Subaru had plenty of hype at the 2024 Singapore Motor Show. Its four-car lineup, including the Russ Swift Show, created a lot of buzz because it embodied the brand’s core values of Enjoyment, Peace of Mind, and Subaru-ness.
I have to admit that the last one sounded odd. But while most car companies spout generic terms like sportiness, fun, etc., Subaru did not mince words and used simple yet precise ones to describe what they are all about (you cannot get more specific than turning your marque into a state of being).
There were no new models from Subaru at the show. Instead, they previewed enhanced models — some were prototypes, while others were already in the market — to improve aesthetics further or, in the case of the BRZ, to increase ride dynamics.
Subaru WRX
Whether you are into wagons or sedans, Subaru had something for enthusiasts at the show with the two body styles of the WRX. But first, the basics. It has a 2.4-liter Boxer engine (275-PS and 350-Nm of torque) with a transmission that has sport-shifting control to send power to its symmetrical all-wheel-drive system and guarantees passenger protection with EyeSight. That means you can go fast and responsibly with technology that will help you brake, keep you in your lane, adjust cruise control autonomously, and even alert you when you have fallen behind at the stoplight.
What differentiates these from other WRXs are the GT body kits. An under, side, and rear spoiler give its body a lowered and more planted look, while the red STI badge on the front grille adds panache to its appearance. Since Subaru is still stocking up on the body kits, these are prototypes for now.
Crosstrek
Fans of the Crosstrek (formerly known as the XV) are in for a treat as Subaru graced its smallest crossover with the GT kit (roof spoiler, front, and side garnishes), a set of 18-inch wheels, and even GT leather seats. The variant on display at the show uses an e-Boxer engine, which means it is a hybrid. The 2.0-liter engine makes 150-PS and 196-Nm of torque but gets 16.7-PS and 66-Nm from a permanent magnet AC synchronous motor. Power goes to the symmetrical all-wheel drive via a seven-speed continuously variable transmission. Its Enhanced EyeSight 4.0 utilizes a wide-angle monocular camera to run its advanced safety systems. The body kit should be in the Philippines soon, but the e-Boxer engine is not yet in the pipeline.
BRZ
If you want more styling for your BRZ, the STI body kits should do the trick. This two-door fastback coupe packs a 2.4-liter four-cylinder naturally aspirated boxer engine (237-PS and 250-Nm of torque) that uses Subaru’s famed horizontally opposed design, has an excellent power-to-weight ratio and a platform that is 50% more rigid for straight-line stability, sharper handling, less body roll, shorter braking distance, low noise / vibration / harshness (NVH), and higher comfort. Best of all, it looks hotter with upgrades like a front / side / rear under spoiler, a skirt lip, front fender garnish, rear bumper diffuser, dry carbon rear spoiler, STI 18-inch wheels, perforated leather steering wheel with red stitching, and leather door cards with a red stripe.
Forester
Finally, a model that needs no introduction is the Forester. The variant at the show uses a 2.0-liter e-Boxer engine with the same motor as the Crosstrek. This model became popular here because of features like symmetrical all-wheel drive, X-Mode, active torque vectoring, and vehicle dynamics control system, making it a capable compact SUV. It also has EyeSight 4.0 and several other spatial-awareness features like Superview (360-degree system), rear vehicle detection, etc. Thankfully, we already have the GT Edition here that upgrades the aesthetics of the Forester with front and rear bumper garnishes, GT 18-inch wheels, leather seats, a roof spoiler, and an exhaust cutter.
According to Motor Image Pilipinas (MIP), the exclusive distributor of Subaru in the Philippines, they are excited about the impending arrival of the GT kit for the Crosstrek because it adds sophistication to its rugged appeal with the silver accents and leather seats. The STI pack for the BRZ does not have a definite date yet as this model is the only unit with it in Singapore, so they will get it first before stocks come our way. With the popularity of the WRX locally, I know that the GT kit will not be prototypes for too long.
Are we getting the hybrids soon? Tell MIP you want it so they can allocate stocks for the Philippines.
Each Subaru at the show exuded properties of the brand’s slogan, “Built for Adventures.” All models use its core technologies to provide stability and confidence (symmetrical all-wheel drive, Boxer engine), safety (EyeSight), comfort (Subaru Global Platform), and for its SUVs/crossovers, a go-anywhere attitude (X-Mode, Subaru Intelligent Drive and high ground clearance). That is Subaru-ness at its best.