Well, it’s all hot like burning where Subaru’s BRZ is concerned. The Nikkei reports that its maker, Fuji Heavy Industries, swamped with orders and unable to keep up with production, is set to push back Japanese market deliveries of the vehicle to January 2013.

Production of the BRZ, developed with Toyota and twin sister to the latter’s GT 86, began last month on March 16 at Subaru’s Gunma factory in Ota-city, Japan, where the GT 86 is also being built.

The car went on sale in Japan on March 28, and delaying shipments to next year after just two weeks or so being on the market is an extremely rare situation for sports cars, which draw limited demand, the report adds.

Orders for the BRZ are now about four times as much as what Fuji Heavy had expected. The car made its ASEAN debut in Singapore earlier this month, where Danny managed to get up close and personal with it, albeit all too briefly for his liking. The Toyota 86 is set to make its way here soon too, what with pricing announced and order books opened – at this rate, Japanese 86 buyers might be set to face delivery shortages too!

© 2012 Paul Tan's Automotive News. All Rights Reserved.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 27 May 12 13:09:20 +0000.

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Late last year, we told you that the Subaru BRZ will be coming to Malaysia – now, the impending arrival of the sports car has been confirmed by Motor Image (MI), the Subaru distributor for our region. Estimated time of arrival is the fourth quarter of this year, slightly later than the originally mooted Q2/Q3 2012 plan.

Followers of this website would have already known that Motor Image has big plans for Subaru in Malaysia. Our country will host Fuji Heavy’s only CKD project outside of Japan, besides USA. The model chosen for the region is the XV, and MI will take advantage of AFTA rules to export the Segambut-assembled crossover to Thailand and Indonesia.

The XV is scheduled for a December 2012 launch, but before that, the BRZ will be introduced here. The BRZ is a fruit of the collaboration between Toyota and Subaru, and the twin sister of the former’s GT86.

We’re told by Subaru that they were in charge of the engineering, development and production of the GT86/BRZ, while Toyota’s responsibility included styling and product planning. Both brands are selling and marketing their sports cars individually, of course. Minor differences between the two are the shape of the front intake, headlights, DRL design, fog lamp housing and fender garnish. Suspension tuning also varies slightly.

So it’s fair to call the car a Subaru, designed by Toyota. Both cars roll out of Subaru’s Gunma factory in Ota-city, Japan. In fact, the start of production was just announced three weeks ago, and they’re bursting at the seams with orders at the moment, so it’s amazing that MI has managed to secure stock so soon after – the BRZ made its regional debut in Singapore’s Clarke Quay on Wednesday evening.

BRZ stands for Boxer engine, Rear-drive, Zenith. Subaru’s trademark boxer engine and rear-wheel drive are of course the main ingredients. The flat packaging of the horizontally opposed four-cylinder is the reason why the car’s nose is so low – the low-set “FA” engine (made more compact by a shorter intake manifold and shallower oil pan) that’s pushed far back also contributes to the BRZ’s “ultra low” centre of gravity. At 460 mm, it’s lower than a Mazda MX-5.

Also added is Toyota’s D-4S direct injection and port injection technology. The final tally for this 2.0-litre is 200 PS at 7,000 rpm and 205 Nm at 6,400 to 6,600 rpm. Two six speed transmissions are available – manual and automatic, the latter with Sport mode and paddle shifters.

Interestingly, Motor Image will not be pushing the manual gearbox for its markets, although the stick shift can be special ordered if you insist. MI boss Glenn Tan explained that they’re discouraging manual sales to move away from the “boyracer image” the brand has built up over the years. Of the big winged turbo monsters, Tan said: “This is not the kind of image we want to have. We’re doing a completely different thing now, we want to be a premium Japanese brand.”

You see, MI used to sell a sizable number of hot Imprezas in Singapore back when COEs were more affordable, and many of these young hot blooded male buyers got into trouble on the road, so much so that insurance companies were reluctant to insure Subarus. This is what they’re trying to stay away from. Not just MI, but Subaru has also exhibited signs of wanting to be more mainstream, as seen in the current five-door hatch and Forester.

So yes, we sampled the BRZ, but can’t tell you how the manual gearbox feels like. Just a few minutes in the car around a makeshift carpark course in Singapore won’t be enough for a verdict, but the brief encounter was positive nonetheless.

It has been awhile since a proper Japanese coupe emerged, and this one looks right. The low, flat serpent-like nose, the swelled fenders and the muscular rear haunches blend well, and the BRZ-exclusive WR Blue Mica colour (GT86 exclusive colour is orange, six other colours are shared) looks fab in the sun. Nothing I would change, except for the fake vents on the fenders.

Even better is the driving position, which goes very low. Combined with grippy seats and a nice steering that adjusts for reach, I’m aroused even before starting the engine. Not because of the flash (dash design is nothing to shout about) but what lies ahead.

Pressing the start button elicits a growl, and we’re told that there’s a “sound creator” that helps with the soundtrack upwards of 3,000 rpm. Floor it and the lack of a turbo kick is conspicuous – this is a different kind of Subaru all right, one that demands more “work” for the pleasure. I like it like that, and the noise the flat-four makes.

Response is rather sharp and I really like how the controls feel – the brake pedal and steering both provide good sensations. The latter isn’t too heavy, and its sharpness gives the car an agile feel. Not an illusion, the lack of inertia is apparent throughout. Not much roll in the slalom, too. I can imagine the BRZ being a great B-road tool.

We had a go in trying to kick the BRZ’s tail out, but with a tense and strict chaperon beside me and the ESP only half-off, it wasn’t that easy. I managed a small slip, but it didn’t last long. At least we can confirm that the electronic safety net is there, and very effective for the rest of the time when you don’t want to play naughty.

Although we didn’t get to do proper road driving (can’t complain, since there won’t be test drives even for potential owners, as clearly stated in the Singapore ads), we’ve established that this is a sports car that has all the right ingredients to be a great driver’s car. Oh, and those rear seats are usable – much better than the Audi TT’s and slightly better than the Peugeot RCZ’s.

The high-spec car you see here will be the one coming in, but it won’t be cheap – expect a price tag north of RM250k. With the same spec, a manual will be costlier than an auto. That sticker will cause many to look elsewhere, even to its twin with the 86 badge, but that won’t cause sleepless nights within Subaru, especially when they can’t make enough of these to satisfy demand from elsewhere!

A big gallery of the BRZ is after the jump.

© 2012 Paul Tan's Automotive News. All Rights Reserved.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 27 May 12 13:09:20 +0000.

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Click to enlarge.

These two may very well be the most anticipated car of 2012. Finally, after what seems to be two centuries since the Tokyo Motor Show 2011, which both cars were featured, the Subaru BRZ and the Toyota GT 86 start production last Friday, March 16.

It was a special occasion, one that was marked by a special ceremony held at Subaru’s Gunma factory in Ota-city, Japan. Presidents of both car companies attended the event.

The Gunma Main Plant, which has undergone significant re-fitting to cope with the extra capacity, will produce the BRZ and the GT 86. And according to Subaru’s grand scheme of things, the Impreza will be made there by 2013.

