Piston.my

Subaru

Subaru Tecnica International (STI) has introduced a limited-edition STI S209 and it’s the first-ever S-line STI product produced exclusively for the US market. As an S-line product, the STI S209 encompasses upgrades in power, handling, aerodynamics and driver engagement, and undergoes final assembly in Japan, where it receives engine modifications and bodywork alterations. These changes, in total, have required the variant to be specially homologated for the US market by STI; thus, the S209 is considered the first ‘STI-built’ Subaru sold in the U.S.

The S209 carries on a high-performance tradition that dates to STI-built models that were exclusive to the Japanese domestic market – the 2000 S201 through the 2018 S208. Only 209 units of the STI S209 will be built.

2019 Subaru WRX STI S209

BHPetrol

Tech from Nurburgring Challenge racing car
The S209 draws inspiration and tech transfer from STI’s most formidable track machine – the WRX STI Nurburgring Challenge racing car. Like the Nurburgring Challenge car, the S209 has expanded wide-body exterior treatment which extends the vehicle’s overall width compared to a standard WRX STI.

The bulging fenders accommodate wider front/rear tracks and 265/35 Dunlop SP Sport Maxx GT600A tyres wrapped around lightweight 19×9 forged BBS alloy wheels. The all-new tyres, developed exclusively for the S209 by Dunlop, are said to be a significant contributor to the car’s tenacious maximum lateral grip of over 1.0g.

2019 Subaru WRX STI S209

Vents on the front fenders provide additional engine cooling, while vents on the rear fenders rectify air turbulence to reduce drag and increase downforce. Brembo brakes, with cross-drilled steel rotors and 6-piston monoblock front calipers and 2-piston monoblock rear calipers, provide stout stopping force, thanks in part to upgraded high-friction pads that deliver improved fade-resistance.

Underneath the S209’s broader body are specially developed Bilstein dampers, stiffened coil springs, a 20 mm rear stabilizer bar and pillow-type bushings for the front/rear lateral links. The S209 incorporates reinforcements to the front cross-member and rear sub-frames and, like the Nürburgring car, a flexible front-strut tower bar and flexible front/rear draw stiffeners. Other Nurburgring tech that has been passed to the S209 include front, rear and side under-spoilers; front bumper canards; and carbonfibre roof panel and rear wing.

2019 Subaru WRX STI S209

2019 Subaru WRX STI S209

2019 Subaru WRX STI S209

More powerful EJ25 Boxer engine
A reworked version of the legendary EJ25 2.5-litre turbocharged Boxer engine uses an STI turbocharger manufactured by HKS. This boosts output to 341 bhp at 64,00 rpm, thanks in part to a larger turbine and compressor as well as maximum boost pressure that has been increased to 18.9 psi (16.2 psi for WRX STI). There’s also a notable bump in midrange torque to 447 Nm at 3,600 rpm, delivering higher corner exit speeds when driving on track.

2019 Subaru WRX STI S209

2019 Subaru WRX STI S209

2019 Subaru WRX STI S209

The S209 comes exclusively with a close-ratio 6-speed manual transmission that routes power to a full-time Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system with front/rear limited-slip differentials, a Driver Controlled Centre Differential, Active Torque Vectoring and Multi-Mode Vehicle Dynamics Control. A recalibrated SI-Drive system offers three modes: ‘Intelligent’ for better fuel economy and smoother power control; ‘Sport’ for optimized power balance between response and control; and ‘Sport Sharp’ for achieving the best acceleration times. STI engineers recommend ‘Sport’ over ‘Sport Sharp’ for circuit driving, as the less aggressive throttle map allows for greater driver control.

2019 Subaru WRX STI S209

Click here for other news and articles about Subaru in PISTON.MY

PISTON.MY

BHPetrol

Subaru will end production of the EJ20 horizontally-opposed engine which has been one of its main powerplants since 1989. At this time, the company has designated the end of March 2020 to stop production but it will stop taking orders for the current WRX STI model equipped with the engine and sold only in Japan by the end of calendar year 2019.

The EJ20, which replaced the EA engine, started off in the first generation of the Legacy in 1989. Over time, it was offered with other Subaru models and also powered racing cars competing in events like the World Rally Championship and Nurburgring 24 Hours.

