The new Subaru Forester looks very promising and it is coming to Malaysia



Taking centre stage of the Subaru stand at the 2018 New York International Auto Show (NYIAS) is the all-new fifth-generation Subaru Forester. The new SUV boasts a new platform, advanced driver assists technologies and an enhanced 2.5-lite Boxer engine.

The new Forester has grown considerably compared to the previous car, now measuring at 4,625 mm in length, 1,815 mm in width, 1,730 mm in height with a wheelbase of 2,670 mm. It also sits on Subaru Global Platform that underpins the XV and Impreza. The new platform promises best-in-class collision safety and hazard avoidance along with responsive handling characteristics.

Visually the Forester follows the brand’s “Dynamic x Solid” design philosophy common to all Subaru models. It now features a sleeker profile with sharp and purposeful elements such as the horizontal front grille, LED headlamps with boomerang shaped LED headlamps, chrome surrounds on foglamps and a more dynamic taillamp design.

The designers have optimised the shape of the pillars to reduce blind spot and give superior outward visibility to the driver. The rear doors and C-pillar have been reshaped for larger opening angle and opening area for better ingress and egress. It also boasts a maximum trunk opening width of 1,300 mm for greater loading capacity.

The interior was laid out with Comfort in Motion philosophy in mind, the instrument panel and console have been combined for a relaxing and user-friendly experience for the occupants. Notable features include a new climate control interface, 8.0-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, in-car Wi-Fi hotspot, USB charging points for front and rear passengers and three separate pockets in the seat backs for more storage space.

The new model adopts a heavily revised 2.5-litre four-cylinder naturally aspirated Boxer engine taken from the previous model. It now features Direct Injection technology and has 90 percent new components for improved output and fuel efficiency. The new FB25 boxer engine is rated at 182 hp and 238 Nm of torque, paired to a new Lineartronic CVT with seven virtual ratios.

Like all Subaru models, the Forester gets the famed Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system for maximum traction on all surfaces. The X-Mode that controls engine, transmission, and brakes on slippery surfaces and in poor driving conditions has been calibrated for even better drivability in adverse conditions.

Placing safety as is main priority, the new Forester gets seven airbags and Subaru EyeSight driver assist system as standard with new innovations such as Reverse Automatic Braking (prevents a collision when in reverse), Rear Vehicle Detection, Steering Responsive Headlights, High-beam assist and Driver Monitoring System that alerts the driver when it detects signs of distraction or drowsiness.

US will be the first market outside of Japan to receive the all-new Subaru Forester with deliveries starting in Q4 of 2018. Closer to home, Motor Image Malaysia, the sole distributor of Subaru vehicles in the country has hinted to the media at the regional debut of the Outback facelift that we may receive the Forester as early as 2019, pending localisation and government approvals.


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