2019 Subaru Forester - All you need to know

The fifth-generation Subaru Forester made its entry into the Malaysian market in the later part of August this year. The new 2019 Forester is one of the most important models for the Japanese automaker in the region, as well as abroad, as it competes in the highly popular and hotly contested Compact Crossover SUV segment. As is common knowledge by now, this segment is swamped with some serious competition -- coming from the likes of the Honda CR-V, Mazda CX-5, and Mitsubishi Outlander - all of which are quite capable in their own right.

Built upon the marque’s Subaru Global Platform (SGP), the all-new Forester shares much of its basic underpinnings with its sportier Impreza sibling. Ever since it was first launched back in 1997, the Subaru Forester wasn’t like every other crossover. Firstly, whilst most crossovers were essentially front-wheel drive urban crawlers, the Forester’s capable all-wheel drive system was taken straight from the then Impreza WRX. This not only added to the car’s highly desirable “off-road” status but also helped cement its position as a worthy and safe platform for families.

Just as with the new Outback which was launched last year, the latest avatar of the Subaru Forester now comes packed with some of the brand’s best safety features. Moreover, to make the 2019 Forester even more comfortable and attractive for buyers, Subaru claims to have made several key changes to their crossover. As of now,

the all-new Forester that’s sold in Malaysia is made at Subaru’s Tan Chong facility in Thailand - arriving on our shores as a fully-built CBU. Despite its fresh update, competing in this segment wouldn’t be an easy task for the 2019 Subaru Forester. However, there is little doubt that this is the most up-to-date Forester that there has ever been.

2019 Subaru Forester price:

2019 Subaru Forester 2.0I-L	RM 139,788
2019 Subaru Forester 2.0I-S	RM 149,788
2019 Subaru Forester 2.0I-S ES	RM 159,788

So, this is 2019 Forester price tag for all the variants. When compared to some of its rivals (at the high end), the 2019 Subaru Forester’s fully-loaded ES variant turns out to be the cheaper pick. Both, the Honda CR-V and the new CX-5, top out at a relatively higher RM 163,191 and RM 173,240, respectively.

Subaru offers the all-new Forester with a 5-year/100,000-kilometer warranty package, and there are a total of seven colours to choose from. The latter includes shades such as Crystal Black Silica, Crystal White Pearl, Dark Grey Metallic, Horizon Blue Pearl, Ice Silver Metallic, Jasper Green Metallic and Sepia Bronze Metallic.

2019 Subaru Forester dimensions:

Measurements	2019 Subaru Forester
Length	4,625 mm
Width	1,815 mm
Height	1,730 mm
Wheelbase	2,670 mm
Boot Capacity	520 litres

When compared to its fourth-generation predecessor, the 2019 Forester is longer by 30 mm. This includes an overall body length expansion from 4,595 mm to the current 4,625 mm, but also takes into account the bump in the wheelbase. The width has now gone up by 200 mm, from the erstwhile 1,795 mm to the current 1,815 mm; while the overall height of the Forester is now down by 5 mm.

Exterior

The Subaru Forester has always had a very distinctive exterior shape, especially when compared to most other crossover SUVs or soft-roaders. The 2019 Forester retains its breed’s characteristic boxy outline, while also managing to integrate some sleek styling upgrades along the way.

The larger front grille gets sufficient amounts of chrome and now incorporates active shutters to improve airflow and reduce drag. The revised LED headlamps give the new Forester a sharp demeanour and are now accompanied by slick C-shaped LED daytime running lights (DRLs).

The muscular bonnet upfront is joined by the new Forester's revised front bumper that integrates LED fog lamps with chrome surrounds, black cladding and a skid plate. Meanwhile, the back of the new 2019 Subaru Forester features C-shaped LED tail lamps and a reshaped tailgate and boot opening. There’s also a roof-mounted spoiler, black and silver cladding on the rear bumper, and a single exhaust.

There is no noticeable design alteration made to the side profile of the 2019 Subaru Forester, as it looks almost identical to its precursor. It does feature large roof rails, plastic body cladding, 18-inch five-spoke alloy wheels and flared wheel arches. And despite the new additions and tweaks made to it, the all-new Forester looks convincingly tough while at the same time, remains subtle.

