2019 Subaru Forester teased ahead of launch

KUALA LUMPUR: An official teaser of the soon to arrive 2019 Forester SUV has been dropped by the TC Subaru. This hints at only one thing, i.e., the soon arrival of the new Subaru C-segment SUV in the Malaysian auto market. The car would be fitted with the brand’s EyeSight Driver Assist Technology along with other advanced features. Unlike the current Forester, the 2019 model will be a completely built unit imported from Thailand.

As per the leaked brochure image, the new Forester should be made available in three trim options - 2.0i-L, 2.0i-S, and 2.0i-S ES. All the 2019 Forester variants will be powered by the same FB20 2.0-litre, four-cylinder, naturally-aspirated direct injection petrol engine. The said mill poops out 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 down to all-four wheels via a Lineartronic CVT unit.

Once launched, the new Forester would be the second Subaru car to feature the EyeSight technology - a suite of driver assistance systems. However, it is limited to the top-level 2.0i-S ES trim. Part of this system is Adaptive Cruise Control, Pre-Collision Braking and Throttle Management, Lead Vehicle Start Alert, and Departure Warning.

The range-topping trim also gets additional features like a Blind-Spot Detection system, Lane Change Assist, Side View Monitor, Lane Change Assist, and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert.

The 2019 Forester sits on the new Subaru Global Platform that stretches the wheelbase by 30 mm, i.e., 2670 mm, this calls for a roomier cabin. With the rear seats down, the boot space stands at 2,155-litre, and the width of the tailgate opening is 135 mm.

Standard equipment list of 2019 Forester -

• LED headlamps
• Power-folding side mirrors with LED turn indicators
• 8-inch touchscreen display with GPS navigation
• Dual-zone climate control
• Powered driver’s seat, electronic parking brake
• Rear-view camera
• Keyless entry with push-start button

Standard safety kit -

• Vehicle Dynamics Control System (VDC)
• Active Torque Vectoring
• ABS with EBD & BA
• Auto vehicle hold
• Reverse sensors
• Emergency stop signal
• Isofix child seat anchors
• 7 airbags (front, side, curtain and driver’s knee)

The range-topping trims get steering responsive headlights, 18-inch wheels, aluminium foot pedals, powered tailgate, special X-Mode, and side-view monitor.

Also Read:- 2019 Subaru Forester - First impression