Until we get sightings of the car somewhere in Port Klang, or driving around masked or being delivered by a trailer, here are some links to get you reacquainted with both cars.

Click here for Subaru BRZ. Click here for Toyota GT 86.

© 2012 Paul Tan's Automotive News. All Rights Reserved.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 27 May 12 13:09:20 +0000.

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Tan Chong Motor Assemblies (TCMA) has entered into an assembly agreement with TC Subaru Sdn Bhd, which is a subsidiary of Tan Chong International Limited, the company handling Subaru in our region and beyond. This was announced by Tan Chong Motor Holdings, the owner of TCMA, in a filing to Bursa Malaysia.

The agreement is for the assembly of passenger vehicles by TCMA for TC Subaru, and is effective from March 6, 2012 to December 31, 2013. This duration can be extended with a six-month notice. The installation of assembly infrastructure is at the cost and expense of TC Subaru. Not mentioned now, but it was previously revealed that the Subaru CKD programme will happen at Tan Chong’s Segambut plant in KL.

Nothing new here, merely a formalisation of the plans we broke to you last July, where Fuji Heavy Industres (maker of Subaru) inked an MoU with Tan Chong to make Malaysia the ASEAN production hub for Subaru. The model in question is the Subaru XV crossover, a raised C-segment hatchback with the brand’s famous Symmetrical AWD. Click here for our first drive story.

Production will start later this year, and the planned 5,000 units per year will be divided for sale equally between Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia. To sell the cars, Motor Image is embarking on a big expansion plan in Malaysia with 18 outlets planned through 2013. This means that by 2014, Malaysia will have 20 Subaru outlets if all goes to plan.

Click here to read our exclusive interview with Glenn Tan, Executive Director of TCIL, where he talks about Subaru’s plans for the region, and Malaysia.

© 2012 Paul Tan's Automotive News. All Rights Reserved.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 27 May 12 13:09:20 +0000.

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We have returned from the Thailand International Motor Expo 2011, where Motor Image (MI), the Subaru distributor for our region and beyond, unveiled the Subaru XV at its stand.

This XV in question is made in Japan and will go to MI marktes such as Singapore, Taiwan and Hong Kong. Malaysia? We have a locally assembled XV to look forward to, scheduled for an October 2012 release.

If you remember, back in July this website broke the news of Subaru’s CKD plans for ASEAN, with Malaysia as the hub. We followed up by revealing the XV as the model to be locally assembled at Tan Chong Motor Assemblies in Segambut, KL. Extra details came in our exclusive interview with Motor Image boss Glenn Tan, where he revealed more about the ASEAN bound XV as well as MI’s big plans for Malaysia. Click here to read the interview.

The XV is powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder horizontally-opposed Boxer engine, which is Subaru’s trademark layout. This engine, tuned for good low to mid end torque, is a new unit featuring Dual Active Valve Control System (DAVCS), 150 PS and 196 Nm.

Another USP of the brand is Symmetrical AWD, and the XV feeds drive permanently to all four wheels. The sole transmission choice is a Lineartronic CVT with manual selection. Brakes are discs all round, with the fronts ventilated. The XV’s suspension consists of front MacPherson struts and rear double wishbones.

While the XV’s shape looks similar to the Impreza hatchback’s at a glance, its front and rear styling is unique. It measures 4,450 mm long and had a 2,635 mm wheelbase, figures that are 35 mm and 15 mm longer than the Impreza hatch, respectively. The concept of the XV is not new, but this time, Subaru has dropped the “Impreza” name from the model, like how the Outback doesn’t wear the Legacy name.

We were given a preview of the XV at Motor Image Thailand’s modern Khlongkum hub, modeled after the all-in-one Toa Payoh Subaru hub in Singapore.

The drive wasn’t much to write home about, consisting of only a straight and a slalom run in the centre’s compound, but it did reveal good response and pick up, while exhibiting less body roll and weight shift than I imagined, considering the raised stance. The driver’s seat feels right for me – it goes low enough and the steering adjusts for rake, too.

The XV should prove to be a pleasant drive, but one will first need to remove any image, idea and expectation of a loud turbo Subaru. Yes, those blue monsters wearing gold shoes that roam our streets

The pics I took are a good preview of our CKD model, but some details are to be ignored. The point of local assembly is to lower the price, so it makes sense to stay away from the unnecessary luxuries. The sunroof you see here won’t be present, as with the full colour display above the centre stack and HIDs.

The factory stereo is likely to be replaced by a 2-DIN touch screen unit (with possible options for reverse camera/GPS) linked to the original steering audio switches. The shift paddles for the CVT will be present.

Fancy display won’t be in CKD car, but a touch screen 2-DIN HU with GPS/reverse cam might

Exterior wise, this is pretty much it, including the 225/55 R17 wheel size and the distinctive design of the alloys. The XV’s identity hinges on the tough off-roader looks, so the black body cladding and roof rails are highlights of this C-segment crossover. Tangerine Orange Pearl, as seen here, is the car’s signature colour, but less flashy hues will of course be available. I’m sure there will be requests for WR Blue!

Price wise, MI isn’t committing a figure yet, but promised that the XV will be priced competitively with C-segment SUV rivals. A lot depends on the exchange rate, and the Ringgit isn’t exactly faring very well against the Yen, unfortunately.

© 2012 Paul Tan's Automotive News. All Rights Reserved.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 27 May 12 13:09:20 +0000.

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We’re in Bangkok now for the year ending Thailand International Motor Expo, and yours truly picked up a pleasant surprise. No, the show girls did not offer to follow me home, but Motor Image is set to bring the just launched Subaru BRZ to Malaysia! Unveiled at the ongoing Tokyo Motor Show, the BRZ is Subaru’s version of the Toyota GT 86, which it helped develop.

The BRZ is mechanically similar to the new hachi-roku but sports minor styling differences. It is powered by a 2.0-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder boxer engine with 200 hp and 205 Nm of torque, with drive going exclusively to the rear wheels. A six-speed manual is the natural choice of gearbox, but there’s an auto box for those who can’t DIY.

Estimated date of arrival? According to Glenn Tan, Executive Director of Tan Chong International and head of Motor Image, they will be trying hard for the second or third quarter of 2012, with a possible launch time that coincides with the Super GT race (the BRZ will be competing next season in the GT300 category). Trying hard because worldwide demand for the BRZ is expected to be great and there are many higher priority markets to satisfy.

Click here for a full live gallery of the Subaru BRZ from Tokyo.

© 2012 Paul Tan's Automotive News. All Rights Reserved.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 27 May 12 13:09:20 +0000.

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The Toyota GT 86 is undoubtedly the star of Tokyo Motor Show 2011, the belle of the ball. And while the Subaru BRZ (stands for Boxer engine, Rear-drive, Zenith) is essentially the same car, with the same flat-four engine, it didn’t generate as much ‘oohs’ and ‘aahs’ as the new hachi-roku. Understandable, since it’s not the one with the evocative name.

