Subaru reveals 2018 plans

Motor Image Pilipinas (MIP) outlined its 2018 plans which includes the introduction of new vehicles and safety technology. After a banner 2017 with more than 3,200 vehicles sold (including a 200-percent sales increase for the Subaru XV), the exclusive distributor of Subaru vehicles in the country has announced the Philippine arrival of Subaru EyeSight driver assistive technology along with the refreshed Legacy and Outback, all-new Forester, and Levorg 2.0L DIT sports wagon.

Chronologically, the first to arrive is Subaru EyeSight. The newest and latest driver assistive technology from Subaru, EyeSight uses stereoscopic cameras to continuously scan the road ahead for unanticipated dangers. It integrates technologies such as adaptive cruise control, lane assist and sway warning, pre-collision braking, and pre-collision throttle management. When equipped with this system, Subaru vehicles earn the highest possible safety rating from global organizations including the most stringent one: the US-based Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

The Subaru EyeSight system will roll out first with the refreshed 2018 Legacy and Outback followed by the Subaru XV and then onto the all-new Forester.

On the subject of new vehicle offerings, MIP will roll out its revamped Legacy and Outback by the first quarter of 2018. With a regional launch set in Singapore this January, the company is looking at a tentative launch date at the Manila International Auto Show (MIAS) in April.

Apart from Subaru EyeSight, the 2018 Legacy and Outback boasts of significant upgrades in comfort, safety, and multimedia capability. Both of these executive models receive enhanced aesthetics and more luxurious interior trim. Their drivability has been upgraded thanks to a retuned suspension, brakes, and electric power steering. It also has better comfort thanks to thicker sound insulation and the use of a short-pitch chain for the Lineartronic CVT.

A Subaru XV (likely the range-topping 2.0i-S), enhanced with the Subaru EyeSight system will complete Motor Image Pilipinas’s offering at MIAS.

Towards the latter part of 2018, MIP will hold the regional launch of the much-anticipated all-new 2019 Subaru Forester.

Though not much is known about this all-new compact crossover, it’s been confirmed that it’ll make a migration to the Subaru Global Platform (SGP) which should see improved NVH isolation, better handling, and enhanced comfort. It’s also expected to be roomier and safer than the current model.

In terms of powertrain options, it’s a safe assumption that it’ll share the normally aspirated direct-injected 2.0-liter 4-cylinder FB20 found in the Subaru XV and Impreza. All in all, it should be good for 156hp and 196Nm of torque. Probably the biggest shocker is Subaru’s decision to drop the 2.0 turbocharged FA20DIT engine for the 2019 Forester. Whether that will be replaced by the 175hp 2.5-liter normally-aspirated FB25 remains to be seen.

While the Forester XT will surely be missed for being a quick grocery getter, MIP is looking to fill in that gap with the Levorg 2.0 DIT sports wagon. Expected to arrive at the same time as the all-new Forester (second half of 2018), the Levorg will finally transform into the WRX wagon everyone’s been wishing for.

Being the spiritual successor to the Legacy 2.5 GT Wagon, the Levorg 2.0 DIT shares its engine with the WRX. It develops 265hp and 350Nm of torque which will rocket this wagon to 100 km/h in just 6.6 seconds. Along with the new engine, the refreshed Levorg sees a massaged exterior, a more premium interior, and improved cargo flexibility. Subaru has also tweaked the steering and chassis for better comfort, steering stability, and feel. Like the Legacy and Outback, new noise countermeasures have been applied to various parts of the body.