Interior

Like much of its competition, the 2019 Subaru Forester is sold with two rows and five seats. Being a practical family car, the 2019 Forester’s capacious 520-litre boot (a gain of 40 litres over the previous model) comes in handy. The entrance to the boot is now wider too, which makes loading and unloading items quite easy. Meanwhile, once inside, the large windows all around make the cabin feel airy and spacious.

Thanks to the increase in the car’s wheelbase and width, occupants can now enjoy better legroom and more shoulder space. Headroom and knee room aren’t a bother, either. The seats are well-cushioned and provide decent support even on longer journeys. The 2019 Forester’s interior also scores well with its top-notch build quality, easy ergonomics and interesting choice of surface textures.

So, does the 2019 Subaru Forester have a good interior? Yes, the 2019 Forester’s interior is pretty good. However, in terms of its general layout and design, the 2019 Forester’s interior doesn’t stray far from its predecessor - both look quite familiar but aren’t as contemporary as that of the new Mazda CX-5. Reliability has never been a sore spot for Subaru for years now, and that forte is destined to continue with the new 2019 Forester as well.

Equipment list and safety features

In a segment this fierce, being comfortable and fierce just isn’t enough anymore and wouldn’t pass muster. Having a laundry list of modern features and safety equipment is just as necessary, things that the new 2019 Subaru Forester can lay claim to. So, what all are the most highlighted features to be found on the new Forester specs sheet?

Well, some of them are as follows:

• Adaptive LED headlamps with auto-levelling and washer
• LED front fog lamps
• Automatic rain-sensing windshield wipers
• Power-folding wing mirrors
• Keyless entry with push-button engine start
• Powered tailgate with memory
• Leather-wrapped multifunction steering wheel
• Paddle shifters
• Aluminium pedals
• Dual-zone automatic climate control with rear vents
• Adaptive cruise control
• Electronic parking brake
• Leather upholstery
• 8-way power-adjustable front seats
• Subaru Intelligent Drive selector with two modes
• 8-inch touchscreen display with AUX, USB and HDMI connectivity
• 6-speaker sound system

These are not all. The 2019 Forester also gets parking sensors with a reversing camera, Special X-Mode for driving over snow, dirt or mud, GPS navigation, Bluetooth hands-free calling, tilt & telescopic adjustment for the steering wheel, reclining and split-folding rear seats, dual USB charging ports, dual 12-Volt sockets, and secondary multifunction display for vehicle parameters.

The 2019 Forester is also packing some high-tech safety features to ensure optimum occupant protection. A few of these are as follows:

• Seven airbags (front, front side, curtain & driver’s knee)
• Subaru Rear Vehicle Detection (SRVD)
• Brake Override
• Vehicle Dynamics Control System (VDC)
• Active Torque Vectoring
• Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist System (BAS)

However, the 2019 Forester now also comes with Subaru’s EyeSight Driver Assist Technology suite. This feature adds Pre-Collision Braking with Throttle Management, Lane Sway and Departure Warning with Lane Change Assist, Side View Monitor, Blind-Spot Detection and of course, the aforementioned Adaptive Cruise Control with Lead Vehicle Start Alert.

On top of all these, the all-new Forester further adds Hill Descent Control, Auto Vehicle Hold, Towing Vehicle Dynamics Control System, ISOFIX rear-seat anchor points and front seatbelts with pre-tensioners and load limiters.

2019 Subaru Forester engine and transmission:

Engine	2.0-litre, naturally aspirated, horizontally-opposed four-cylinder with DOHC and direct fuel injection
Transmission	Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)
Power	154 hp at 6,200 rpm
Torque	196 Nm at 4,200 rpm
Claimed Fuel Economy	13.5 kmpl

Performance

The 2019 Subaru Forester’s 2.0-litre petrol engine has enough gusto to propel this 1.6-tonne car from 0 to 100 kmph in 10.5 seconds. At the high end, the Forester will be clocking around 193 kmph. Of course, despite its boxer engine and Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system, the Subaru Forester is more of a relaxed, long-distance cruiser. However, it certainly wouldn’t falter if you choose to put its AWD system through its paces.

In conclusion

Is the all-new 2019 Subaru Forester a good family crossover? In essence, it really is. The 2019 Forester is a practical, well-built, spacious, reliable, safe and capable vehicle. And with its competitive pricing, this is one crossover you just can’t ignore.

Also Read: 2019 Subaru Forester - First impression