Subaru launches 2019 Forester in Malaysia

KUALA LUMPUR: After a couple of weeks of previewing the fifth-generation Forester, Subaru has launched it in the Malaysian market. The SUV is available in three different versions including 2.0i-L, 2.0i-S, and 2.0i-S ES. Earlier this Subaru Forester has been unveiled at the 2018 New York International Auto Show.

The new SUV shares the same underpinnings as the latest XV, Impreza, and Ascent. All of these ride on the Subaru Global Platform (SGP). The overall shape of the car is similar to the previous one, while if we have a closer look at the Subaru Global Platform (SGP), the changes can be identified. 

It comes with a larger front grille having active shutters and on the edges, it has LED headlamps having C-shaped LED DRLs. However, the 2.0i-L gets bulb-type DRLs instead of the LED DRLs. A more prominent skid plate is there at the lower apron, and the ‘sits’ of the larger fog lamp sections have vanished. The taillights are similar like the front lighting units, and the C-shaped clusters are the key for its more distinctive appearance.

Inside the system, the car comes with an eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system that has Bluetooth, radio functions, HDMI, etc. There are some other features like air-con vents, a 12-volt power port, a small storage cubby, and dual-zone climate control. 

The SUV is powered by an FB20 2.0-litre direct-injection naturally-aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine, which can make a maximum power of 156 PS at 6,000 rpm along with a peak torque of 196 Nm at 4,000 rpm. The power is sent to the wheels via a Lineartronic CVT. It comes with the brand’s Symmetrical All-Wheel-Drive system.

Coming to safety, the SUV comes with a lot of standard features including Vehicle Dynamics Control System (VDC), brake assist, Active Torque Vectoring, ABS with EBD, reverse sensors, auto vehicle hold, emergency stop signal, seven airbags and Isofix child seat anchors.

The base 2.0i-L comes with a price tag of RM 139,788, following this is 2.0i-S, which costs RM 149,788, while the range-topping version 2.0i-S ES is priced at RM 159,788.

Also Read:- 2019 Subaru Forester - First impression