Motor Image Pilipinas is delivering on a promise that sees the all-new 2019 Forester drop into showrooms starting today. Over its long preview period since August of last year, a lot of ground has already been covered so we’re providing you with all the links here:
- 9 Things About the Subaru Forester You Can’t Find in A Brochure
- First Drive: 2019 Subaru Forester 2.0i-S EyeSight
- Watch the 6 Things You Need to Know About the 2019 Subaru Forester
Okay, let’s get started.
The Mechanicals
- It’s been well-documented in the past that for the 2019 “SK” series, the turbocharger is nowhere to be found. Motor Image Pilipinas may be offering three variants of the Forester, but all of them share the same 2.0-liter direct-injected normally-aspirated Boxer-4 motor. The engine, codenamed FB20, makes 156 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 196 Nm of torque at 4,000 rpm.
- All models get the SI-Drive which offers two switchable driving modes for a more economical or sporty driving.
- The Forester now migrates to the new Subaru Global Platform. It’s got independent suspension all around with front MacPherson Struts and rear Double Wishbones. Subaru’s trademark Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive is standard.
- All models feature ventilated disc brakes at all four corners as well as a Lineartronic CVT with paddle shifters.
- Active Grille Shutters are standard.
The Looks
- Front and rear fog lights are standard equipment, but only the 2.0i-S gets standard front LED fog lights.
- The three variants: the 2.0i-L, 2.0i-L with EyeSight (ES), and 2.0i-S with EyeSight (ES) are immediately distinguishable by their daytime running lights. The 2.0i-L gets halogen DRLs, while the both 2.0i-L ES and 2.0i-S ES get LED DRLs. Further differentiating the 2.0i-S ES model is the standard 18-inch alloy wheels (225/55R18) compared to the others which run 225/60R17s.
- Power-folding side mirrors with LED turn signal indicators are standard, but only the 2.0i-S ES offers a large power sliding glass sunroof.
The Safety
- As with all Subaru models, the Forester has a full compliment of safety features such as 7 airbags, ABS with EBD, and electronic stability control. However, the 20i-L does not have the Subaru EyeSight driver assist system.
Going through the spec sheets, the 2019 Forester is one loaded SUV for its price. For the base 2.0i-L, you get the following features:
- 60/40 Split-Folding Rear Seats
- Audio System with 8-inch Display and Navigation (No Apple CarPlay or Android Auto)
- Automatic Headlights
- Bluetooth Hands-Free
- Dual Zone Climate Control
- Electronic Parking Brake with Automatic Vehicle Hold
- High Grade Multi-Function Display
- Multi-Function Steering Wheel with Cruise Control
- One Touch Turn Signal
- PIN Code Keyless Door Access
- Rain-Sensing Wipers
- Rear Seat Armrest with Cup Holders
- Rear Vents
- Reverse Camera
- Smart Entry with Push-Button Start/Stop
- Tilt/Telescopic Steering Wheel
- USB and Auxiliary Input Jack
Moving up, the 2.0i-L with EyeSight gets even more goodies:
- EyeSight Driver Assist Technology
- Heated Door Mirrors
- Leather Seats
- Power Driver’s Seat with Memory
- Power Passenger’s Seat
- Power Tailgate with Memory Function
- Steering Responsive Headlights
- Aluminum Pedals
- Power-Sliding Large Glass Sunroof
- Special X-MODE
The Price
Okay, this is the part that every SUV’s been waiting for. How much does the 2019 Forester cost? Well, you’ll be surprised that despite the increase in standard features, Subaru has opted to keep the price reasonably stable. The 2.0i-L is P 1,598,000 (a P 50,000 increase over the previous 2.0i-L), while the 2.0i-L EyeSight is P 1,698,000 and the 2.0i-S EyeSight is P 1,798,000 (a P 30,000 increase over the previous 2.0i-Premium).
Comparing this to other compact crossovers, the 2019 Forester is now more affordable than the Honda CR-V, Mazda CX-5, Nissan X-TRAIL, and Toyota RAV4.
It should be cheaper.
ReplyDeleteThe 2.0 engine is a carry over.
Not the newer 2.5li from other market.
Actually, no.
DeleteThe specs may seem the same, but the FB20 in the 2019 Forester is the new engine with direct injection. Previously, the FB20 engine used EFI.
Where is the e-Boxer and the Sport variant? And what happened to a standard Apple CarPlay?
ReplyDeleteThe 2.0i-S is the the Sport variant. We do not get the X-BREAK (Japan) or Sport variant like the US does.