Subaru EJ20

1989 Subaru Legacy
Subaru Legacy was the first model to use the EJ20 when it was introduced in 1989.

One of the 10 Best Engines of the Year
The long-stroke engine started off with a SOHC head and an output of 113 ps. Over time, the engine went from 2 litres to 2.5 litres with turbocharging added, taking outputs as high as 324 ps and over 400 Nm of torque. It was the first Subaru engine to be picked (in 2004) as one of the 10 Best Engines of the Year by Wards Auto, an authoritative industry publication in America.

Subaru EJ20 Final Edition
Subaru WRX STI EJ20 Final Edition

Subaru EJ20 Final Edition

The carmaker will mark the end of the EJ20 era with a special edition of the WRX STI that will be displayed at the coming 2019 Tokyo Motorshow. The ‘EJ20 Final Edition’ will feature special items such as a balanced engine and gold-painted BBS 19-inch alloy wheels to commemorate the last model that uses the engine.

Click here for other news and articles about Subaru in PISTON.MY

PISTON.MY

BHPetrol

The Subaru Impreza has been around for four generations now and according to rumours that have been spreading around online, the fifth generation 2020 Subaru WRX STI is said to make its official appearance sometime next year. With that being said, do you guys and girls think it’ll make its debut at the 2019 Tokyo Motor Show this October? (more…)

The all-new 2019 Subaru Forester has arrived here in Malaysia and it comes with some very interesting upgrades that makes it more dynamic and comfortable than ever before. The fifth generation Forester was launched earlier today at the revamped Subaru showroom in Petaling Jaya, Selangor. (more…)

Motor Image – the exclusive distributor of Subaru vehicles across nine territories in Asia – and French owned lubricant specialist Motul – have jointly announced their partnership to develop and supply a line of exclusive lubricant products for Subaru vehicles in the region. Motor Image will be the first vehicle distributor that Motul is partnering globally and the deal will currently over eight territories – Cambodia, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam.

 

Under the deal, Motul will supply the specially developed and formulated oils for Motor Image distributorship and dealerships in the region.  These oils, developed in Japan, will be used in all of its aftersales and service centres.  Customers will have access to premium quality lubricants, such as 100 per cent synthetic engine oils, at competitive prices, giving customers a superior aftersales service, available only at Motor Image’s facilities and dealerships. The licensing and partnership deal, valued at USD5 million per annum to start, signifies both companies’ interest in the growing Asian region for the automotive sector. The two-year deal, with the option to extend, is expected to increase 10 per cent in value yearly.

“Subaru has been closely linked with Motul since its motorsports racing days, and Motul is closely associated with the STI brand.  At Motor Image we have had an over 10-year relationship.  Motul specially formulated lubricants for Subaru cars, taking into account the weather and other conditions, when we took part in the Asia Pacific Rally Championships.  We are happy to partner Motul again, to re-establish a long-term relationship to provide the best quality products for our Subaru customers,” said Mr Glenn Tan, Deputy Chairman and Managing Director, Tan Chong International Limited.

“Motorsports is part of Motul’s DNA, and Motul has been closely linked with Subaru and the STI brand since the Subaru World Rally Team competed in the World Rally Championship (WRC) back in the 1980s. Today, Motul is very pleased to be collaborating with Motor Image to provide an exclusive line-up of lubricant products and customer experience for its Subaru customers. We believe this regional collaboration will further strengthen its partnership with Subaru beyond just Motorsports,” said Mr Masaki Shimizu, Chairman, Motul of Japan KK.

 

The first of the exclusive Subaru lubricant product line-up to be launched, from January 2019, include Subaru Engine Oils by Motul – the 0W20 and the 5W30. These 100 per cent synthetic oils have been specially researched and developed in Japan, and licensed for retail exclusively at Subaru outlets. Both companies will also be working on marketing the lubricant products and merchandise from the partnership as part of Motor Image’s plans to enhance the customer experience journey for Subaru customers across the region. Plans include co-branded space and exclusive merchandise at Subaru outlets.

