The 2016 Subaru Forester facelift will make its regional debut at the upcoming Bangkok International Motor Show. The model was first shown at last year’s Tokyo Motor Show, with modest changes being introduced to uplift the Forester’s looks and handling.
The announcement by Fuji Heavy Industries (FHI) comes a few weeks after the company revealed that CKD production of the SUV has begun at Tan Chong’s Segambut plant here in Malaysia. The Forester will indeed be Subaru’s second model after the XV to be locally assembled at the plant.
Set to go on sale in Malaysia during the second quarter of 2016, the locally-assembled Forester will also make its way to Thailand and Indonesia within the same period, through the Subaru dealer network operated by Tan Chong International.
As previously reported, the new Forester gains a few visual enhancements to bring the model up to speed with FHI’s current line-up. Outside, the SUV gains a restyled front grille with a new bumper, C-shaped daytime running lights and tail lights and revised wheels.
The Forester’s cabin receives a new instrument panel with colour LCD multi-information display. Leather trim is also added to provide a more premium feel to things, along with an SD navigation system and memory function for the driver’s powered seat.
Power is expected to come from a 2.0 litre naturally-aspirated flat-four petrol engine (150 PS/198 Nm) mated to a Lineartronic CVT gearbox. A more powerful turbocharged option was available as a CBU model, with output rated at 240 PS and 350 Nm of torque.
We’ll have to wait and see how the CKD models will be priced in Malaysia. Can it be a proper Honda CR-V rival? Comment below.
GALLERY: Subaru Forester facelift at the 2015 Tokyo Motor Show
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Time to take the clearance stock !
Subaru’s buyers want certain things in their Subarus, not magic carpet, by the way.
Subaru makes niche cars, in this part of the world anyways. In North America, they sell quite a lot, due to the robust permanent AWD system which is useful in the snowbelt. Here, where there is less of a need for AWD, the Forester doesn’t stand a chance to the urban SUVs, like the CRV, which is far cheaper. Which is too bad, because the XT model is a beast with so much power/torque, and decent handling/grip to match. Not quite BMW dynamics, but a bit more exciting to drive than the CRV. Hope they CKD the XT variant someday.
And MI, where is the Levorg lah??
Any readers here with ownership experience and/or feedback on Forester or Subaru XV. Planning to get the facelift of either model.
We have the pre-facelift model. Good car to own and you will thank the AWD when it rains like a hurricane here. If you want to buy, just get the pre-facelift model, excellent bargain now.
Close fight! Forester Outlander Fortuner Avanza XTrail.
We want the Forester XT!
We want the Forester XT!
We want the Forester XT!
We want the Forester XT!
We want the Forester XT!
Do you hear us loud and clear Motor Image???
2 years into a 2013 xv, dynamically its handles very well with a robust feel..i’ve taken it to every corner of the peninsular even into thailand, it feels like it meant to take hard roads and stability is really good. however compared to a crv, i needs a little more refinement terms interior design and noise insulation but engine and drivetrain is way ahead..love my xv and dreaming of the forester xt..ckd it please MI..true subaru fan now
MI! pls paint some Pink Foresters for ladies XOXO