DeleteWe presume that Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are accessible via hidden menus, but since it's not in the brochure / spec sheet, we played safe and did not include them.
We have confirmed with Subaru Philippines. The Subaru Forester DOES NOT have Apple CarPlay or Android Auto with this Panasonic head unit. It does have GPS navigation though.
Deleteseems backward. do you think they’ll upgrade it later on as other markets have it, right?
DeleteMaybe. Let's see. I'm trying to persuade them to at least offer the option.
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ReplyDeleteThey not only discontinued the turbo but the 2.5 liter F4 is not even available as an option.
ReplyDeleteSame engine as the smaller and lighter XV.
2.0i-L with ES price really good.
ReplyDeleteI think the sales of XV TOTL will decline.
Yes, I think so as well. The XV in general will have a hard time price-wise compared to Forester.
DeleteHi Is the X mode only on the 2.0i-S EyeSight?
DeleteHi Is the X mode only on the 2.0i-S EyeSight?
DeleteAll models have X-MODE but the 2.0i-S EyeSight has a special version of X-MODE with additional modes.
DeleteThe pricing of this Subaru is a gift. We look forward to Subaru Philippines for lower CASA services
ReplyDeleteWill the Forester Sport with the orange trims be available here in the Philippines?
ReplyDeleteNope. So far that's just for the US and Japan markets.
DeleteWell that sucks.😩 Thanks. But do you think that if the new Forester sells pretty well, would there be a possibility of releasing the Sport and XBreak variants here in the Philippines?
DeleteI have a 2013 Subaru Forester very bad car. Casa maintained but head technician told us they give up and don't know what's wrong with the car. Never buy subaru
ReplyDeleteBut I will buy the 2019 anyway.
DeleteDetails please. Is it the engine, transmission, electrical? What is the OBD code?
DeleteUly are we really getting the side view monitor? the eyesight cars at launch didn't have the side view monitor button to the right of the shifter.
ReplyDeleteSubaru Philippines revised the specs. No do not get the Side View Monitor for the initial batch of Foresters. We may see an interim change later on (it usually happens after a year or so).
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ReplyDeleteThink twice before buying a Subaru! They are not inspecting the cars before rolling out the plant. When a part breaks they tell you the part is consumable and not covered by warranty. We bought a 2017 Forester, a little over 1 year after the control arm bushing of of both sides of the car goes bad. Now they are charging me P10k to replace it because they say it's not covered by warranty. By comparison, our 2009 Montero Sport's control arm bushings has not been replaced up to now. So, think twice about Subaru-it is a poor quality brand with bad after sales warranty.
ReplyDeleteHey Uly. Can you please do comparison of cars with active safety? Eyesight is really great. Others?
ReplyDeletethe "Driver Monitoring System which uses facial recognition technology to detect a sleepy and/or inattentive driver" included in Forester 2.0i-S eyesight variant?
ReplyDeleteNope. Subaru says only selected markets have the facial recognition tech. They will roll it out to more markets in the future.
DeleteUly, can you comment on the reported massive 2.26 million units global recall of various Subaru models including the Forester? Will the new models be affected also? I'm having second thoughts of buying the new Forester.
ReplyDeleteI don't need to comment on it, because I wrote about it:
Deletehttps://www.carguide.ph/2019/03/subaru-hit-with-massive-226-million.html
And no, the all-new 2019 Forester IS NOT included.
Hello, Uly. Planning to buy the base model. Just to confirm: NO leather seats for the 2.0i-L?
ReplyDeleteNo leather seats for the 2.0i-L, but you have leather seats on the 2.0i-L EyeSight.
DeleteOK, many thanks. Discussing it with wifey... ;)
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ReplyDeleteHi, Uly. Last q before going to the dealer... ;)
ReplyDeleteDoes the top model have auto-dim rearview mirror?
Hi how about performance and fuel consumption compared to Crv 2.0 S Cvt? Thanks..
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ReplyDeleteim looking to buy the mid model, any discount for PO/cash buyers as of may 20 2019?
ReplyDeleteSa mga nag-hahanap ng turbo, ganito basa ko.
ReplyDeleteItong "new global platform" ang dahilan kung bakit wala pa. Hintayin natin yun WRX na "new global platform" -- pag nagawa na nila yun engine nun, saka yan ilalagay sa XV/Forester na global platform.
Mahihirapan kasi sila ibenta yun new WRX if unahin nila yan mga SUV.
WRX 2020, tapos facelift XV turbo 2021, facelift FXT 2022 -- 2.4L @260HP+