a large sunroof, heated seats, heated mirrors and air conditioning through the All Weather Pack.
What is it like to drive?
The S-Turbo’s greatest trick is its composure. Long-travel suspension breathes with rough surfaces while the low-mounted boxer engine helps keep the centre of gravity sensible. Steering is more natural than in many later SUVs, visibility is excellent and the compact footprint makes the car easy to use.
It rolls more than an Impreza and its brakes require respect, but performance remains brisk. On wet lanes or loose surfaces, the combination of traction and compliance explains why the model earned such loyal owners.
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Buying guide: what to check
UK car or import?
Identify the car carefully. Japanese-market Foresters include more powerful S/tb and STI derivatives whose specifications differ substantially from the official UK S-Turbo. Imports can be excellent, but parts, insurance, gearing and engine management may differ. Check the chassis code and supporting paperwork.
Engine and servicing
Look for regular oil changes, correct coolant and documented timing-belt replacement. Start from cold and listen for bearing knock or piston noise that fails to settle. Blue exhaust smoke, weak boost, misfires or oil around the turbo plumbing need specialist diagnosis. A healthy car should pull cleanly without overheating.
Transmission and tyres
Manual gearboxes should select cleanly when cold and the clutch must not slip under boost. Automatics should engage promptly and change without flaring. All four tyres should be the same make, model, size and similar tread depth; mismatched rolling circumferences can strain the AWD system.
Rust and underbody damage
Inspect rear wheelarches, sills, floor seams, suspension turrets, subframes and the metal around the rear bumper mounts. Check underneath for off-road damage and poorly repaired corrosion. Fuel filler pipes, exhaust systems and brake lines also suffer with age.
Suspension, brakes and cabin
Listen for worn drop links and bushes, check dampers for leaks and examine the steering rack. The large sunroof must operate smoothly and drain correctly. Heated-seat elements, air conditioning and frameless-window seals are worth testing because neglected examples can require a long list of small repairs.
Which S-Turbo should you buy?
A late, standard manual with complete history provides the sharpest experience, but an automatic can be a relaxed and durable choice. Mechanical condition and originality matter more than facelift status. Be cautious of heavily modified cars, especially where boost has been raised without cooling, fuelling and braking upgrades.
Verdict
The Forester S-Turbo anticipated the performance crossover while remaining lighter, simpler and more characterful than most modern equivalents. It is quick, practical and unmistakably Subaru—an ideal candidate for the unusual-car canon.
Research sources
- Subaru UK model and heritage information
- RAC Drive, Subaru Forester 1997–2002 used-car review
- Car Keys, contemporary 1999 Forester S-Turbo road test
- European Subaru Forester technical specifications and owner-service guidance
