The refreshed Subaru Forester now officially on sale in Malaysia

The Forester 2.0i will set you back RM144,948 while the 2.0i-P will retail at RM154,488 respectively. If you’re looking for more power, then upgrade yourself to the turbo variant, but the XT will be fully imported hence priced at RM211,729. But for now, in conjunction with the launch of the SUV, Subaru is offering special prices for the two CKD variants, the 2.0i-P will go at RM139,800 and the 2.0i-P at RM151,800. Prices stated are on the road inclusive of GST sans insurance.

Although not much has changed in terms of looks, Subaru has done some tinkering under the metal to make things more comfortable. The suspension in particular has been enhanced with a stiffer cross member, enhanced coil and damper, to give drivers a more comfortable ride and agile and number handling across all terrains. Powering the Forester 2.0i and 2.0i-P variants is a 2.0-litre four-cylinder 16 Valve, FB20 Horizontally Opposed Boxer Engine which produces 148bhp at 6200rpm. Subaru is also proud to say that the engine has better fuel efficiency of 7.9l/100km combined thanks to the long stroke engine coupled with a lightweight engine block.

Technology upgrades include a TFT LCD colour display, a power rear gate, an eight-way power adjustable driver seat with memory function. You get smart entry and push start, SI Drive and a Personal Identification Number code access.

Yes, Subaru has designed an innovative way to help combat the problem of losing your key fob. In the event of a lost key fob, owners can enter a PIN-code access to enter their cars. Adventurers can also choose to leave their key fobs in their cars just in case they might lose their key and access the car with the PIN-Code. Features like a sunroof and premium audio system with Harman Kardon speakers along with the more stylish 18-inch rims are only available on the CBU Forester 2.0XT variant. Steering Responsive Headlights are fitted on both the 2.0i-P and 2.0XT variants, the headlight beam will move in the direction according to the steering wheel to maximise driver visibility and safety.

The Forester has the X-Mode, which will control safety features such as Hill Descent Control (HDC), Enhanced All-Wheel Drive System and Enhanced Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC), to help ensure optimised control of the vehicle.

Other than that, the Forester also comes with seven airbags, ABS with EBD and Brake Assist, engine immobiliser, brake override, safety pedal system, ISOFIX child seat anchors. But the biggest safety feature in the Forester is the Ring-shaped reinforcement frame that can withstand the entire vehicle’s weight if ever the adventures will lead to the SUV turning turtle. Pick from an option of five colours, Pure White, Silver Metallic, Dark Grey Metallic, Sepia Bronze Metallic and Obsidian Black Metallic. Be sure to pick up a copy of our May issue to read all about our adventures with the Forester in Bangkok!