But the compact body goes quite well with Subaru blue, I think, and FHI had a fetching matte white BRZ on display, too. Other differences from the Toyota include the addition of a funky spoiler and the lack of the 86 logo at the base of the A-pillar, replaced by a generic vent. Subaru is also mighty proud of its trademark Boxer engine, which is compact, light and with a low centre of gravity, ideal for a small sports car.

This “Proud of Boxer” statement will be seen on the race BRZ that Subaru will campaign in next year’s Super GT GT300 category, as well as the team’s overalls. Subaru’s many fans will be wishing for a “STI version” with turbo and AWD, but will Toyota allow its prom queen be overshadowed and outperformed by her sister?

Enjoy these live shots of the BRZ from Tokyo Big Sight, including interior shots and the GT300 racer. Click here for live pics and a video of the GT 86.

© 2012 Paul Tan's Automotive News. All Rights Reserved.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 27 May 12 13:09:20 +0000.

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To many of us, the Toyota GT 86 Coupe is one of the most highly anticipated cars, this year at least. The sweet-looking coupe gave the AE 86 a new lease of life and should be in the bucket list of many around the world.

As you would have known, Subaru is also producing its version of the GT 86, called the BRZ which made its first public appearance at the Tokyo Motor Show. Just like the Toyota version, it is motivated by a four-cylinder 2.0 liter engine with 197 hp and 205 Nm of torque. There are subtle differences here and there, including different front bumpers.

At the same time, Subaru also revealed the Super GT Subaru BRZ race car which will compete in the GT300 class of the 2012 Super GT Series So which version you prefer? Toyota’s or Subaru’s?

© 2012 Paul Tan's Automotive News. All Rights Reserved.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 27 May 12 13:09:20 +0000.

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Those who dig wagons (like me) will love it here in Japan, where the estate body is popular. We’ve seen so many wagon version of cars that we never knew existed, alongside more familiar ones like the Honda Accord Tourer and Subaru Legacy Wagon. Here’s what the Subaru could look like in the future, as previewed by the Advanced Tourer Concept from Tokyo 2011.

You’ve already seen it featured here yesterday, but here are some live shots from Tokyo Big Sight. Sharp lines, muscular proportions, a bold face and outrageous wing doors, the Advanced Tourer is quite a sight.

However, if you use your imagination to replace the doors with conventional items and delete the showcar bling, it could be quite feasible. Click here for more details.

In a sea of organic Tokyo concepts, the sharp lines of the Subaru stand out. We like what we see!

© 2012 Paul Tan's Automotive News. All Rights Reserved.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 27 May 12 13:09:20 +0000.

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Over at Subaru, the Advanced Tourer Concept has made its debut at the TMS. The company describes it as a new generation sports wagon, and the 4.58 metre-long B-pillarless vehicle combines a horizontally-opposed Boxer engine linked to a hybrid system.

The 1.6 litre turbo engine includes direct fuel injection and showcases technology that will guide the brand’s future engine strategy. Mated to a Lineartronic CVT gearbox, Subaru says the mill drastically improves combustion efficiency at practical driving speeds.

A single-motor hybrid system, with attendant lithium-ion battery, is used for its simple structure and light weight – the system has an Electric Vehicle mode that allows All-Wheel Drive motion using only the motor at start-up and low speed. When decelerating, the regenerating mechanism uses the motor as a power generator.

Unique features include a roof made of glass to add to the vehicle’s spacious cabin feel, as well as a large monitor built into the steering wheel, which allows access to maps, television and the Internet.

© 2012 Paul Tan's Automotive News. All Rights Reserved.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 27 May 12 13:09:20 +0000.

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Subaru will be unveiling its Advanced Tourer Concept at the Tokyo Motor Show. The 4.58 metre-long vehicle will join the BRZ as one of two major Subaru debuts at the show.

The Advanced Tourer Concept features an innovative exterior design and is powered by a turbocharged and direct fuel injection 1.6 litre horizontally-opposed Boxer engine partnered with an efficient hybrid system, with a high torque-compatible Lineartronic CVT transmission in tow.

Click to enlarge.

The vehicle will also feature the company’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive; the company says the hybrid system has been developed to harmonise with Symmetrical AWD technology – a single motor system is used for its simple, lightweight structure. The system has an Electric Vehicle (EV) mode, which allows AWD motion using only the motor at start-up and on low-speed drives.

Features on this one include a glass panel roof, as well as a large monitor built into the steering wheel to allow easy access to maps, television and internet services. It will also be equipped with the company’s advanced EyeSight driver assist system, in which the recognition range of the stereo camera has expanded considerably, both in width and depth.

© 2012 Paul Tan's Automotive News. All Rights Reserved.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 27 May 12 13:09:20 +0000.

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Ahead of its eventual debut in Tokyo, Subaru’s BRZ gets a final run-out in a Concept STI form. The STI-badged car will premiere at the Los Angeles Auto Show later this month. Features include STI 18-inch multi-spoke alloys, a large rear wing and a four-tailpipe exhaust. No mention of the powertrain on this one, so it could well be shod with the 2.0 litre NA four-pot boxer designed for the production car, which the Toyota FT-86 will wear as well.

The BRZ, Subaru’s all-new rear-wheel drive compact sports car, will be unveiled in production form at the Tokyo Motor Show two weeks after the Concept STI does the LA run. The BRZ Prologue, which set the initial tone, was seen in Frankfurt.

© 2012 Paul Tan's Automotive News. All Rights Reserved.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 27 May 12 13:09:20 +0000.

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We just got home from Singapore, where the MediaCorp Subaru Impreza WRX Challenge 2011 came to a close last evening. As the contest entered day four, three men were determined to be the last man standing, but it was Chong Kiat Chi who outlasted the rest to drive away a Subaru Impreza WRX MT Hatchback worth S$92800 (without COE).

Chong, a 42-year old sales manager, had his palm on the car for 75 hours and 36 minutes. Chong is an old hand at the game, having previously contested six times in this annual event.

Six-time repeat contestant Chong Kiat Chi finally strikes gold (wheels)

He beat 27-year old commercial executive Tilani Haresh Lachmandas in the final battle. Tilani, with his huge popping eyes, looked very determined, and appeared the fitter of the two. He also had a huge group of friends cheering him on, but at the 75 hour 35 minute mark, stewards disqualified him for lifting his hand off the designated palm placement.

He wasn’t pleased with the call, as anyone who had a 50:50 shot at a car would be. But with the stakes so high, mistakes can be costly. Tilani had to settle for a S$5,000 cheque.

Determined and with plenty of support, but Tilani Haresh had to settle for S$5,000

Earlier, hotly tipped 52-year old chauffeur Abdul Hamid Jonid, last year’s runner up, was eliminated at 75 hours, 8 minutes after his hand slipped off. It must be heartbreaking for “Kachang” having been so close yet so far for two years running.

Conditions weren’t easy after the final ever 5-minute break at 1pm yesterday. The weather continued to toy with them, oscillating between scorching heat and heavy downpour. Winner Chong perhaps had a slightly easier time as his position was shielded from direct sun by the Ngee Ann City shadow.

