I bought a bag of Lays regular chips the other day as I hadn't had one in a long time. Yes, I had had other varieties of chips and enjoyed them all thoroughly, even the little orange crumbs left for licking on my fingers, and a few on my shirt.
Lays had always been a favourite of mine, but somehow I had strayed from what I knew - unusual for me, especially with food - but the bag of chips, which had to be shared with my wife, went down really well.
There's is something about familiarity that offers a sense of comfort and there is nothing more comfortable than lounging on the sofa with elastic-waist pants on watching a good movie while shovelling a big bag of chips into your gob.
Straying from what is familiar is something that can happen with other things including vehicles.
You buy a certain brand for a long time then decide to go with some other brand for whatever reason. But people who buy Subarus generally only stray from one model to another.
Subaru's staple in the SUV segment is, and has always been, the Forester. A capable stalwart able to get you and your family, including dogs just about anywhere you wanted to go.
It always comes with a number of comfort and safety options making both short and long hauls more enjoyable.
Over time I have driven the Impreza in all its varieties, the impressive Outback, Legacy and so on, but every so often I get back into the Forester for another try and it is like going back for another bag of Lays, it just doesn't disappoint.
Crack open the doors of the Forester and the waft of familiarity, just like those oh so good salty chips makes you want to reach in and grab a big handful.
And that is just about the best way to become familiar with the Forester. Don't ask anyone what it is like, just get in and drive it.
There has always been ample room for the whole family with plenty of space for five and a large trunk area behind the rear seats.
Although the Forester sits lower than a lot of SUVs it is still an SUV and not really a wagon, but either name works, and if you own it then you can call it what you want.
On these hot days some people would really like the Forester's panoramic roof that is about twice the size of a normal moonroof and opens with the touch of a button. Myself, I prefer to use the automatic climate control to cool things down. No point in letting hotter air in through the roof.
Nevertheless, this is a big moonroof and with the cover open and the glass roof closed it lets in lots of light and makes the interior feel more roomy.
The Forester is slightly larger than its predecessor making for more leg room especially in the back, and anyone who has had to spend time in the back of any vehicle knows that an extra inch or two of legroom is always
welcome.
The split seats also recline making for a more relaxed seating position for long trips, and hopefully enticing the kids to nod off after a short while.
In the very back Subaru has included a 12-volt outlet, perfect for hooking up the pump for the bicycle tires when mountain-biking or the air bed when camping. The rear floor was also covered completely by a rubber mat making sure your nice carpet stays that way whether you have pets, outdoor adventure equipment or just muddy boots to throw in there.
There is also storage space under the floor big enough for boots, laptops and several other items.
Cruise control, stereo and Bluetooth have all been placed on the steering wheel and the
satellite radio always comes in handy.
The driver's seat is powered as are the outside rear-view mirrors, which are also heated and the passenger gets a height-adjustable seat in case the poor dear isn't tall enough to see out the front window. Both front seats are heated, although in the weather we have been having lately I would really like it if they were cooled as well.
The Forester also came with a bunch of good safety equipment like antilock brakes, electronic brake-force distribution, brake assist, traction control and vehicle dynamics control to keep you safe and hopefully help prevent the Forester from getting damaged.
As I have been told by many people it is always nice to try new things - although this is usually something you tell your kids when you want them to eat the food they are complaining about - but is also nice to go back to an old favourite now and again especially when you are feeling a bit salty.
