Fresh from its debut at the recently concluded 2016 Bangkok Motor Show, the facelifted Subaru Forester has officially launched in Malaysia by Motor Image Subaru. Two 2.0-liter variants are now locally assembled at Tan Chong’s plant in Segambut, while the 2.0XT remains fully imported from Japan.
QUICK FACTS
| Name | Subaru Forester 2.0i | Subaru Forester 2.0i-P | Subaru Forester 2.0XT |
| Engine | 1,995cc; horizontally opposed four cylinder, DOHC | 1,998cc; turbocharged 4-cylinder | |
| Transmission | Lineartronic CVT | ||
| Max Power | 148 hp @ 6,200 rpm | 238 hp @ 5,600 rpm | |
| Max Torque | 198 Nm @ 4,200 rpm | 350 Nm @ 2,400 – 3,600 rpm | |
| Price (inclusive GST, w/o insurance) | RM144,948 | RM154,488 | RM211,729 |
EXTERIOR
As reported previously from Thailand, the facelift brings subtle updates on the exterior as seen with the redesigned bumpers, headlights, tail lights, front grille and alloy wheels. Each variant receives a different set of kit. After all, you get what you pay for.
We begin with the entry-level 2.0i which receives an updated bumper, reflector-type halogen headlamps, roof rails, rear spoiler, rear fog lamps and power folding side mirrors.
Moving over to the 2.oi-P, for an additional RM10,000 you get LED headlamps with C-shaped DRLs, front fog lamps, rear fog lamps and LED wing mirrors. As for the fully-imported 2.0XT, the exterior is more or less the same with the 2.0i-P, except it gets 18-inch wheels. Meanwhile, the 2.0i and the 2.0i-P settle for a set of 17-inch wheels with 225/60 series tyres.
INTERIOR
The overall interior of the 2.oi receives Auto Vehicle Stop, Hill Descent Control, automatic air-conditioning, retractable cargo cover, and rear view camera.
In the 2.0i-P, the main differences compared to the “non-P” are the inclusion of keyless entry and push-start button, dual zone air conditioning, multifunction leather-wrapped steering wheel with cruise control, TFT LCD Colour display as well as the aluminium foot pedal.
Also introduced is the unique Personal Identification Number (PIN) code access, where key fob will be a thing of a past as owners can get inside via this feature. It’s a useful feature especially for adventure-seeking or outgoing owners as they’ll not be burdened by carrying additional keys into their pocket.
Being the top of the range variant, the Subaru Forester 2.0 XT is equipped with power sliding sunroof, shark fin antenna, twin tailpipes, Premium Audio System with Harman Kardon speakers and Siri Eyes Free.
All variants receive leather seats as standard while the 2.0XT gets classy with the added Alcantara. The Forester is now better insulated courtesy of the usage of improved sound proofing and the use of thicker windows.
PERFORMANCE
Both 2.0i and 2.0i-P variants are propelled by the smae 2.0-litre FB20 naturally aspirated ‘Boxer’ unit that develops 148 hp with 198 Nm of torque at 4,200 rpm.
For an additional RM60k over the base variant, the XT gets the 2.0-litre FA20 Direct-Injection Turbocharged Boxer Engine that generates 238 hp at 5,600 rpm and 350 Nm of torque from 2,400 to 3,600 rpm. Power is delivered to all wheels via Lineartronic CVT gearbox across the range.
SAFETY
All variants are fitted with seven airbags, ABS, EBD & BA, safety pedal system, Isofix child anchors and Vehicle Dynamics Control System as standard. Subaru’s X-Mode is available across all variants, it controls and optimises the Forester’s offroad features such as Hill Descent Control (HDC), Enhanced All-Wheel Drive system, and Vehicle Dynamics Control System. It’s a useful feature when traveling on tough terrains. For added safety, the reinforced shell is here to protect the occupants in an event of a rollover.
Steering Responsive Headlights is also featured in all variants of the Forester. This means the headlight beam is transversely proportion to the driver’s steering direction, creating a safer travel when darkness falls.
WHAT’S ELSE
The Forester can be had in five colour options – Pure White, Silver Metallic, Dark Grey Metallic, Sepia Bronze Metallic and Obsidian Black Metallic. Thanks for Tan Chong’s CKD plan, the Forester has become affordable with the 2.0i priced at RM144,948, while the slightly premium 2.0i-P at RM154,488.
The price tag for more powerful and fully imported 2.0XT is RM211,729. All prices are on-the-road inclusive of GST, without insurance. All Forester comes with five-year/100,000 km warranty, complemented with three-year/60,000 km free service package.
If the price for the locally assembled Forester attracts you, then this will be sweet to your ears. For a limited-time only, Motor Image Subaru now offers an introductory price of RM139,800 for the 2.0i and RM151,800 for the 2.0i-P. Certainly, it’s game on for Subaru to challenge existing SUVs players around that price range as the Mazda CX-5, Mitsubishi Outlander, Nissan X-Trail and so on. It’s probably a good time to shop for a SUV now.
IMAGE GALLERY
Subaru Forester 2.0XT (BangKok Motor Show)
The post Facelifted Subaru Forester now in Malaysia, CKD priced from RM145K appeared first on AutoBuzz.my.
More gadget review in www.mamaktalk.com