 

The Subaru Engine Oils by Motul are available across Subaru service centres in Hong Kong, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore and Taiwan now, and subsequently in Cambodia, Thailand and Vietnam by March 2019.

MOTOR IMAGE STATEMENT ON GLOBAL POWER STEERING DEFECTS 

Motor Image Group customers not affected by power steering defects

Singapore, 24 January 2019 – Motor Image Group (MIG), distributor of Subaru vehicles in nine markets across Asia, today announced that its customers are not affected by the power steering defect announced by Subaru Corporation.  None of the affected production has been delivered to MIG customers.

The Japanese automaker said on Wednesday that it had suspended production at production facilities in Japan from 16 January 2019 and will likely resume production and shipments as early as 28 January 2019.  This was due to defects affecting the power steering in three vehicle models, the Forester, the XV and the Impreza. The affected vehicles were manufactured between late December 2018 and 16 January 2019.

MIG puts customer safety and satisfaction as its utmost priority.  Across all its operations, only 3 markets, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Singapore have shipments due of affected vehicles. A total of only 120 cars from the affected batch are due in these markets and none of these have been delivered to customers.

During this interim period, as MIG continues to roll out the new 5th Generation Subaru Forester across the region, it will continue to take bookings from customers, though customers may have to wait for longer than usual for delivery.  This is due to the temporary halt in production from Japan, whilst we wait further advice from Subaru Corporation of rectified shipments from them.

Motor Image is committed to the highest safety standards and quality driving experience for all its customers and is in constant contact with Subaru Corporation for any further updates.

TC Subaru Sdn Bhd, the exclusive distributor of Subaru vehicles in Malaysia, has today launched a new variant of the Subaru Forester – the Forester 2.0 STI Performance, in Malaysia. Hailing from one of the most popular ranges of SUVs, the Forester 2.0 STI Performance now sports a new exterior and interior, promising rugged versatility and comfort at its best.

 

“The Forester 2.0 STI Performance is differentiated and enhanced through its bold front design, lending the vehicle a streamlined yet rugged new look. The high-performance SUV also comes with exclusive accessories, including the STI Front and Rear Under Spoilers, the STI Flexible Tower Bar, Front Grille, Cargo Step Panel, STI Brake Pads and STI Air Filter – all of which further refine the vehicle’s appearance and performance. Inside the Forester 2.0 STI Performance, enhancements include leather seats premium Carpet Mats, the STI Leather Shift Knob and the Side Sill Plate.”TC Subaru Malaysia.

 

Front Passenger Leather Seat   Carpet Mat

 

The Forester 2.0 STI Performance incorporates the Subaru Four Core Technologies in every aspect, enhancing power, handling, comfort and safety for driver and passengers alike. The vehicle retains its signature engine from the Forester 2.0i-P variant, with its renowned 2.0-litre four-cylinder 16-Valve, FB20 Horizontally-Opposed Boxer Engine, that produces a maximum power of 150PS at 6,200 rpm and peak torque of 198Nm at 4,200 rpm.

Full Frontal

Safety has always been of great importance to Subaru and is prioritised in the Forester 2.0 STI Performance with well-known, reliable features such as X-MODE, Hill Descent Control (HDC), Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (S-AWD) as well as Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC). Additionally, the sporty SUV also contains seven airbags and other standard safety features, giving both driver and passengers all-round protection and peace of mind.

 

Prices of the Subaru Forester 2.0 STI Performance start from RM135,288 (OTR without insurance). For more information about the Subaru Forester 2.0 STI Performance, please visit www.subaru.asia/my. Interested individuals can also visit Subaru showroom for further enquiries or test drives.

Motor Image Malaysia can’t build the Subaru XV fast enough! Such is the demand for the XV that this new 2019 Subaru Forester will likely only see the light of day in Malaysia come the second quarter of 2019, and all of them will be in CKD (locally-assembled) form. Here’s the official launch video from Subaru @ Taiwan…

We however, managed to get a hands-on look and feel of the new Forester recently in Taiwan, and following this launch coverage, the next day we headed to an area where Motor Image (MI) had set up both an on-road and off-road course for us to have a go on with the new Forester. Here’s the on-road test drive video, shot hand-held so do forgive the shake…

Next was the off-road sector of the test drive, and here’s where the new Forester really came into its own. For an SUV destined to be used predominantly on-road, it’s quite amazing just how well it handled the rough terrain of this course…

The new Forester utilises a a ‘boxer’ direct-injection 2-litre, 4-cylinder naturally-aspirated petrol engine, mated to a CVT, and I have to be honest, with 156bhp and 196Nm of torque, I thought the latter was a typo, but it isn’t. Where generally vehicles these days produce upwards of 200Nm, one-ninety-six seemed quite inadequate.

