It’s here! Motor Image, the exclusive distributor of Subaru vehicles across eight countries in Asia, has launched the All-New 2019 Forester in Taiwan. The All-New Forester brings with it improved refinement and practicality – for maximum comfort and enjoyment. The All-New Forester has been reengineered, reimagined and redesigned to include a host of enhanced features, resulting in a balance of easy handling and spacious interior. Here’s the regional media making their way into the launch arena…

Safety continues to be a priority with the inclusion of a strong suite of active safety and driver-assistance features, as part of the Subaru Core Technologies:

– Subaru Global Platform
– Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive
– Boxer Engine
– EyeSight Driver Assist Technology (EyeSight)

“The All-New Forester is now bigger and better with an all-round enhancement to its technology, interior and exterior to create an SUV that boasts performance, comfort and maximum safety” said Mr Glenn Tan, Managing Director, Tan Chong International Ltd (above, 4th from right). “We are thrilled to launch the new fifth generation Forester and are confident that the model will excite drivers and create amazing experiences with their loved ones.”

The All-New Forester will be available in four variants*:
– Subaru Forester 2.0 i-S EyeSight
– Subaru Forester 2.0 i-S
– Subaru Forester 2.0 i-L EyeSight
– Subaru Forester 2.0 i-L

The brand’s iconic Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive feature 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 (all variants) is powered by a 2.0-litre direct injection boxer engine, it features a direct injection to improve horsepower while also boosting fuel efficiency. It churns out 156Ps and 196Nm of torque.

Driving enjoyment has also been enhanced through a new seven speed manual mode of continuously variable transmission (CVT) which will improve acceleration and fuel efficiency. Here’s the new Subaru Forester making its maiden appearance!

Incorporating into the redevelopment of the All-New Forester is also the Subaru Global Platform – a redesigned chassis. The Subaru Global platform offers a safer, smoother driving experience by delivering less shake and body roll while also significantly reducing road noise to make conversations at high speeds more comfortable.

The All-New Forester also comes equipped with X-MODE function, which enhances driving performance on challenging terrain through optimised integrated control of the engine, all-wheel drive, brakes and other functions.

Drivers can now conveniently activate X-MODE via a new dial-switch in select modes, allowing for easy switching between modes depending on road conditions. The hill descent control function gives drivers greater peace of mind by maintaining low speeds on downhill slopes. The handling of the All-New Forester is further enhanced with active torque vectoring, which enables drivers to control their vehicle exactly as intended, for outstanding cornering stability and hazard avoidance performance.

Precise handling is enabled by applying brakes to the inner wheels which in turn distributes more torque to the outer wheels when making necessary sharp turns. The All-New Forester is equipped with award-winning safety features, providing drivers with an added peace of mind on every drive. A new feature on the Forester is EyeSight, an 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. The feature is available on select variants of the All-New Forester.

In addition, features such as auto vehicle hold and Subaru rear vehicle detection (SRVD) are also available on the new model.
Auto vehicle hold works to reduce driver fatigue by keeping the vehicle still when the driver’s foot is removed from the brake pedal while the vehicle is stopped. SRVD uses radar sensors installed on the rear of the vehicle to detect objects and vehicles behind and alerts the driver with its three main functions: blind spot detection, lane change assist and rear cross-traffic alert. Visual indicators light up if a vehicle in the blind spot is detected.

Here’s the walkaround video just after the official launch: (Stay tuned for more videos because tomorrow we drive the new Forester!)

When signalling a lane change, the system alerts the driver if the vehicle in the neighbouring lane is approaching. Viewability is also enhanced with reverse linked tilt down door mirror, which makes it more convenient for checking blind spots around rear tyres for worry-free reversing and parking. Safety is further enhanced by the excellent high eye-level view and careful optimisation of the shape of the pillars to help reduce blind spots and provide outstanding visibility.

The All-New Forester offers excellent road clearance with minimum ground clearance of 220mm for the ultimate driving experience. Raised roof rails with integrated tie-down points are also available for more loading options, providing drivers with the flexibility to handle all kinds of adventures. The redesigned interior of the All-New Forester comes with impressive interior dimensions, providing the driver and all passengers with greater comfort in everyday and recreational usage.

The spaciousness of the interior is enhanced by the replacement of the traditional parking brake lever with a new electronic parking brake switch that opens up more space on the centre console. The All-New Forester also introduces redefined interior features such as divided seatback pockets, USB charging ports and air-conditioning vents behind centre console, bringing a refreshed riding experience for the passengers.

The instrument panel also comes with a high grade multi-function display, providing drivers with key vehicle statistics in a clear and easy-to-see layout. The enhanced connectivity between the meter display and multi-function display shows driving information that improves convenience, safety and enjoyment.

The new model will also comes with added rear leg room, as well as an increased cargo room with wider rear gate opening. The availability of power rear gate allows opening, closing and locking of the entire vehicle with just the touch of a button, making it more convenient than ever before to haul more gear.

Built to last, the All-New Forester uses extensive high-strength steel that promises durability and rigidity. The ruggedness of the SUV is further underscored with the raised body, claddings and underguard, coupled with powerful fenders with emphasised protrusions. The updated design pays homage to the model’s earlier predecessor, with subtle updates on the grille, headlights and tail lights for added robustness and sophistication.

The All-New Forester brings together the combination of superior technology, smart design and advanced engineering, it provides the ultimate driving enjoyment while ensuring that safety is not compromised. The All-New Forester will be available in Malaysia by Q2 2019.

Subaru Forester Launch & Product Photo Gallery…