Another heartbreaking nearly there moment for last year’s runner up Kachang

“I’m incredibly happy to have won. I dropped out last year due to exhaustion, but this year, with the support of my family and friends, I was able to last for as long as I did. Without them I don’t think I would have been able to do it, so I am really grateful for everything they have done,” Chong said.

Away from the trio, the best regional contestant went to Neblasca Alex Jr from the Philippines. He went home with S$5,000. As the best regional collective effort (combined hours) the Thailand team won S$10,000. The last man standing from each country took home S$1,000 each, and Malaysia’s best effort came from 30-year old sales personnel Saw Sen Chiew.

Saw lasted over 63 hours before his palm slipped off, a commendable effort. Besides the smooth surface, Saw said that the “concentration was not there” when he was eliminated.

Saw Sen Chiew was Malaysia’s longest lasting. He took home S$1,000 as country winner

Being there live at the palm challenge left me amazed at the willpower and determination shown by the participants, who endured sun and rain every single day. But I tip my cap to Adam Kamis, the one handed contestant. Good natured and ever smiling, the 32-year old joined not to boost his bank balance, but to raise funds for a semi paralysed friend to go to Germany for treatment.

However, Kamis, who lost his arm in a bike accident in 2003, was “strongly advised” by medics to retire getting severe blisters on his hand.

Adam Kamis put his only palm down to help a friend. Blisters got in the way

“My skin was stuck on the car, I peeled it off and blood just gushed out,” he told this wincing writer. “I intend to safe this arm for next year’s contest,” the man who runs at least 30 km a day added with a smile. An eye opening few days indeed.

Think you can do better? Join next year!

© 2012 Paul Tan's Automotive News. All Rights Reserved.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 27 May 12 13:09:20 +0000.

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The MediaCorp Subaru Impreza WRX Challenge 2011 is well into its fourth day now, and after last night’s “critical period” only six contestants remain – all locals. The last of the regional contestants was Neblasca Alex Jr, who just dropped out. The Filipino is therefore the “Asian Winner”, awarded to the longest lasting non Singaporean. The last Malaysian standing dropped out this morning.

Battling the cold of the night and extreme exhaustion, contestants pushed themselves beyond their physical limitations, but a big chunk of them eventually had to throw in the towel. In the last six is last year’s runner-up Abdul Hamid bin Jonid.

I paid the Ngee Ann City event area a visit yesterday night, to watch their 7pm break time and it was interesting. Five minutes were all they had to eat, go to the toilet, get a massage and wash themselves before the next 5-minute break at 1am. Not everyone managed to do all, some electing to run for the food (chicken rice or vegetarian + energy drink) first while others rushed to the toilets.

The 7pm daily breaks are special, because a family member can come in to lend support. That hug and kiss can be invaluable considering the states of mind of the contestants – some were hallucinating and many looked like zombies!

Here are the pics from yesterday. Stay tuned for the results later today!

© 2012 Paul Tan's Automotive News. All Rights Reserved.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 27 May 12 13:09:20 +0000.

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We’re in Singapore to cheer on Team Malaysia as they take on the MediaCorp Subaru Impreza WRX Challenge 2011, also known as the Subaru Palm Challenge. This is the grand finals of the annual event – to read more on what it’s all about, read our opening post from yesterday here.

The weather hasn’t been kind, and the skies above Lion City is finally clearing after few hours of heavy rain. Last night was a critical period, and the 124 still standing contestants from our last update have been more than halved to 58 people as of now. 340 have given up. Some were reported to have been hallucinating!

Of the 58, three of them – Tan Hong Sheng, Saw Sen Chiew and Tan Chuan Kok – are Malaysians. The Filipinos have taken over from Thailand as the best regional team with five still standing. Four Thais are still in it, while Indonesia and Vietnam have two each. Besides the car, there are prizes for a “Country Winner” and an “Asian Winner” for the longest lasting non Singaporean.

L-R: Cheryl Desiree Chan, Su-Anne Tan and Kuek Zi Yi of the Subaru Stunt Driving Team

While the palmers were testing their endurance at Ngee Ann City, we were at the Singapore Turf Club to sample some Subaru cars via the usual emergency brake and lane change tests.

We were supplied with Impreza 1.5 AWD sedans and the most beautiful driving instructors this writer has ever seen. Meet from left to right, model/host/DJ Cheryl Desiree Chan, hot mum Su-Anne Tan and national inline skater Kuek Zi Yi, members of the Subaru Stunt Driving Team. Ladies that look good and can kick your behind in driving – we need more of them around

Unfortunately, they didn’t get to show us much, and the planned autokhana challenge for the media had to be called off due to heavy downpour. A real downer, since I was just getting all warmed up. Oh well!

Stay tuned for updates!

© 2012 Paul Tan's Automotive News. All Rights Reserved.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 27 May 12 13:09:20 +0000.

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We’re in Singapore for the MediaCorp Subaru Impreza WRX Challenge 2011, more commonly known as the ‘Subaru Palm Challenge’. This is the grand finals of the annual event, where the longest lasting palm on the car drives home a Subaru. As usual, the event is being held at Ngee Ann City or Takashimaya along Orchard Road.

Last month, Motor Image had a Malaysian leg of the palm challenge at Pavilion KL, where 57 contestants vied for 10 places in the Singapore finals. They’re here now, competing with 310 Singaporeans and 80 others from Cambodia, China, Macau, Indonesia, Philippines, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam.

Our contingent of Richard Law, Mohd Fadhlly, Yoon Kok Leong, Tan Chuan Kok, Amier Amzar, Jonathan David William, Chan Hon Ki, Hubert Koh, Saw Sen Chiew, and Tan Hong Sheng started the challenge 1pm yesterday, but unfortunately, five have dropped out after nearly one and a half days in the sun and rain.

As of now, there are 124 contestants still in the running. Of the regional contingents, the Thais are showing true grit – 9 are still in the game. The Philippines are close behind with 8 and Vietnam has 7 still standing. Besides the car, on offer are cash prizes for a “Country Winner” and an “Asian Winner” – the latter for the longest lasting non Singaporean. Will the Malaysians defy the odds to outlast the rest?

Unlike the heats in KL, there are no challenges here, one simply needs to outlast the others to win. It’s not just physical strength, but mental power counts a lot too, if not more. The weather hasn’t been too kind as well, I was told by the crew that it alternated between heat and rain yesterday.

Contestants are entitled to a 5-minute break once every six hours, at 1pm, 7pm, 1am and 7am each day. They will need to do all their business in these short breaks – pee in your pants and you’re out, for instance. Only in the 7pm break that one family member is allowed to enter the arena to offer some moral support. Otherwise, it’s a long, smelly and lonely journey out there.

Last year, 45-year-old Singaporean Aloysius Lim lasted 75 hours and 17 minutes, but the ultimate record belongs to George Lee from 2008. He palmed the car for an astonishing 81 hours and 32 minutes to win the duel. How far will this year’s ‘palmers’ go? Stay tuned!

© 2012 Paul Tan's Automotive News. All Rights Reserved.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 27 May 12 13:09:20 +0000.