But as can be seen in the first video, and my commentary, it didn’t seem to bother the Forester much as it hurtled around the test course. Active Torque Vectoring – sensors constantly monitor each wheel to gauge traction, actively enhancing or retarding power to each wheel depending on the given driving scenario as well as terrain – ensured that the Forester remained composed despite our best efforts to send it into the bushes.

It was the off-road sector however that really impressed as far as testing the new Forester was concerned, for this is where the benefits of SGP or Subaru Global Platform really came to fore. I’ll give you and example why. Don’t you just hate it when you’ve reached an off-road campsite only to find regular cars and even small mopeds already there? I know I do, and it’s happened a lot in the past.

Well, it’s safe to say that with the new Forester, and given the kind of terrain we traversed during the test, that’s not going to happen anytime soon. There is no way a regular passenger car would be able to tackle the course we put the Forester through without serious damage to it, and its occupants too perhaps. As I said in the second video, my own car would be in pieces halfway through, and would have flipped three times toward the end. With Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and X-Mode, not to mention a Hill Hold and Hill Descent feature, the Forester revels the occasional off-road venture. You may never find the need for it, but it’s heartening to know it’s there if you need it.

Subaru is also boasting the use of ‘EyeSight‘ in the new Forester. So what exactly is EyeSight? Well, it’s 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.

It has been confirmed by Glenn Tan, Managing Director, Tan Chong International Ltd, (below, right) that EyeSight will be available in the new Forester when it gets here in Q2 2019, for selected variants, and there’ll likely be three variants in all. “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 Glenn. “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.”

At launch, these are four variants of the new Subaru Forester:

– 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

Stay tuned to Piston.my as we keep you up to date on the impending launch of the new 2019 Subaru Forester, in the meantime, for more details, click the link below.

2019 Subaru Forester official press release (click to download)Subaru 2019 Forester Press Release

2019 Subaru Forester Photo Gallery…

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…

 

TC Subaru Sdn Bhd, the exclusive distributor of Subaru vehicles in Malaysia, introduced the all-new Subaru Outback today. The all-new Subaru Outback offers customers an experience of responsive handling and luxurious comfort with rugged exterior and refined plush interiors. It now comes equipped with Subaru’s award-winning EyeSight Driver Assist Technology*, delivering a more confident driving experience. The Outback is on display at the Carlist.my DRIVE: Auto Fair 2018, which is happening from 27th – 29th July. But what is Subaru Eye-Sight? Best let them explain it in this short video…

The New Subaru Outback:

Subaru Outback 2.5i-S EyeSight

The new Outback features:

  • EyeSight Driver Assist Technology, a driving support system that uses a range of functions to assist the driver to provide a safer driving experience
  • STABLEX-Ride System for even better steering stability and ride quality with less body shake
  • X-MODE, for optimised control of the engine, Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (S-AWD) and brakes to safely drive over almost any type of terrain

The new Outback has a facelifted front bumper and hexagonal grille which will give it a high quality and rugged look. The turbine-shaped rims are dynamically designed and light-weight which will result in better aerodynamics.

New functionalities have been included such as USB ports in the back-centre console and additional microphones to improve voice recognition. The Outback will also have a new premium infotainment system with an eight-inch high-resolution screen, smartphone connectivity and access to today’s most popular apps with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Voice recognition capabilities will allow hands-free use, keeping everybody safe whilst reducing distractions when driving.

The Outback features an improved 2.5-Litre Boxer Engine with a new alternator which is made to improve fuel efficiency. In addition, an eight percent weight reduction was achieved due to the change of shape of the alternator.

The Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) now has a 7-speed manual mode and the throttle response has been improved to create a sporty acceleration feel. Changing the CVT chain to a short pitch chain has reduced noises from inside the cabin and improved fuel efficiency by approximately three percent compared to the current model.

Safety continues to be a cornerstone in all Subaru models. In addition to EyeSight, the Outback have been fitted with Steering Responsive Headlights which allows the headlight beam to move according to the direction of how the car is steered, maximising dusk visibility and safety. Front blind spot visibility has also been enhanced as a result of cameras fitted on the lower part of the front grille and side mirror which will allow the drivers to check the surrounding areas when navigating though tight spaces.

In addition to the existing line-up of exterior colours, the Outback will feature brand new exterior colours to choose from:

  • Wilderness Green Metallic
  • Crimson Red Pearl
  • Oak Brown Pearl

OTR price starts from RM246,188.40** without insurance. For more information, please visit www.subaru.asia/my

*EyeSight is a driving support system which may not operate optimally under all driving conditions.

**The price shown above is based on simulated 10% Sales and Service Tax

Images from Subaru.com, (<- link) learn more about Eye-Sight at that link.

The age-old question or rather conundrum; do you need 4WD in an SUV? I recently got my hands on the new Subaru XV 2.0i, and during my time with it, the question popped into my mind again, so I decided to get it all down in a video…

[Erratum: The XV as tested has Hill-Hold, and not Hill-Descent Control as mentioned in the above video, sorry! – CW]

If you haven’t fallen asleep and you’re still with me, let’s delve a little deeper into the new XV. Premiered to the media sometime in the middle of 2017 in Taiwan, the new XV was officially launched here toward the end of last year, to a very enthusiastic target audience. Here’s the official launch video from Taiwan…

It’s in speaking about said target audience that got me thinking about that question posed earlier about the need for 4WD or AWD in a ‘family’ SUV. I’ve decided that there’s really no right or wrong in it, it’s all a matter of personal preference. And if you’re worried about the urban-myth about 4WD or AWD vehicles being ‘thirsty’, well, over the course of 4 days, and quite a bit of driving, I only managed to burn 2 ‘bars’ of fuel…

Speaking of the engine, the new XV is powered by a direct-injection, 4-cylinder, horizontally-opposed (boxer), DOHC, 16-valve naturally-aspirated engine, capable of 156Ps and 196Nm of torque. Earth-shattering figures these are not, however, do remember that nowhere on this SUV does it say STI

It is perhaps that fireballs-out-the-flanks ‘performance’ association with the brand that will dampen the enthusiasm of anyone seeking ‘WRX-thrills’ in this Subaru, because that ain’t gonna happen with the XV, nor should it. And besides, gearbox wise, this new XV comes with a 7-speed continuously-variable transmission (CVT) or what Subaru calls a ‘Lineartronic CVT’, which is about as far from a performance oriented gearbox as one can possibly get…

Built on Subaru’s new SGP or Subaru Global Platform, the new XV feels taut and very well put-together. It has incredible levels of NVH suppression, resulting in one of the quietest cabins I’ve ever come across for a SUV in this mid-size segment.

Its party-trick of course, the thing that sets it apart from other SUVs in this segment, is its X-Mode function, that’s specifically tailored to take the guess work out of any light-off-road driving. Hitting that button on the centre console, this mode controls the engine output, transmission, all-wheel drive torque split, and even the braking system, to ensure the most optimum performance for off-road driving.

But you know what, if that was its only ace up its sleeve, the new XV would be a let-down; but thankfully it isn’t. Perhaps the most important aspect of a mid-size ‘family’ SUV is what it’s like on the inside, the one place that matters most when you’re hauling your most precious cargo, and in that respect, this new XV really shines.

As I mentioned earlier, the NVH of this XV based on the new SGP, is quite remarkable. This is the one thing that’s going to set it apart from the rest of the competition out there, really. Unfortunately, only an extended test-drive will bring forth this benefit, so please, don’t take my word for it, head over to TC Subaru and give it a go for yourself. With prices starting at RM118, 819 incl. GST, it’s definitely a worthy consideration. – Chris Wee.

Subaru XV 2.0i Photo Gallery…

Archive

Follow us on Facebook

Follow us on YouTube