Fifth-generation Subaru Forester launched in Malaysia

By ahmadzulizwan, 23 August 2019
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The new Subaru Forester was launched earlier today, in three variants of Forester 2.0i-L, Forester 2.0i-S, and 2.0i-S Eyesight. The boxer-engined SUV is no longer locally assembled, instead imported from the new Tan Chong Subaru Automotive (Thailand) Limited (TCSAT) factory outside Bangkok. Prices are as below:

  • Subaru Forester 2.0i-L – RM139,788
  • Subaru Forester 2.0i-S – RM149,788
  • Subaru Forester 2.0i-S EyeSight – RM159,788

This is quite an increase over the previous Forester’s (various promotional) prices, but to be fair, this is a totally new Forester that improves on the previous model which was already rather good. Let’s talk engine – the 2-litre engine now features direct injection and makes 156hp and 198Nm compared to 148hp and 198Nm previously. A weak point in the old unit was fuel consumption but now with direct injection you can expect that to improve – the company claims 7.6L/100km on the combined cycle. The CVT gearbox is maintained, with seven-speed manual mode.

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Sitting on the new Subaru Global Platform, the vehicle now has a 30mm longer wheelbase than before and offers more room for cargo (up by 251 litres to 1,775 litre). Rear legroom is also longer by 33mm. The use of the new platform similarly improves crash absorption quality by 40 per cent as well as reducing body roll by 50 per cent. All this contributes to a safer, quieter and better handling Forester.

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Inside, tweaks include a rear air-conditioning vent, more USB charging ports (including two for the rear passengers), individual seatback pockets, and a 6.3-inch touchscreen. The most significant feature, however, is EyeSight equipped in the top-spec variant.

Eyesight is an award-wining safety suite that includes automatic pre-collision braking, pre-braking throttle management, adaptive cruise control, lead vehicle start alert, lane departure, and lane sway warning. Also part of the package is SRVD (Subaru Rear Vehicle Detection) which uses radar sensors at the rear to detect objects and vehicles so that the driver can be alerted for anything within the blindspot. It’s like Rear-Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) but works when making lane changes too.

The all-new Subaru Forester come with a five-year/100,000km comprehensive warranty.