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This is the production version of the Subaru XV that made its debut at IAA Frankfurt. It’s also the model that Fuji Heavy Industries (FHI) will assemble in Malaysia for ASEAN, to be done at Tan Chong’s Segambut plant in KL.

Production will start in October 2012 at 5,000 units per year, to be divided between Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand. More about that and Subaru’s plans for Malaysia in our interview with Glenn Tan, CEO of Motor Image.

Let’s take a closer look. It appears that the production XV is pretty much the same car as the bright green coloured concept car that debut at this year’s Shanghai show. Subaru calls the exterior design concept “Protren”, derived from “professional tool” and “trendy design”.

The C-segment crossover wears Subaru’s new grille with the hexagonal design, flanked by headlamps inspired by the eyes of a hawk. The rear gets a diffuser style rear bumper with a central lamp. Unusually, it’s painted n body colour. Speaking of that, the “Tangerine Orange Pearl” we see here is the XV’s signature colour.

The XV is a raised hatchback with subtle body cladding and generous ground clearance for that tough look. It was a conscious decision to not put full body cladding around the car as before to “enhance the sensation of dynamism and comfort”. The aluminum wheels on the showcar look rather unique with their silver spokes and black surrounds. No roof rack, but I’m sure we’ll be getting it here.

For the first time in 21 years, Subaru has developed a new engine, codenamed “FB”, to replace the long-serving “EJ” engine. In Europe, Subaru offers a new 1.6-litre petrol boxer (replaces the old 1.5), a 2.0L boxer tuned for grunt in low to mid engine speeds, and a 2.0 Boxer Diesel.

We will get a 2.0L engine, from the new gen, and not the one presently in service in the Impreza and Legacy. It will be paired to Subaru’s new Lineartronic CVT gearbox. The brand’s famous Symmetrical AWD system is of course present in the XV.

Inside, the XV is standard Subaru, which means it’s not the most funky or modern, but inoffensive, clearly laid out and easy to use. The centre stack gets brushed aluminium trim and a 4.3-inch colour multi function display with Eco-driving display at the top; the latter comes with the High Grade version, no colour for Standard. The dials (red for Standard, white for High Grade) do a full sweep at start up.

Subaru wants to highlight the XV’s easy entry and exit. They’ve not only made the door openings larger, but also raised the angle at the top of the front door sash, thereby providing more space between the sash top and body.

The distance between the floor and the top of the side sill has also been reduced, meaning that occupants do not have to stretch their legs as widely as before when getting in and out.

Gallery after the jump.

© 2012 Paul Tan's Automotive News. All Rights Reserved.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 27 May 12 13:09:20 +0000.

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Subaru has unveiled its own version of Toyota’s FT-86 at the Frankfurt Motor Show. Called the BRZ Prologue, it was unveiled in a somewhat unfinished guise with a see-through body showing off the coupe’s internals. The company calls it the “SUBARU BRZ PROLOGUE – BOXER Sports Car Architecture II”

The BRZ features a rear-wheel-drive layout and is fitted with a normally-aspirated 2.0 litre Boxer engine which is exclusively developed for the coupe. The engine features a revised bore and stroke setting and also features Toyota’s direct injection and port injection technology which is commonly known as D-4S.

Subaru promises that the BRZ will offer “Pure Handling Delight” and confirmed that production is expected to start in spring 2012. Subaru also revealed the dimensions of the vehicle which includes a 2,570mm wheelbase. The vehicle is 4,200mm long, 1,770mm wide and 1,270mm high.

Continue reading to view more high-res photos of the vehicle.

© 2012 Paul Tan's Automotive News. All Rights Reserved.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 27 May 12 13:09:20 +0000.

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Many would have heard off the Subaru Palm Challenge before, an annual contest that sees contestants trying to “outpalm” each other by having their hand on a Subaru for as long as possible. Not just a physical challenge, but a severe mental one as well, the contest shows how far one will go to win a car.

Last year, 45-year-old Singaporean Aloysius Lim lasted 75 hours and 17 minutes before driving away an Impreza WRX 2.5L Sedan as reward.

The Malaysian leg of the Subaru Palm Challenge 2011 happened over the weekend at Pavilion KL, where 57 contestants vied for 10 places on a plane to Singapore for the finals. There, they will compete with 310 Singaporeans and 80 others from across Asia to win a Subaru Impreza 2.0R. The finals will happen on October 29 in the Lion City.

The contest started at 10am outside Pavilion, where the 57 placed their right palm on an allocated space on the two Impreza Sedans parked there. They were subjected to various “tortures” to eliminate the weak from the strong, and to find the strongest willed of them all.

Among the challenges were standing with the left leg raised, doing the same with the left hand raised vertically and while holding a bottle and holding a ping pong ball with spoon in mouth. The stakes were upped when they were required to hold two bottles with their left hand raised vertically. They were also made to dance and sing!

Finally, after 10 hours 29 minutes in the rain and heat, Richard Law, Mohd Fadhlly, Yoon Kok Leong, Tan Chuan Kok, Amier Amzar, Jonathan David William, Chan Hon Ki, Hubert Koh, Saw Sen Chiew, and Tan Hong Sheng outlasted the rest to be the 10 finalists.

Needless to say, these ladies weren’t there for the palm-off, but for a model contest!

For their efforts, each took home a Toshiba LCD TV and an all expense paid trip to Singapore for the finals. Besides the car, the finals will offer cash prizes for a “Country Winner” and an “Asian Winner” – the latter for the longest lasting non Singaporean.

Piece of cake? Join next year! Pics from the event, as posted on the I Love Subaru FB page, are after the jump.

© 2012 Paul Tan's Automotive News. All Rights Reserved.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 27 May 12 13:09:20 +0000.

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Subaru will be exhibiting two cars at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show, the production version of the Subaru XV crossover (which will be locally assembled in Malaysia), and an enhanced version of the Subaru BRZ called the Subaru BRZ Prologue.

In case you’re not aware, BRZ is the name Subaru gave its version of the jointly developed Toyota FT-86 sports car. It will be powered by a new 2.0 litre Subaru direct injection boxer engine developed specifically for the BRZ and the FT-86.

© 2012 Paul Tan's Automotive News. All Rights Reserved.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 27 May 12 13:09:20 +0000.

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Subaru has finally announced the name for its pending rear-wheel drive sports car, known so far as the 0846, and the company’s version of the Toyota FT-86 project will be known as the BRZ. A BRZ Prologue technology concept will be showcased at next month’s Frankfurt Motor Show.

The name is derived from the letter B in Boxer engine, R in rear-wheel drive, and Z in the word Zenith. Subaru says the name embodies ultimate passion for the new vehicle and confidence in its distinctive constellation trademark as well as its prize bull, the horizontally opposed Boxer engine. The BRZ is set to be built at the revamped Oizumi plant, alongside the Toyota variant. More on the car when Frankfurt comes.

© 2012 Paul Tan's Automotive News. All Rights Reserved.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 27 May 12 13:09:20 +0000.

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Last month, news of Subaru setting up CKD operations in Malaysia surfaced, making our country the hub for a model that will be also exported to Thailand and Indonesia. The following day, we confirmed that the model in question is the XV, which appeared at the Shanghai show earlier this year as a concept.

