With assembly of the fifth-generation Subaru Forester taking place at the newly-launched Tan Chong Subaru Automotive (Thailand) for distribution in Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam and Cambodia, there will certainly be queries about the pricing of the SUV model when (in all likelihood) it is launched in Malaysia as a fully-imported (CBU) model.
During a group interview session following the launch of the TCSAT facility, Glenn Tan, managing director of Tan Chong International, said, “it’s definitely (going to be) more expensive than the current Forester now, but we definitely want to keep it competitive and keep it within a single price range,” said Tan.
“It’s not going to be (as) cheap as the current one now. It’ll definitely go up to a different zone, but we believe the new car, compared to the other competitors at this new zone should be reasonable. We’ve had similar situations in Taiwan, Philippines, Thailand, Singapore, Hong Kong and all our countries. We don’t see an issue with the price moving up,” he added.
It was previously revealed that all-new Forester would be launched in Malaysia by mid-2019, with the EyeSight suite of driver assistance systems being fitted on higher-end variants. At the time, an introduction was slated to to take place in April 2019, but it appears we’ll have to wait a little longer.
The latest Forester has already been launched in Thailand, with three variants being offered, starting with the 2.0i-L at 1,330,000 baht (RM171,610), followed by the 2.0i-S at 1,380,000 baht (RM178,009) and 2.0i-S EyeSight at 1,450,000 baht (RM187,039). These prices include what is referred to as an “option pack” that bundles in a five-year/100,000 km warranty and 24 hour roadside assistance – 300,000 baht for the 2.0i-L and 320,000 baht for the remaining two variants.
In terms of specifications, all variants sold in Thailand get the same FB20 engine (156 PS and 196 Nm), Lineartronic CVT and Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system. The equipment list is also rather comprehensive, and includes LED headlamps, 17- or 18-inch wheels, an eight-inch touchscreen, dual-zone climate control and powered tailgate.
Safety kit is also similar across the range, with seven airbags (front, side, curtain driver knee), Active Torque Vectoring, Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC), ABS with EBD, Brake Assist and Isofix child seat anchors on the outer rear seats.
The most expensive variant gets the EyeSight package, which consists of Pre-Collision Braking and Throttle Management, Lane Sway and Departure Warning as well as Adaptive Cruise Control and Lead Vehicle Start Alert. These systems are joined by Lane Change Assist, rear cross-traffic alert and blind spot monitor.
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If Thailand’s price is anything to go by the Forester will be priced around the likes of the CRV and I have to say for its looks….it’s an acquired taste. The CX5 or the Xtrail looks more pleasing to the eye.
The x70 premium is at 120k. Competitors need to start step away from that price. Its normal for Malaysia. No direct competition to proton is allowed.
Buy current Subaru Forester. Now!
Dead on arrival.
the price is not an issue but the gutless Engine is definitely
If the Forester selling at 160k with a 2.0L NA engine, it will be the same story: niche player in the segment.
This macho uncle-looking SUV is dead on arrival anyway. And gosh ffs, look at its torque! xD
lel. More expensive? Will be DoA when the pricier Forester comes up against Proton’s X70 juggernaut. Those who still want to buy, better get it now.
may u rest in peace forester-san (bow head)
If cbu, then Subaru monthly sales total unit will be less than volvo
mabuk la this tan chong. x70 already killed you all.
X70 4 months bookings ady more than whole of 2018 sales for Tan Chong.
“TCM don’t see an issue with the price moving up,” Msian see the price going up ready to park at junk yard.. Good luck
Maybe 50k more but still no XT turbo. Pass……
With the appreciation in Thai Bath vs MYR, CBU from Thai will not be cheap as can be seen from the price of the car in Thailand itself. Such a bad decision to not having it CKD.
Good luck trying to sell a minor obscure brand like Subaru for that price range. And when you sell it “CBU” while people know it’s assembled in Thailand and not Japan unlike Mazda CBU models, all the more reason people will shy away from it.
Syiok sendiri all you want, only motorsports enthusiasts know the Subaru brand. This brand doesn’t even register much with Regular Joes and women.
Come on why no mention of Hybrid yet still increase SP. Good luck MI, XV wld b the only sellable item in future and before new Altis Hybrid come in
stupid company.. they should know Malaysians are looking for PRICE COMPETITIVENESS or spec competitiveness.. by saying so, they are hitting their own feet with a rock, killing Subaru market in Malaysia.
187K?
WRX 2.0 CVT is currently selling at RM209,729.00….
i think the outback is selling at 200++K as well… look at how many outback on the road? people buy it not just because of the NAME, but also because of the price.
In Malaysia, you are competing with brands like Honda and Toyota with same spec with much lesser price… If you put that price tag, you can predict, nobody’s gonna buy it. Think again….
Exora more powerful at lowish rpm. Minus the off road capabilities
Glenn Tan only knows how to judge Asia next top models…. not cars and prices.
If the Eyesight model is priced similarly to the Mazda CX-5 2.2D or 2.5L, only the true Subaru fans will go for it especially with its normally aspirated engine. The symmetrical AWD system is great but on city roads where the majority of Forester will be running? From experience with my 2016 XV, fuel consumption is not great either. But I had waited in anticipation for the XV with Eyesight to upgrade to and eventually bought a Mazda CX-5 2.2D that I am enjoying thoroughly. The ride is great and performance and fuel consumption are good.
Checked Motor Image Thailand web site.
2.0i-L = THB 1,030,000
2.0i-S = THB 1,060,000
2.0i-S ES = THB 1,130,000
so where do you get the figure?
The prices quoted in the story includes the “Option Pack” which customers are likely to opt for, on top of the base retail prices.
Ref: https://www.subaru.asia/th/assets/buying/pricelist.pdf