Motor Image Pilipinas, Inc., the authorized distributor of Subaru vehicles in the Philippines, has launched the fifth-generation Subaru Forester for the Philippine market. The new Subaru Forester is now built on the new Subaru Global Platform, giving it improved handling characteristics, better safety, and a quieter ride compared to its predecessor.
Subaru’s EyeSight Driver Assist Technology is available on the new Subaru Forester as well, which includes automatic pre-collision braking, pre-collision throttle management, adaptive cruise control, lead vehicle alert, lane departure and lane sway warning.
Three variants of the Subaru Forester will be offered, namely, the entry-level 2.0i-L at P1,598,000, the mid-range 2.0i-L EyeSight at P1,698,000, and the top-of-the-line 2.0i-S EyeSight at P1,798,000. All Subaru Forester models are powered by a 2.0-liter direct-injected, normally-aspirated four-cylinder Boxer engine producing 156-hp at 6,000 rpm and 196-Nm of torque at 4,000 rpm mated to a Lineartronic CVT with paddle shifters. All models are likewise equipped with Subaru’s Symmetrical All-wheel-drive system and SI-Drive, allowing the driver to choose between sporty or economical driving modes.
On the outside, the base-model 2.0i-L gets halogen daytime running lights and 225/60R17 tires, while the 2.0i-L EyeSight and 2.0i-S EyeSight are equipped with LED daytime running lights and larger 225/55R18 tires. All models come standard with seven airbags, ABS with EBD, and electronic stability control, together with an eight-inch display with navigation, automatic headlights, dual-zone climate control, an electronic parking brake with Automatic Vehicle Hold, cruise control, rain-sensing wipers, reverse camera, a tilt/telescopic steering wheel, active torque vectoring, and push-button start stop. The mid-ranged 2.0i-L EyeSight gets the benefits of the EyeSight safety system together with leather seats, power adjustable driver and passenger seats, a power tailgate and steering responsive headlights. The top-of-the-line 2.0i-S EyeSight variant gets the addition of aluminum pedals, a power-sliding large glass sunroof, and Subaru’s special X-Mode all-terrain management system.
The Forester offers generous ground clearance at 220mm, which helps the Forester navigate heavy rainfall and floods and in navigating river terrain. It also uses extensive high-tensile steel that promises durability and rigidity, and comes with increased cargo room and a wider rear gate opening.
Interior features include added rear leg room, USB charging ports and air-conditioning vents behind the center console. The instrument panel comes with a 6.3-inch LCD color Multi-Function Display, presenting information in an easy-to-read form.
“The All-New Forester is now bigger and better, both inside and out. This is the first Forester which incorporates all of Subaru’s four proprietary technologies which means a safer, more comfortable and enjoyable driving experience for drivers and passengers.” said Glenn Tan, Deputy Chairman and Managing Director, Tan Chong International Ltd. “We are thrilled to bring the new Forester to the Philippines, as the previous generations of Forester have proven very popular here and is perfect for all the family. We are confident it will continue to be one of the most popular SUVs sold here.” The all-new Subaru Forester is now available at Subaru showrooms across the Philippines.
In addition to the new Forester, Motor Image took the opportunity to announce its global partnership with Motul lubricants.
Under the deal, Motul will supply the specially developed and formulated oils for Motor Image distributorship and dealerships in the region. These oils, developed in Japan, will be used in all of its aftersales and service centers. Customers will have access to premium quality lubricants, such as 100 percent synthetic engine oils, at competitive prices, giving customers a superior aftersales service, available only at Motor Image’s facilities and dealerships.
The first of the exclusive Subaru lubricant product line-up to be launched, from January 2019, include Subaru Engine Oils by Motul – the 0W20 and the 5W30. These 100 percent synthetic oils have been specially researched and developed in Japan, and licensed for retail exclusively at Subaru outlets.
By Chris Van Hoven