Now, Fuji Heavy Industries has announced that it will exhibit the production Subaru XV at the Frankfurt show next month. The show unit will be a European spec car.

Billed as a “compact SUV”, the XV is a high riding hatchback with macho 4X4 style body armour, not unlike VW’s Cross models. But it’s not all show; it’s a Subaru, so the XV will come with the brand’s Symmetrical AWD system.

We predict that the production car won’t look too different from the concept car, which appears very production ready. Take away the obvious showcar details such as the fancy touch screen centre console and the dash looks set to go, too.

Instead of just speculating, we hopped over to Singapore for a chat with Glenn Tan, Executive Director of Tan Chong International and Group Chief Executive of Motor Image, the Tan Chong arm handling Subaru in the region. In our exclusive interview, Glenn revealed details on our XV and shared Motor Image’s plans for Malaysia. Click here to view the post.

© 2012 Paul Tan's Automotive News. All Rights Reserved.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 27 May 12 13:09:20 +0000.

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Fuji Heavy Industries, the maker of Subaru cars, has announced that it is refurbishing its Oizumi plant in Gunma Prefecture, Japan with a view to expansion of building capacity and a switching of product manufacturing lines. It is set to spend around 40 billion yen to do so.

The company is set to withdraw from its mini-car development and production, and will switch over to building larger vehicles. From next year, through an OEM agreement, it will begin buying minicars from Toyota group member Daihatsu and selling them as Subarus.

The plant at Gunma, which currently has a build capacity of 80,000 vehicles a year, will be upgraded and output will be almost doubled to around 150,000 units annually. Oizumi will be primarily responsible for building the new sports cars planned and designed by Toyota and developed by Fuji Heavy, namely the Toyota FT-86 and Subaru 0846, which is set to begin sales as early as spring next year, reports say.

Though the lineup is as yet unfinalised, the plant is also set to build other models in the Subaru lineup, such as the Legacy, the Impreza and the Forester, to fully utilise production capacity.

Elsewhere, the company is aiming to increase its production capacity for its boxer engine by 160% to 820,000 units a year by fiscal 2015, the reports add. It will start changing production lines for its older engines with lines for the new third-generation, horizontally opposed four-cylinder boxer, which debuted in the Forester last October and is available in 2.0 and 2.5 litre displacements.

With the intention to sell 900,000 vehicles worldwide in 2015, the company has determined that a substantial increase in engine build output is needed to match those numbers. Subaru is also looking at doubling its build capacity for its CVT transmissions to between 700,000 and 800,000 units.

© 2012 Paul Tan's Automotive News. All Rights Reserved.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 27 May 12 13:09:20 +0000.

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An unexpected and truly surprising piece of news hit us last week, when Fuji Heavy Industries inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Tan Chong Group to assemble Subaru vehicles in Malaysia. This website was also first up with the confirmed identity of the compact SUV that will kickstart CKD operations here, which is the production version of the Subaru XV concept.

The concept made its world debut in Shanghai earlier this year, and we understand that the production model will be launched in the first quarter of 2012. This means that it will be just half a year from launch when the first locally assembled XVs roll out of Tan Chong’s Segambut plant in KL.

That’s not all. The local assembly of the XV is part of FHI and Motor Image’s big plans for the region. MI doesn’t have much of a presence in Malaysia at present, but all that is set to change with 18 new outlets planned through 2013, nationwide including East Malaysia. A flagship Subaru Hub is also in the works.

It’s too good not to follow up, so we made the short hop to Singapore to dig more from Glenn Tan, Executive Director of Tan Chong International and Group Chief Executive of Motor Image, the Tan Chong arm handling Subaru in the region. Answers to your burning questions are after the jump, including the drivetrain selected for the CKD XV.

So why now, and why the XV? Wouldn’t a mass market car such as the Impreza sedan be better for business? Glenn explains that while the assembly of Subarus in the region has always been in the back of Motor Image’s mind, the timing of various factors led to this car, at this time.

The current Impreza sedan sold in Singapore is in its last legs. It’s due to be replaced by the next gen car and Motor Image is selling whatever they have left. If you remember the Exiga, that MPV has been discontinued by FHI.

Glenn says that while the sedan has long been the big player in the market, they noticed that the current trend sees SUVs picking up, and it’s being spearheaded by crossover types such as the Hyundai Tucson and Honda CR-V, as opposed to what he describes as “traditional” SUVs like the Subaru Forester. Their market research backed up this observation.

He also noted that Subaru isn’t traditionally strong in sedans, but has a knack of making good wagons and crossovers (think Legacy wagon, Outback, old Forester). Moreover, there’s less competition in the segment the XV will play in. A raised Impreza with macho bodywork and the brand’s trademark Symmetrical AWD, “the XV comes very naturally for Subaru”.

It’s hard to argue with this, since the C-segment sedan is packed with Japanese stalwarts (Civic, Corolla, Sylphy) and impressive Korean offerings (upcoming Elantra, Forte). Shorn off weapons like the WRX badge and turbos, the drab Impreza sedan will find it very hard out there. Remember that outside of Singapore and Malaysia, ASEAN is Toyota territory.

Another timing factor concerns resources. The Japanese earthquake and tsunami tragedy earlier this year left Motor Image with no fresh models and stocks to sell in Singapore, a situation compounded by the sky high COE prices that is affecting all mass market brands – can you believe that BMW is the top selling marque in SG, and that Porsche is in the top ten?

This “dry period” gave MI the chance to rearrange its resources and redeploy manpower to focus on the region, a plan that’s been brewing for eight years, according to Glenn. “If there wasn’t a slowdown, we’d be really taxed now,” he admitted, sharing that they had trouble recruiting in Malaysia as “people think Subaru is a small company”. We all laughed, before the straight talking boss added: “Please write that!”

On why they chose Segambut and not Serendah, Glenn explains that the Segambut plant, which has been in operations since 1976, “may not be state of the art, but good to start off things and great for small volumes”.

He also pointed out that although it’s older, the Segambut plant is flexible and has a history of assembling Subarus and other non-Nissan cars such as for Renault (Kangoo). Besides that, Serendah, which churns out the Nissan Grand Livina, Sylphy and Teana models, is at full capacity.

Moving ahead, Glenn says that it’s still very early days, but should the business of assembling Subarus grow, Tan Chong owns additional land adjacent to the current Serendah plant as well as the former AMI plant in Shah Alam, and these could be possible future locations. “Segambut can be a Subaru plant as well, who knows?” he shrugged.

I asked if FHI is satisfied with Segambut, and what, if any, upgrades are needed for for this job. Glenn said that FHI is confident of the quality of Tan Chong’s products, and they will, in any case, “make sure the Tan Chong name is not tarnished”, so quality is a priority. There are some new equipment and processes that will be introduced, but fundamentally the whole line is acceptable, which is a reason why they can be so quick off the mark (just about half a year after Q1 2012 world debut).

When asked about plans for more CKD models, Glenn said that the next logical model will be the Forester, but that’s not on their minds for now. “One model is just the start, but we want to do it right, and not bite more than we can chew,” he said.

