Subaru Forester GT Edition now in PH

MANILA: A sportier-looking iteration now takes its place as the top variant in the fifth-generation Subaru Forester roster. Motor Image Pilipinas, Inc. exclusive distributor of Subaru vehicles in the country, has just launched the Subaru Forester GT Edition – a specially designed variant developed in collaboration with engineering company Giken Co. Ltd and Masahiko “Jack” Kobayashi.

A former chief designer heading the Global Advanced Design Studio at Subaru Corporation, Kobayashi was “responsible for the exterior design of more than 12 Subaru production models, including… the WRX STI,” according to Subaru in a release. Meanwhile, Giken is an “award-winning engineering company founded in 1964 (which holds) numerous patents in Japan, South Korea, and the United States.”

The Forester GT Edition gets a host of design changes and modifications such as a front bumper lip extension, side skirts, roof spoiler, and rear bumper lip extension. It also receives new 18-inch bespoke alloy wheels, and a unique seat-leather design.

It has an eight-inch display audio system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, and a Superview Around Recognition 360-degree monitor system. This Forester banners four “hallmark” Subaru Core Technologies: Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, Boxer Engine, Subaru Global Platform, and EyeSight Driver Assist Technologhy. All told, it has more than 100 safety features.

In a speech, Glenn Tan, deputy chairman and managing director of Tan Chong International Ltd which owns the Motor Image Group of Companies, said, “The car is now more stylish and sleek. It’s specially made for customers here who want to stand out in a crowd and defy convention. This is an example of how we’re constantly offering more choices for Filipino customers.”

The Forester GT Edition is powered by a 2.0-liter direct fuel injection, horizontally opposed, four-cylinder engine developing 156ps and 196Nm. It is available to order beginning March 12 at all Subaru showrooms nationwide, and comes in Crystal Black Pearl, Crystal White Pearl, Dark Gray Metallic, Ice Silver Metallic, Crimson Red Pearl, and Sepia Bronze Metallic. The vehicle is priced at P2.12 million.

Also Read: All-new Subaru WRX STI may pack in as many as 400 horses