Thursday, April 14, 2016

Facelifted Subaru Forester launched with two CKD 2.0i variants and a CBU turbocharged 2.0XT


The new facelifted Subaru Forester is now available in Malaysia. There are three options. Two Completely Knocked Down (CKD) variants – the Forester 2.0i priced at RM 144,948 and Forester 2.0i-P at RM 154,488,. The third variant is the fully imported completely built up (CBU) turbocharged 2.0XT from Japan. That is priced at RM 211,729. 



To mark the arrival of the new Subaru Forester, Motor Image launched a new brand campaign ‘Is There Anything You Can’t Do?’ This campaign is aligned with families and drivers who have an unstoppable attitude – There is nothing they can’t do in life. The New Subaru Forester is the car designed specially for their lifestyle. A car that represents the resilience and endless capacity to get what they desire.

So how impressive are the CKD Subaru Foresters? Quite impressive actually. There is actually no difference that I could see when I sat in one of them. The cars are actually assembled in the Tan Chong facility in Segambut and have a 40% local content. This means that our local suppliers can actually achieve a high standard. A bulk of the cars assembled here will be exported to Thailand and can be exported to other ASEAN markets to capitalise on the ASEAN tax preferential benefits.. This is why the two normally aspirated models were chosen. Economics of scale and being less complicated meant that it would be easy to source for local parts. Motor Image plans to sell at least 500 units per month of the Forester. Achievable since the SUV is actually quite good. 


The launch for the new Forester was held at the One Utama Shopping Centre earlier today and there is an ongoing roadshow there till this sunday, 17th April 2016. You can try out the Frosty on a purpose built obstacle course and view other Subaru cars too.

And for a limited time only, TC Subaru is offering an introductory price for 2.0i at RM 139,800 and 2.0i-P at RM 151,800. All prices stated are on-the-road inclusive of GST, road tax and without insurance, for private registration in Peninsular Malaysia only.





FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The New Subaru Forester Now Available in Showrooms Nationwide

Mr Glenn Tan, Executive Director, Tan Chong International Ltd. and Monika Sta. Maria, Subaru Ambassador with the new Subaru Forester

Kuala Lumpur, 14 April 2016 – Motor Image Malaysia, the exclusive distributor of Subaru vehicles in Malaysia, today launched the new Subaru Forester offering improved handling dynamics, innovative technologies and aesthetic upgrades, making it the ideal choice for an active family that lives life to the fullest.

The new Subaru Forester is available in three options. Two Completely Knocked Down (CKD) variants – 2.0i are competitively priced at RM 144,948 and 2.0i-P at RM 154,488, respectively. A third variant is the fully imported turbocharged 2.0XT Complete Built Up (CBU) from Japan, priced at RM 211,729 For a limited time only, TC Subaru is offering an introductory price for 2.0i at RM 139,800 and 2.0i-P at RM 151,800. All prices stated are on-the-road inclusive of GST, road tax and without insurance, for private registration in Peninsular Malaysia only.

To mark the arrival of the new Subaru Forester, Motor Image recently launched a new brand campaign ‘Is There Anything You Can’t Do?’ This campaign is aligned with families and drivers who have an unstoppable attitude – There is nothing they can’t do in life. The New Subaru Forester is the car designed specially for their lifestyle. A car that represents the resilience and endless capacity to get what they desire.

Together with the launch of the Forester, Subaru is excited to roll-out a brand-new campaign to highlight the traits of the Forester, an unstoppable vehicle that can turn any challenging terrain into an exciting adventure. The campaign name “Is There Anything You Can’t Do” reminds people that they can achieve anything they have their eyes set on, and the Subaru Forester will accompany them throughout their adventure”, said Mr Glenn Tan, Executive Director, Tan Chong International Ltd.

Uncompromised Performance and Improved Handling
The new Subaru Forester’s suspension has been enhanced for maximum comfort and handling performance. With a stiffer front cross member, enhanced coil and damper, drivers will experience a more comfortable ride quality with agile and nimble handling across all urban and off-road terrains.

To maximise occupant comfort and ride quality, noise from inside and outside the cabin has been reduced as a result of improved sound proofing materials and increased window thickness.

Staying true to the roots of an all-terrain vehicle, the Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) continues to complement the new Forester’s performance. Subaru’s CVT allows power to be delivered consistently and smoothly at all times, regardless of terrain, making it ideal for adventurous customers who take their car off the beaten track.

The new Forester 2.0i and 2.0i-P variants feature Subaru’s renowned 2.0-litre four-cylinder 16-Valve, FB20 Horizontally-Opposed Boxer Engine which produces maximum power of 150PS at 6,200 rpm and peak torque of 198 Nm at 4,200 rpm. Better fuel efficiency of 7.9L/100km (combined) is also achieved as a result of a long stroke engine coupled with a lightweight engine block.

The 2.0XT variant produces maximum power of 241PS at 5,600 rpm and peak torque of 350 Nm at 2400-3600 rpm as a result of a FA20 Direct-Injection Turbocharged Boxer Engine for higher power and decent fuel efficiency of 8.5 L/100km (combined).