The planned 5,000 units will be divided for sale equally between Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia. Glenn says that the reason Singapore isn’t in the plan is because while Indonesia and Thailand have strong acceptance of ASEAN made cars, the sentiment isn’t as strong in Singapore. However, Motor Image will bring in some Malaysian assembled XVs to test the market.

To sell the cars, they need the network, and Motor Image is embarking on a big expansion plan in Malaysia with 18 outlets planned through 2013. This means that by 2014, Malaysia will have 20 Subaru outlets if all goes to plan. Is that overly ambitious since they’re almost like starting from scratch?

“We have aggressive plans, and we’re confident we can do it, because we have the experience in expanding the network in China and Taiwan. We have the backend system and the know how,” Glenn replied, adding that this was gained from “trial and lesson” which he views as “expensive school fees”. It’s paying off though, from a few hundred units, MI is aiming to sell 2,000 Subarus in Taiwan this year, for instance.

I had a chance to check out Motor Image’s S$25 million Subaru Hub in Toa Payoh, Singapore, and came away impressed at the size and scope of operations. The modern six-level building houses a showroom, service centre, delivery and preparation area, few levels of workshops, dyno room, motorsports workshop and a rooftop mini “off road” test area built to demo Subaru’s AWD system. It’s also home to the company’s Downtown car rental services.

And instead of a traditional brochure rack, showrooms visitors can search for info, view videos and see the entire range via touch screen consoles. The comfortable waiting area’s TV shows the current status of a vehicle sent for service.

The building is also home to a Subaru training centre, one of three worldwide. Technicians must pass yearly tests to have a “license to practice”. The orderliness and cleanliness of the workshop and repair areas were exemplary, much like the country it operates in. View the gallery at the end of the story.

The good news is that Malaysia will be getting a Subaru hub of its own. The Petaling Jaya site where the current Malaysian HQ sits on (along the Federal Highway) will be cleared to make way. Glenn says that this flagship centre is currently in the design stage, and will be completed by Q4 next year, perhaps in time for the XV launch.

He adds that it will, like the Toa Payoh hub, have six levels, but without the roof top “jungle”. No worries, we have plenty of natural ones!

As for the car itself, Glenn revealed that the XV will come with a 2.0-litre engine paired to a CVT gearbox. This 2.0L boxer unit is not the current one servicing the Impreza and Legacy sold in Singapore, but from a new engine family with Dual Active Valve Control System (DAVCS). Not sure if our version will stick with the previously announced 148 hp/197 Nm figures though.

The choice of CVT is expected. Instead of upgrading from four-speed automatics to torque converter autos with more ratios, Subaru has decided on the CVT route for non performance models, starting with the current gen Legacy 2.0 that was launched by MI in 2009. Subaru has a new Lineartronic CVT that’s lighter, quieter and more compact, and that unit should be the one used for the XV.

It’s not a Subaru if it doesn’t have AWD, and the CKD XV will count all paw traction as one of its main selling points.

Glenn refuses to give an estimated price, only saying that the XV will be “price competitive with other C-segment SUVs”. The final price will of course be determined by the localisation factor as well as Japanese yen movement. As for equipment levels, forget fancy stuff such as panoramic glass roofs – Subaru will be focusing on “drivability and AWD” as USPs.

Pre-launch of the XV will happen before an October 2012 debut, but in the meantime, the Malaysian market can expect a few new models from Motor Image such as the Outback and Impreza STI A-Line, which is an automatic variant of the hot hatch. It’s exciting times for the Subaru brand in the region – watch this space for updates!

Subaru Hub – Toa Payoh, Singapore

© 2012 Paul Tan's Automotive News. All Rights Reserved.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 27 May 12 13:09:20 +0000.

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Yesterday, we broke the news of Fuji Heavy Industries (FHI) and Tan Chong Group signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to assemble Subaru vehicles in Malaysia, making our country the regional production hub for the brand. Production will start in October 2012 at 5,000 units per year, and the vehicle in question will be a “compact SUV”. We figured that Subaru wouldn’t have categorised its Forester as “compact”, so it has to be another model.

Well, we can now confirm that the compact SUV in question is NOT the Forester, but the production version of the Subaru XV Concept. Making its debut at this year’s Shanghai show, the XV Concept is billed as a crossover “blending exceptional SUV practicality with a fashionable form”.

While the XV’s shape looks similar to the Impreza hatchback’s at a glance, its front and rear styling is unique. The Shanghai show car measured 4,450 mm long and had a 2,635 mm wheelbase, figures that are 35 mm and 15 mm longer than the Impreza hatch, respectively. Not sure if the production car will stick to this, but we see similarities between the XV’s relationship to the five-door Impreza and Suzuki’s SX4/Swift models.

The CKD XV is part of FHI and Motor Image’s big plans for the ASEAN region. While Subaru doesn’t have much of a presence in Malaysia at present with just two sales and distribution outlets, that’s going to change with 18 outlets planned through 2013. This means that by 2014, Malaysia will have 20 Subaru outlets if all goes to plan.

Following the same timeline, Indonesia will get 20 new outlets while Thailand will have 22. Both these right-hand drive countries will be importing the Malaysian assembled XV under AFTA rules.

Motor Image, which is part of the Tan Chong Group, sold 2,300 Subarus in ASEAN last year, but will be targeting much higher figures from next year – the company expects to increase revenues by over 10 fold within the first year of introducing the XV in Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia.

Full gallery of the Subaru XV Concept is after the jump. Watch this space for updates.

© 2012 Paul Tan's Automotive News. All Rights Reserved.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 27 May 12 13:09:20 +0000.

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We’re accustomed to news of carmakers setting up shop in Thailand or Indonesia, making our neighbours the regional production hub for important models, but here’s a piece of good news for Malaysia. Fuji Heavy Industries (FHI), the owner of Subaru, has inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Tan Chong Group to produce Subaru vehicles in Malaysia.

This consignment production contract between FHI and TC Subaru Sdn Bhd will see the production of 5,000 units of Subaru vehicles per year “at an existing production facility of Tan Chong Motor Assemblies (TCMA)”. This could be the Serendah plant that currently churns out Nissan models such as the Grand Livina, Sylphy and Teana, or the older Segambut plant in KL. We’re guessing it’s the former.

Production will begin in October 2012, and the model in question is a Subaru compact SUV that will be marketed in Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia through the Subaru sales and distribution network of Tan Chong Group.

FHI’s partnership with Tan Chong dates back to 1987, when the latter was appointed as Subaru distributor in Singapore. Over the years, Tan Chong has been expanding the sales and distribution network of Subaru vehicles across ASEAN countries. They now have a presence in Cambodia, Southern China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam.

As to the identity of the “compact SUV”, many first guesses will shout Subaru Forester, but we have a feeling that it’s a smaller crossover, since today’s Forester isn’t exactly a compact 4X4. We’re also surprised that FHI did not choose a mass market vehicle like the Impreza saloon or Exiga MPV. Anyhow, we will be heading to Singapore tomorrow to dig deeper, so stay tuned!

