The pandemic and the resulting economic slowdown forced Motor Image Pilipinas, the exclusive distributor of Subaru vehicles in the country to scuttle their plans this year. As a result, they’ve had to delay several of their much-awaited vehicle launches, opting instead to launch them in 2021.
Be that as it may, Tan Chong International Deputy Chairman and Managing Director Glenn Tan is optimistic about his brand’s performance come next year. While dealer sales quota has been relaxed for 2021, they are still targeting to sell more than 1,500 units.
More importantly, they will be making up lost time with six additions expected to join the Subaru family in the next 18 months. These include the refreshed Subaru XV, Evoltis (North American Ascent), Outback, WRX, Levorg, and the all-new BRZ.
First up is the refreshed Subaru XV. For 2021, Motor Image Pilipinas will offer its compact crossover solely with its trademark EyeSight driver assist technology. As seen in the North American and Japanese markets, it will gain a tougher sense of style along with a retuned suspension and a dual-function X-Mode and SI-Drive.
Meanwhile, the Evoltis is Subaru’s 7-seater mid-sized SUV. Called the Ascent in North America, the Evoltis uses the Subaru Global Platform to suppress unwanted noise and vibration. For the Philippine market, it will have second row captain’s seats. Active Torque Vectoring as well as its symmetrical powertrain layout make it dynamically stable even at high speeds. Powering it is a 2.4-liter turbocharged Boxer engine making 260 horsepower and 377 Nm of torque. EyeSight is also standard. It will be priced below P 4 million despite being imported from North America.
For fans of the Outback, they’ll be happy to know that it’ll be returning by the second quarter of 2021. For the Philippines, Subaru is bringing in the normally-aspirated 2.5-liter FB25 making 182 horsepower and 238 Nm of torque. Complementing the new powertrain is a shift to the Subaru Global Platform that increases torsional rigidity by 70 percent and lateral and rear subframe rigidity by 100 percent. Features include Nappa leather interior as well as EyeSight driver assist technology.
Performance enthusiasts will like to know that the Levorg and WRX will also launch next year. The 2020-2021 Japan Car of the Year, the Levorg will come first likely powered by the new 1.8-liter turbocharged Boxer engine. It will then be joined after by the all-new Subaru WRX by early 2022.
Finally, the second-generation Subaru BRZ is coming to the Philippines by the fourth quarter of 2021. Retaining the platform from the first-generation model, it now gains elements learned from the Subaru Global Platform giving it 50 percent increased torsional stiffness. Extensive use of aluminum also helps keep the weight down. Eschewing turbo power once more, the BRZ uses a 2.4-liter Boxer engine making 228 horsepower and 250 Nm of torque. A 6-speed manual is standard, but there will also be a 6-speed automatic with paddle shifters. A limited slip rear differential is standard for all variants, while the automatic will get EyeSight.
Exciting times for Subaru.
What about the Forester Hybrid? Also any idea when will the Philippines receive more pure EVs? I wish there would be more battery EVs available soon...
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