Upgraded Features and New Innovations
All three Forester variants feature Subaru’s unique hexagon front grille, new C-shaped taillights to match the headlights and a new fan-style wheel design with 17-inch rims. The face-lifted 2.0i-P and 2.0XT Forester variants also receive LED headlamps with the C-shaped daytime running lights, while the 2.0i variant gets halogen reflectors and new bumper design.

The interior now offers a more upmarket look and feel with a refreshed cabin design, stylish TFT LCD colour display, premium head-unit and redesigned steering wheel. The premium feel is further enhanced in the 2.0i-P and 2.0XT Forester variants with features such as automatic wipers and headlamps, power rear gate, power adjustable driver seat with memory function and power adjustable passenger seat, smart entry and push start, dual zone automatic air-conditioning, SI Drive, high-grade multifunction display and unique Personal Identification Number (PIN) code access.

The new PIN-code access is ultra-convenient and offers more protection against misplaced or damaged key fobs, especially when spending time outdoors or enjoying adventurous sports like running, rock climbing or mountain biking. This clever feature allows customers to access their new Subaru Forester without a key fob, which can be safely and securely left in the car.

The top-of-the-range Subaru Forester 2.0XT adds even more luxurious features such as a sunroof, premium audio system with Harman Kardon speakers and 18-inch rims.

Enhanced and Comprehensive All-Around Safety
A key highlight of the new Subaru Forester is the X-MODE, which ensures optimised control of the vehicle by delivering on functions such as Hill Descent Control (HDC), Enhanced All-Wheel Drive (AWD) System and Enhanced Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC). X-MODE comes standard across all three variants available in Malaysia.

When in X-MODE, the on-board computer coordinates the throttle, transmission, brakes and Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (S-AWD) to help anyone safely drive through any difficult terrain. X-MODE’s HDC helps modulate speed whether the vehicle is going down a steep hill in the city, or through gravel slopes in the outdoors. Additionally, the combination of X-MODE with Subaru’s S-AWD can also help the new Forester get out of muddy situations when one or more wheels get stuck.

Steering Responsive Headlights have been fitted on the 2.0i-P and 2.0XT variants. This innovation allows the headlight beam to move left or right according to the direction of the steering wheel, maximising driver visibility and safety.

Additional standard safety features for all variants also include seven airbags (dual front, sides and curtains, driver’s knee), ABS with EBD and Brake Assist, engine immobiliser, brake override, safety pedal system, ISOFIX child seat anchors.

Improvements on passive safety include side door reinforcement beams and a ring-shaped reinforcement frame around which the new Subaru Forester is constructed. Made of high-tensile strength steel, the reinforced frame is designed to shield and protect occupants by directing impact energy around the passenger compartment, rather than through it. Able to withstand the weight of the 1.5 ton Forester, the reinforced frame also provides additional passenger safety in the event of a rollover.

The new Subaru Forester is available in five colour options – Pure White, Silver Metallic, Dark Grey Metallic, Sepia Bronze Metallic and Obsidian Black Metallic – for booking at all Subaru showrooms nationwide.

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About the Tan Chong Group

Tan Chong International (HKSE:0693) is listed on the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong and is a major motor, property and distribution company with operations in Singapore, Cambodia, China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Philippines, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam. Since its inception in 1957, the Group has grown its assets substantially through continuous expansion of its existing diversified business portfolio in manufacturing, distribution and retail.

About Motor Image
Motor Image is the authorised distributor of Subaru automobiles in Singapore. Established in 1986 and headquartered in Singapore, the company has since opened offices in Cambodia, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Southern China, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam. The Motor Image Group is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Hong Kong-listed Tan Chong International Limited (TCIL), which has a partnership with Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. for the local assembly of Subaru vehicles in Malaysia. Signed in July 2011, the agreement leverages on Tan Chong’s existing assembly facilities for production of Subaru cars for marketing and distribution in Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia. This new development is part of Motor Image Group’s growth strategy which identifies ASEAN as the key engine of the Group’s future growth. Other businesses that TCIL engage in across Asia include automotive, commercial, manufacturing, trading and property investment businesses across Asia. www.motorimage.net/MIG/home/

About Subaru
Based in Japan, Subaru is the automotive division of Fuji Heavy Industries (FHI), a comprehensive, multifaceted transport equipment manufacturer that develops a wide range of innovative products such as automobiles, aerospace, bus-manufacturing, house-prefabricating, industrial products and ecology systems.

Founded in 1955, Subaru has since grown to become one of the world’s leading carmakers. In 1972, Subaru became the first in the world to market an All-Wheel Drive (AWD) passenger car and pioneered the market in Japan for high-performance station wagons by combining a turbo-charged engine with an AWD system. Subaru has improved and refined its AWD system, to create a symmetrical AWD system that enables optimal driving pleasure and safety.


Subaru is well-known by motoring organizations worldwide for its engineering, design, functionality, safety and reliability. The Subaru range of vehicles includes the BRZ, Forester, Impreza, Legacy, Levorg, Outback, WRX, WRX STI and XV. Collectively, they have been known to be “driver's cars” offering superb handling because of the core technologies, such as the Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and Subaru Boxer, built into every model. www.subaru-global.com

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