© 2012 Paul Tan's Automotive News. All Rights Reserved.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 27 May 12 13:09:20 +0000.

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A production-spec Subaru WRX STI sedan has broken the Isle of Man TT’s road-car lap record, which is more than two decades old. The WRX STI, driven by former British Rally Champion Mark Higgins, posted a lap time of 19 minutes and 56.7 seconds over the 60.8 km long course, translating to an average speed of 181 kph. The top speed achieved during the lap was 260 kph.

The lap time set by Higgins is more than two minutes quicker than the previous record, which was set by the late Tony Pond 21 years ago, on June 6, 1990, behind the wheel of an Rover 827 Vitesse. Pond was the first to break the average 160 kph barrier in a road car, and his lap record has stood ever since. The TT event organisers gave Higgins just one lap to conduct his record attempt in the car, and there was no opportunity to carry out high speed practice runs.

The record-breaking WRX STI was a standard Subaru production car with a 300 PS engine, unmodified brake callipers and road-legal Pirelli P Zero Trofeo tyres, with the springs and dampers adjusted to tackle the various bumps and jumps at high speed along the course.

With little or no crash barriers around most of the TT road circuit, the WRX STI was fitted with some essential safety enhancements, including an MSA-specification T45 integrated roll cage, TRS race harnesses and a Lifeline extinguisher system. To help forewarn spectators – who were out in force cheering the attempt on – of the presence of the oncoming car, the Subaru team also fitted the WRX STI with a high-decibel exhaust.

The outright lap record for the TT course was set in 2009 by John McGuinness on a Honda CBR1000RR ‘Fireblade’ motorcycle, with a time of 17 minutes and 12.3 seconds, equivalent to an average speed of 210 kph.

© 2012 Paul Tan's Automotive News. All Rights Reserved.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 27 May 12 13:09:20 +0000.

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Fuji Heavy Industries, which began its automobile business making minicars, is set to stop producing its small Subaru vehicles in February next year, ending a 54-year heritage of doing so.

The company started out with the Subaru 360 in 1958, the first minicar marketed in Japan. Over the years, FHI’s minicars sold well enough, reaching a peak in 1990 when 270,000 units were sold domestically, but in recent times the number has been dwindling – in 2010, sales only registered 93,000 units.

Production of the Subaru Stella ended in April, and the Sambar commercial vehicle – its mainstay product, in truck and van form – will be the company’s last minicar line, sources within the company said. FHI will however continue selling minicars made by Daihatsu under an OEM arrangement.

Once production ceases, the assembly lines for minicars will be redeployed to assemble vehicles under joint development with Toyota, the sources added.

© 2012 Paul Tan's Automotive News. All Rights Reserved.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 27 May 12 13:09:20 +0000.

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You’d have thought amidst the rise of the Koreans in America with their flashy models and the recent troubles faced by the Japanese, tiny little Subaru would have been wiped out, or totally ignored. But the opposite is true. Last year was a record year for Subaru of America – the 263,820 cars they sold was 22% up on 2009 (itself a record year, 14% up in a market that’s down 24%) and 50% up in two years, which is truly impressive.

So it’s no surprise that the fourth-gen Impreza you see here was launched in New York, not Tokyo. While it looks like just another face change, there’s more to it including a longer wheelbase and a new engine. There are two bodystyles – a five-door hatch and a sedan.

Looks wise, the front end follows the theme set by the current Legacy, which is smarter looking than the outgoing Impreza, if a little nondescript. Like its big brother, the wheelarches are given prominence, while the glasshouse is generously sized, unlike many modern cars. Subaru says visibility is a design priority, which is refreshing in a sea of design led products.

Continuing the functional theme, the bottom of the A-pillar has been moved 20 cm forward. This allows for a front door opening that is nearly 13 cm longer for easier entry/exit, further helped by door sills that are 2 cm lower. Rear doors are also larger on both body styles. The wheelbase has been extended by 24 mm to 2,644 mm; this coupled with a scalloped-style front seat backrest frees up 50 mm of rear legroom. Vehicle length and width remain the same

Under the hood is a new 2.0-litre four-cylinder boxer engine with 148 hp and 197 Nm. It’s from a new engine family that uses twin cams and Dual Active Valve Control System (DAVCS). Compared to the outgoing Impreza’s 2.5L boxer, this 2.0 is 30% more frugal and features a longer stroke to maximize low and mid-range torque.

It’s paired to a five-speed manual or the new Lineartronic CVT. Compared to the CVT in the the Legacy, this version is lighter, quieter and more compact. It also has a 6-speed manual mode with steering paddles.

It’s not a Subaru if there’s no AWD, but this Impreza gets two different systems. In manual transmission models, Continuous AWD uses a viscous-coupling locking center differential to distribute power 50/50. Slippage at either set of wheels will send more power (up to 100%) to the opposite set.

CVT models get Active Torque Split AWD that uses an electronically managed continuously variable transfer clutch to actively control power distribution. This system can transfer more power to the rear wheels under acceleration and can transfer up to 100% available torque to the rear wheels in response to road conditions.

The WRX and STI versions aren’t out yet. Gallery after the jump.

© 2012 Paul Tan's Automotive News. All Rights Reserved.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 27 May 12 13:09:20 +0000.

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Okay, the bright yellow-green shade isn’t the only thing that’s funky about the Subaru’s Shanghai debutant, the XV Concept crossover. The key design concept for it is too – “Protren” then is the word for the day, and it’s coined from the terms “professional tool” and “trendy design.”

Supposedly, it expresses the integration of “authentic functionality as a professional tool” and “urban and stylish design.” Well, yes, whatever works, then. The product itself is simpler to digest – the front of the vehicle contains standard design elements that are common to the Subaru stable, including the new hexagon grille, winged motif and hawk-eye headlights.

At the back, the vehicle features the hexagonal design as in front, and more hexagons engraved into the clear blue base under the license plate complement the consistent design theme. The black lower bumper and wheel arch protection, combined with the car’s metallic highlights, underline its crossover status.

The XV wears a distinctive five-spoke alloy wheel design which features contrasting silver spokes, black rims and clear blue centre caps, chosen to intentionally generate more flash. Not that the exterior matte shade, called Electro Yellowgreen, isn’t striking enough already. Elsewhere, the XV features a roof with a continuous glass sheet and metallic/clear-finish roof rails.

The interior gets a silvery white leather finish – with yellowgreen piping – for the seats, which provides a distinct contrast to the dark interior trim. The concept features Subaru’s Eyesight advanced driving assist system; a LCD monitor positioned between the two well-balanced and highly visible combination meters allows the driver to check the images captured with the EyeSight’s stereo cameras.

Measuring in at 4,450 mm long, 1,800 mm wide and 1,620 mm tall, with a 2,635 mm wheelbase, the XV Concept is equipped with a 2.0 litre Boxer engine, mated to a Lineartronic CVT gearbox. The five-seater sits on 19-inch wheels wrapped with 245/45 series tyres.

Photos after the jump.

© 2012 Paul Tan's Automotive News. All Rights Reserved.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 27 May 12 13:09:20 +0000.

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