FastMotoring Motor News In Speed

With new business direction and company mission, Motor Image Malaysia has revised the price of the new 2012 Subaru Forester to be more affordable in Malaysia with a re-introductory price since July 2012. The Subaru Forester will be competing in SUV segment like the Honda CR-V, Nissan X-Trail, Mazda CX-5 and Mitsubishi ASX.

As we can see, Motor Image Malaysia is now gearing up their presence and preparing to grow their market shares in Malaysia. Besides that, the commitment of Motor Image is clearly noticeable with the upcoming locally-assembled Subaru XV. The new Subaru’s compact SUV will be assembled by Tan Chong Motor Assemblies Sdn Bhd (TCMA) in Segambut, Kuala Lumpur.

Don’t be mistaken as both the Subaru Forester is fully imported from Japan. With the massive price adjustment, it does magnetize us to visit the Subaru’s headquarter @ Jalan 51A/223 in Petaling Jaya to check out the cars and we drove the magnificent turbocharged Forester 2.5XT SUV.

The standard entry model of Subaru Forester 2.0X AWD is now selling at RM 154,339.20 on-the-road with insurance. While the more powerful variant, the turbocharged Subaru Forester 2.5 XT AWD is now priced at RM 185,514.90 on-the-road with insurance. The Subaru Forester 2.5XT AWD was previously selling from RM 220,000 in Malaysia before the price is revised.

Comparing the Forester 2.0X and 2.5XT, both variants come with all-wheel drive (AWD) drive train and 4-speed SPORTSHIFT automatic transmission. The 2.0X is powered by the new Subaru’s FB series 2.0-litre natural aspirated 4 cylinder boxer engine with Active Valve Control System (AVCS) that producing 150PS @ 6,000rpm and a maximum torque of 198Nm @ 4,200rpm. The upper range 2.5XT, the SUV is powered by 2.5-litre turbocharged 4 cylinder boxer engine that outputs 230PS @ 5,200rpm and a max torque of 320Nm @ 2,800rpm. The nature of both engines are fully compatible with RON95 Unleaded Fuel. Unlike other fully imported SUVs, which claimed to be RON95 compatible but RON97 is recommended.

Acceleration from 0-100km/h*

Subaru Forester 2.0X Auto – 12.4 seconds

Subaru Forester 2.5XT Auto– 7.9 seconds

* Based on manufacturer’s specification

The Subaru Forester 2.0X comes standard with ABS + EBD, Vehicle Dynamics Control System (VDC), all disc brakes, dual SRS airbags, 16-inch aluminium alloy wheels with 215/65 R16 tyres, electric pinion assist type power steering system, roof rails, retractable cargo cover, auto climate system with filter, front fog lamps, cruise control, 3x 12V power outlets, 2 Din single disc audio system with bluetooth hands-free system, steering mounted audio switches, USB and aux input jack.

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This is definitely good news for Subaru car lovers. Based on the latest progress, Tan Chong Group has confirmed to assemble Subaru vehicles in Malaysia under a MoU with Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd and the production will start in October 2012.

Today, Fuji Heavy Industries said that the MoU was for a consignment production contract with TC Subaru Sdn. Bhd which currently distributor of Subaru vehicles in Malaysia. Production will begin in October 2012 at an existing production facility of Tan Chong Motor Assemblies Sdn Bhd (TCMA) with a production capacity of 5,000 units a year, it said.

Lastly, Subaru official added that the Subaru compact SUVs will be locally-produced and marketed in Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia through the Subaru sales and distribution network of Tan Chong Group.

At present, we are unable to confirm which model of compact SUVs will be assembling in Malaysia. We will be contacting our counterpart in Subaru for more information about this subject. It won’t be surprised it could be some other model that specially designed for Asean market instead of Subaru Forester.