We previously reported that the all-new, fifth-generation Subaru Forester would be launched sometime in July this year, and TC Subaru appears to be on track to deliver on that promise. Recently, paultan.org reader Andy Tang spotted the SUV roaming around Petaling Jaya, and managed to get a brochure for the new model.
Based on the document, three variants will be offered – 2.0i-L, 2.0i-S and 2.0i-S ES – with all of them powered by a FB20 2.0 litre naturally-aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine that benefits from direct injection. The boxer engine outputs 156 PS at 6,000 rpm and 196 Nm of torque at 4,000 rpm, with drive going to all four corners via a Lineartronic CVT and Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system.
Before anything else, the biggest news is the availability of the EyeSight suite of driver assistance systems for the range-topping 2.0i-S ES variant, making the Forester the second Subaru model in Malaysia to gain the technology after the Outback, when it is officially launched. The list of systems here includes Pre-Collision Braking and Throttle Management, Lane Sway and Departure Warning, as well as Adaptive Cruise Control and Lead Vehicle Start Alert.
The 2.0i-S ES is also the only variant to get Lane Change Assist, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, a Side View Monitor and a Blind-Spot Detection system. For now, there’s no official pricing, but an inquiry made by our source revealed an estimated sum of RM165k for the top-spec version of the Forester.
Safety kit that comes standard across the range includes a Vehicle Dynamics Control System (VDC), Active Torque Vectoring, brake assist, ABS, EBD, auto vehicle hold, reverse sensors, emergency stop signal, Isofix child seat anchors and seven airbags (front, side, curtain and driver’s knee).
As for other equipment, all variants come with an active grille shutter and automatic LED headlamps, but only the 2.0i-S and 2.0i-S ES come with auto levelling and steering responsive functions added, as well as LED daytime-running lights. These two variants also get LED fog lamps and 18-inch alloy wheels shod with 225/55 profile tyres, whereas the base option rolls on 17-inch units with 225/60 profile rubbers.
Moving inside, eight-way power adjustable front seats, an eight-inch infotainment system, dual-zone climate control, instrument cluster display, paddle shifters, keyless entry and start, cruise control, an electronic parking brake, PIN code access, and a multifunction steering wheel are all standard across the board.
Variant-specific items such as aluminium pedals and a powered liftgate are reserved for the 2.0i-S and 2.0i-S ES. Ditto the Special X-Mode, which is an enhanced version of the regular X-Mode that makes it easier to swap between the ‘Snow/Dirt’ and ‘Deep Snow/Mud’ modes, where the latter now negates the need to manually switch off the traction control.
The latest Forester was first revealed at the 2018 New York International Auto Show (NYIAS), and rides on the Subaru Global Platform, which is also used for the XV, Impreza and Ascent. Design changes are more evolutionary rather than revolutionary, with highlights being the C-shaped DRLs and taillights on a slightly revised but still familiar body shape.
The switch to the new platform also sees a wheelbase that is now longer by 30 mm at 2,670 mm, which contributes to more rear legroom (up by 35 mm to 1,000 mm), with improvements to head-, hip- and shoulder room as well. The SUV now offers up to 2,155 litres of boot space with the 60:40 split-folding rear seats down – a gain of 40 litres – and the maximum width of the tailgate opening is now 135 mm wider at 1,300 mm.
Unlike the outgoing Forester, the new one will arrive as a fully-imported (CBU) model from Thailand, where it is manufactured at Tan Chong Subaru Automotive (Thailand) Limited’s new assembly facility located in the Ladkrabang Industrial Estate. This is Subaru Corporation’s third factory in the world after its Gunma site in Japan and Subaru of Indiana Automotive in the United States.
We’ve already had a go in the new Forester during the official launch of the model in Taiwan in August last year, which you can read about here. With an estimated ceiling price of RM165k, what do you think of the Subaru SUV? Do you prefer it to rivals like the Mazda CX-5, Honda CR-V and the well-known Proton X70? Let us know in the comments below.
