Malaysia, 23 August 2019 – The all-new, award-winning Subaru Forester was launched today at the revamped Subaru Petaling Jaya showroom.
Underpinned by the four hallmark Subaru Core Technologies – Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, Boxer Engine, Subaru Global Platform and EyeSight driver-assist technology – the fifth-generation Subaru Forester boasts numerous improvements over its predecessor, which contribute towards optimised handling, maximum comfort and enhanced safety.
The all-new Subaru Forester sold in Malaysia is assembled in Thailand by Tan Chong Subaru Automotive (Thailand) Limited (TCSAT). Production standards and processes in Thailand meet the same stringent levels as in Japan. High-performance robotics are used to ensure superior quality. In addition, quality control checks take place during and throughout the assembly process to ensure that every car produced at TCSAT is safe, comfortable and reliable.
“The all-new Forester is bigger and better, both inside and out. This is the first Forester that incorporates all of Subaru’s four core technologies, which means a safer, more comfortable and enjoyable driving experience for drivers and passengers. With EyeSight, the journey is safer and less stressful,” said Mr Glenn Tan, Deputy Chairman and Managing Director, Tan Chong International Limited.
The revamped Subaru Petaling Jaya showroom was also unveiled today. Integrating technological and lifestyle elements, the showroom is designed to deliver a unique experience for customers. It is one of the first showrooms in the country to feature Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) technologies.
AR lets customers select various vehicle colour and trim options, while the VR headsets enable them to take a 360-degree view around and inside the vehicle. Customers will be able to experience the vehicles, even if they are not displayed at the showroom. The redesigned showroom also showcases a range of accessories and lifestyle merchandise.
The “Subaru Loves Children & Babies Forest” is an area specially created for families and their young children. The theme of the play area focuses on an exciting journey in the wild to mirror Subaru’s spirit of adventure.
The all-new Subaru Forester is equipped with award-winning safety features, including the signature EyeSight advanced driver-assist technology that includes automatic pre-collision braking, pre-collision throttle management, adaptive cruise control, lead vehicle start alert, lane departure and lane sway warning. EyeSight also helps to ease the strain on drivers in both city traffic jams and long-distance highway driving.
Subaru Rear Vehicle Detection (SRVD) is also available on the all-new Subaru Forester 2.0i-S EyeSight. Radar sensors installed on the rear can detect objects and vehicles. Visual indicators light up if a vehicle in the blind spot is detected, and when vehicles in neighbouring lanes approach – helping boost the driver’s awareness of his or her surroundings. A side view monitor enhances visibility of surroundings for drivers.
Subaru’s iconic Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive delivers power to each wheel to provide maximum stability and control, allowing drivers to safely travel across challenging terrain and road conditions.
The all-new Subaru Forester is built on the Subaru Global Platform – a redesigned chassis delivering less shake, less road noise and better handling. A new 2.0-litre direct-injection Boxer engine powers the SUV, improving horsepower while boosting fuel efficiency. A new Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) with seven-speed manual mode enhances acceleration and fuel efficiency.
The X-MODE function elevates driving performance on more challenging terrains and can be easily activated with a new dial-switch, for greater convenience across different road conditions. The Hill Descent Control function also helps drivers maintain low speed on downhill slopes.
Active Torque Vectoring enables drivers to control their vehicles exactly as intended, for outstanding cornering stability and hazard avoidance. The brakes are applied to the inner wheels, distributing more torque to the outer wheels when making sharp turns.
The all-new Subaru Forester offers excellent road clearance with a minimum ground clearance of 220mm. The high ground clearance helps the all-new Subaru Forester navigate heavy rainfall, floods and river terrains. The rugged Forester uses extensive high-strength steel that promises durability and rigidity and comes with increased cargo room (a total of 1,775 litres, a 251-litre increase over the previous model) as well as a wider rear gate opening. Raised roof rails with added tie-down points offer more loading options – especially useful for off-road adventures.
Design tweaks and the move to the Subaru Global Platform also mean that the all-new Subaru Forester has a 30mm longer wheelbase than the fourth-generation model. This contributes to an added 33mm of rear legroom.
The redesigned interior of the all-new Subaru Forester serves to elevate driver and passenger comfort. Features include individual seatback pockets, rear air-conditioning, rear USB charging ports and a 6.3-inch LCD colour Multi-Function Display, presenting the driver with useful information in an easy-to-read form.
The all-new Subaru Forester won the 2019 Grand Prix Award for earning the highest score in the Japan New Car Assessment Programme (JNCAP) collision safety performance assessment conducted by the government of Japan. The all-new Subaru Forester has also received the Advanced Safety Vehicle Triple Plus (ASV+++) rating, the highest rating in the 2018-2019 JNCAP preventive safety performance.
The 2018-2019 Grand Prix Award in JNCAP collision safety performance assessment marks the second winning of the award for Subaru following the Grand Prix Award for the Subaru Impreza and the Subaru XV in the 2016-2017 assessment. Winning these safety awards reflects Subaru’s commitment to its all-around safety principle.
The all-new Subaru Forester will be showcased at Subaru showrooms in Peninsular Malaysia from tomorrow (24 August 2019) onwards. It will be showcased at Subaru showrooms in East Malaysia in September.
In conjunction with the launch, buyers of the all-new Subaru Forester will enjoy comprehensive warranty coverage of five years or 100,000km (whichever is earlier). This warranty is applicable for all fifth-generation Subaru Foresters sold by TC Subaru Sdn Bhd and its authorised dealers in Malaysia. Terms and conditions apply.