Echoing Tom’s recent entries on the forums, let me share my latest trip to Thailand where I got the privilege to be among the first few in the region to drive the new Subaru Forester and witnessing the launch at the 2016 Bangkok Motor Show!
Taking place at the 37<sup>th</sup> Bangkok International Motor Show, Motor Image, the exclusive distributor of Subaru vehicles in the Southeast Asian region, took the covers off the new MY16 Subaru Forester. With improved handling dynamics and innovative technologies being among the updates, Motor Image also welcomes a brand new campaign ”Is There Anything You Can’t Do?”.
“The campaign name “Is There Anything You Can’t Do?” reminds people that they can achieve anything they have their eyes set on, and the Subaru Forester will accompany them throughout their adventure”, said Mr Glenn Tan, Executive Director, Tan Chong International Ltd.
The new Subaru Forester will come with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder, 16-valve Boxer engine and S-AWD. Three variants will be offered, starting with the 2.0i (FB20 Boxer, CKD), 2.0i-P (FB20 Boxer, CKD), and the 2.0XT (FA20 Direct-Injection Turbocharged Boxer, CBU). Both the CKD models get 150PS at 6,200rpm, while the turbocharged version gets almost 100 horses more with 241PS at 5,600rpm.
The Subaru Forester will also be featuring the X-Mode for optimized control of the engine, Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (S-AWD) and brakes to safely drive over almost any type of terrain, enhanced suspension for comfort and performance, added safety features, as well as improved exterior and interior features.
The X-Mode is one of the highlight of the new Forester as the on-board computer coordinates the throttle, transmission and S-AWD to assist anyone to safely navigate through any terrain. The X-Mode’s Hill Descent Control on the other hand helps modulate speed when the vehicle is going down a steep hill either in the city, or even through gravel slopes.
To allow a consistent and smooth power delivery at all times, Subaru had chosen the Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) to complement the Forester’s performance. The suspension has also been upgraded like the stiffer front cross member and enhanced coil and damper to provide drivers a more comfortable ride quality and an agile handling on various terrains.
As for the looks, all variants will come with a brand new grille, taillights and rims. Welcoming the driver is a refreshed cabin, alongside a premium head-unit and a LCD Cluster display. Subaru had also taken some measures to reduce the noise from inside and outside of the cabin with sound proofing materials and increased window thickness to maximize driver comfort and ride quality.
One little but useful feature that comes with the new Forester is the PIN code access that allows the users to leave their key fob in the car but still enables them to unlock their vehicle doors by entering the pre-set PIN code. This feature is only available on the i-P and the XT variants.
Of course, safety has not been neglected by Subaru, and the Forester has been constructed around a Ring Shaped Reinforcement Frame that is able to protect the passenger in the event of a rollover and withstanding the Forester’s own 1.5 tonne weight. Aside from the Steering Responsive Headlights which are fitted to the i-P and XT, all Foresters come with Active Safety like Vehicle Dynamics Control, Hill Start Assist and Brake Override, and Passive Safety such as Whiplash Reducing Seats and Side Door Reinforcement Beam.
The new Subaru Forester are now available for bookings at all Subaru Showrooms nationwide from 22 March 2016. The i variant will be priced with GST) at RM 144,160, RM 153,700 for the i-P, and RM 210,940 for the XT.
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