Here’s something rather interesting – a heavily-camouflaged mule of what looks to be the Subaru Forester facelift has been captured testing in Malaysia. A big tip of the hat to reader, Meor Ahman Iqmal, for the heads up! The rejuvenated Forester was recently introduced to the world at the 2015 Tokyo Motor Show.
Which conveniently brings us to the next question. If the entire world has already seen the car, why bother with covering it up in the first place? Whatever the reason may be, we suspect that this could be a CKD prototype for the Subaru Forester facelift – the Subaru XV is already a locally-assembled model, after all.
We’ll find out soon enough but for now, let’s focus on what’s different on the refreshed Forester. For starters, the car features a mildly restyled front grille with a new bumper as well as C-shaped daytime running lights (DRLs) – the latter a feature seen on models such as the Subaru BRZ, Legacy, Outback, and WRX.
Elsewhere, one gets a range of revised, two-toned aluminium wheels in either 17- or 18-inch sizes. The taillights themselves feature revised internal graphics that match the aforementioned C-shaped DRL units. Inside, the Subaru Forester facelift is equipped with a new instrument panel that features a colour LCD multi-information display, SD navigation system, rear seat heaters and memory function for the driver’s seat.
Engine options remain the same but Subaru quotes several tweaks to improve efficiency and performance. The naturally-aspirated 2.0 litre FB flat-four engine produces 150 PS and 198 Nm of torque while fuel consumption has been recorded at 16.0 km/l on the JC08 cycle. The 2.0 litre turbo mill pumps out 240 PS and 350 Nm while the CVT now features auto-step shift control.
GALLERY: Subaru Forester facelift in Tokyo
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CKD it quick! I would buy a Forester XT if they price it under RM160k.
hate to spoil the party but thats not the XT
Did I say the Forester in the pic is an XT dude? Subaru fan here.
Semi value, misunderstanding simple language since 1909.
The grapevine is they’ll CKD only the non-turbo.
OMG…not impressive…puihh…
yeahhh pls ckd the XT..if the price is right it will be top on my list
Ckd? fine make it affordable… as MITI CEO says 17% average on car deduction so will be around RM 141K. Look like it won’t happen all BN ministers are liar !!!
Proper crv,xtrail,cx5 contender
Good lord, when will this launch? 6 airbags on this Forester and MI can take my money.
Looks like in batu caves, mont kiara area. TCMA segambut is around that area. so it could be a very big hint
Cvt – ugh.
i dont know what motorimage is thinking but to ckd forester 2.0 is not a good idea. Even pricing for ckd forester would be on par with mazda cx-5 2.5. So what for people buy forester 2.0 when cx-5 is alot more worth buying? unless motorimage can ckd forester XT and put price tag under RM180k
Subaru cvt has changed my perception on cvt’s, driving dynamics is excellent