GALLERY: 2019 Subaru Forester 2.0i-S EyeSight (Taiwan-spec)
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Both Subaru Forester and Hyundai Santa Fe are game changers. Moreover, game changing Hyundai Santa Fe have 7 seaters, gaming the X70 over
That Forester 2.0i-S variant S$118K @ RM354k. And they never get EyeSight suite of Pre-Collision Braking and Throttle Management, Lane Sway and Departure Warning, as well as Adaptive Cruise Control and Lead Vehicle Start Alert.
All grateful Malaysian motorists rejoice,
This is a better but than the new Mazda3
Agree. Saved 5k, better get Mazda3 2.0 HighPlus
Extraordinarily ugly too you know, Subaru. Understand your strength is in the inner beauty, but today u need to care about outside cosmetic too to woo buyers. Go big or go HOME!
They need to study Boyue Pro to see the right way in making a butch but elegant SUV.
That’s a lot of kit for the asking price. Very good!
Bermaz thinking about excluding MRCC (CX-5) while other manufacturers going to introduce it. Kudos to Subaru although I hate the CVT and “booo” to Bermaz.
This is one of the best SUV to drive in the market. Super comfortable, good NVH, handling and stable. However, at RM165k it is too hard to not choosing the CX5 2.2D instead.
This engine no power
At that prices? X70 all the way baby!
Cx-5 interior quality betters the CR-V….and it is more interesting and grown up……looks better from the outside too, but if u must hv space , then CRV is the one to go
Main disadvantage against cx-5 is CBU and CKD pricing….
Tough call, it is well equipped tho, but at 165k , u cn get a cx-5 turbodiesel which has alot more grunt….
a 2.0GLS has more power and torque, and a 6 shooter instead of a cvt
but if u must hv a AWD , u cn consider
i suggest wait for the updated cx-5 2.5 turbo…..it might be priced round the same
Yep, 2.2D is more powerful but once the DPF need to be changed, u will cry. Diesel engine is tough but to maintain the emission system needs money, after the free services ended. Except if u dont mind having/smelling diesel smoke all the time.
Agree with u about the CVT and 6-speed auto (CX-5). Thats why I prefered CX-5. But, greedy Bermaz, they WILL NOT GIVE MRCC in the 2.5 Turbo later. The spec as of today (02/08/2019) has leaked and the 2.5T is just for the AWD (no 2WD). CR-V, X-Trail, Forester, X70 can give (ACC) but why CX-5 cannot.
I dont believe I am saying this but I am considering CR-V and Forester (upcoming model) now.
keep the top spec below 170k and it will be a good buy, especially since it’s a CBU. Subarus are very well engineered cars. hope they sell plenty (provided that it’s priced strategically).
Why would you pay for this when the cx5 2.5T is around the corner. Whoever pay for this is a real joker.
R u comparing apple n orange? Wrote so much, really wasting my time to read…don’t even know the different between 5 n 7 seaters?
No XT. Not interested
Better buy: Subaru Forester RM164k non-turbo WRX edition
Don’t buy: Mazda 3 RM160k torsion beam edition
Better go for Mitsubishi Outlander. Cheaper and got more space, more seats, more practical.
With only front air-cond vents for 3 rows of seats…
Have you been in the Outlander long enough or not? Does Mazda & Toyota produce air conditioners? In Parliament building also they installed Mitsubishi aircons.
Ok, back to the Outlander. Hot 3rd row because lack of rear aircon vents is a myth. Kids in 3rd row even complaining the the Outlander’s aircon is too cold sometimes & need to put the temperature a bit higher. Tips: easy. Just tilt the front aircon vent upwards so you can feel the cooling effect all over the interior of the car.
Been there, done that.
We haven’t tested the car on a mountainous and steep road like the Kimanis road leading to Keningau town.Dont know whether Forester can match the power of other cars with its 156HP.I learned from friends Proton X70 is doing well in climbing the steep road.Yet to see the power of the new SUBARU FORESTER.
No proper transmission, no thanks!
It’s the only vehicle ( beside volvo) in malaysia that comes with full suite of Driver Assist! With both forward and reverse auto braking! You don’t any of these features even in the so-called premium vehicles.