New Subaru Forester debuts in Asia Pacific
Crossover sport-ute set to arrive in PHL in early 2019
HAVING made its world premiere at the New York International Auto Show on March 28, the new-generation Subaru Forester on Aug. 7 marked its arrival in Asia-Pacific markets via a launch program held in Taichung, Taiwan. The latest model will be sold in the Philippines in early 2019.
According to Subaru, the latest Forester comes in two trim levels — 2.0 i-L and 2.0 i-S — each of which getting a variant that’s fitted with the brand’s driver-assist system branded EyeSight. All are powered by a naturally aspirated, direct injection 2.0-liter boxer engine that makes 156 hp and 196 Nm. It sends the output to all four wheels — Subaru’s signature symmetrical all-wheel drive system is retained — via a sevenspeed Lineartronic CVT, which can be shifted manually.
Bigger than the previous model, the new Forester promises improved cabin space, as well as safety features. Chief among these is the EyeSight, which integrates automatic pre-collision braking, pre-collision throttle management, adaptive cruise control, lead vehicle start alert, lane departure and lane-sway warning. Also fitted to the new model are auto vehicle hold and the Subaru Rear Vehicle Detection (SRVD).
Subaru explained auto vehicle hold keeps a stationary vehicle from moving even if the driver is not stepping on the brake pedal — a means to reduce driver fatigue, according to the car maker. It added SRVD uses a radar to detect objects behind, issuing an alert to the driver. The system is linked with blind spot detection, lane-change assist and rear crosstraffic alert features.
Subaru said the latest Forester’s platform itself makes the vehicle smoother to ride, as well as safer. It cited in particular the model’s X-Mode, which allows the driver to select the setting best suited to a particular terrain, as a key feature. X-Mode alters the performance parameters of the Forester’s engine, all-wheel drive train, brakes and other functions depending on available traction, guaranteeing grip on slippery surfaces. A hill-descent control further helps in this regard.
Equally relevant is active torque vectoring, which Subaru said improves the Forester’s handling as the system can brake the vehicle’s inner wheels while distributing more torque to the outer wheels, letting the vehicle turn around bends sharper.
In the cabin, the new model is fitted with an electronic parking brake switch, USB charging ports, air-conditioning vents for backseat passengers, and a multifunction display, among other items. Subaru said leg room in the rear has increased, as well as in the cargo bay, which this time can be accessed through a wider hatch.
The car maker noted the latest Forester is marked by styling which pays homage to its predecessor, with the new model receiving subtle updates on its grille, head lamps and tail lights.
Prices and a sales target for the Philippines have yet to be announced. The brand’s local dealer has sold 1,611 vehicles in the first six months of 2018, up 5.8% over the same period last year. —