New FORESTER with Subaru’s latest Eyesight 4.0 Advance Driver Assist Technology

The Extraordinary SUV gets wider-angle cameras

Petaling Jaya, 3 May 2023: TC Subaru Sdn Bhd, the exclusive distributor of Subaru vehicles in Malaysia, is proud to introduce four new 2023 Subaru Forester models, namely the 2.0 i-L EyeSight, 2.0 i-L EyeSight GT Lite, 2.0 i-S EyeSight, and 2.0 i-S EyeSight GT Edition.

These models come equipped with Subaru’s innovative, award-winning new preventive safety system EyeSight 4.0. EyeSight 4.0 is more intuitive than ever by being an extra pair of eyes that assists Malaysian drivers.

Renowned for its safety features and driving dynamics, this state-of-the-art fifth-generation Forester comes equipped with innovative new stereo cameras that see almost double that of the previous version, so drivers of this new Forester range will feel even safer and enjoy their drives in greater comfort.

“The Forester i-L EyeSight offers a practical, safe and comfortable driving experience for young couples with children and families seeking a spacious, versatile and valued-packed SUV. Its comfortable interior and generous cargo space make it easy to accommodate growing families and their gear on their day-to-day activities or weekend road trips. And for those that desire a sportier and stylish outlook while enjoying the functionality and practicality of a family SUV, the i-L EyeSight GT lite is perfect for families and individuals alike.

As for the i-S EyeSight model, it’s the ideal SUV for those who appreciate performance and have a sense of adventure. With our top-performing model, i-S EyeSight owners can expect not just a safe and dependable drive, but also an incredibly enjoyable one.” Mr Tan added.

“Finally, our Forester GT Edition is a visually stunning vehicle that not only enhances the sporty and dynamic look of the new Forester with the GT kit, but also improves aerodynamic performance, resulting in an exhilarating driving experience. The Forester GT strikes a perfect balance between aesthetics and functionality, featuring bespoke 18-inch GT wheels and diamond-quilted leather seats that add to its visual appeal. We are confident that these new Forester models will meet the needs of consumers in Malaysia who are looking for an unparalleled driving experience.”

The new 2023 Foresters are available for public viewing at Sunway Pyramid, LG2 Orange Concourse (in front of Harvey Norman), alongside the new WRX Wagon, BRZ, and XV, from 3 to 7 May 2023.

While retaining Subaru’s core technologies and over 100 safety features, this new Forester is further improved with the latest iteration of EyeSight 4.0 Advanced Driver Assist Technology. The updated advanced safety system promises safer and more comfortable driving enjoyment. With safety as our priority, owners and fans of the new Forester can see larger with EyeSight 4.0 and live larger on greater balik kampung adventures!

EyeSight 4.0 Advanced Driver Assist Technology

EyeSight 4.0 aims to deliver more safety benefits by offering new functions to provide a safer and more comfortable driving experience. This driving support system is intelligently and unobtrusively placed near the rear-view mirror, providing excellent safety and added peace of mind to everyday drives.

EyeSight 4.0 now includes nine functions, of which three are new:

• Autonomous Emergency Steering* helps steer the Forester away from a vehicle or obstacle in front to avoid an accident (up to 80km/h).
• The Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) system now has a Lane Centering Function. This helps to steer the Forester to keep it in the middle of the lane, whether the road is straight or slightly curved. ACC has the added benefit of helping drivers in traffic jams, by keeping them at a safe distance from the car in front, helping to slow down or speed up automatically in these situations. 
• EyeSight 4.0’s Lane Departure Warning includes Lane Departure Prevention, which nudges the steering wheel slightly towards the inside of Forester’s lane when it detects that the driver is about to cross the line/lane markings while travelling at 60km/h or more.
  

Pre-Collision Braking has also been improved. EyeSight 4.0’s Pre-Collision Braking now covers even more traffic scenarios at intersections, thanks to its improved stereo cameras with coverage that has almost doubled laterally (from left to right) and vertically.

It can now help the driver look left and right to detect obstacles and help prevent potential collisions in its lane and in neighbouring lanes. These include vehicles ahead, oncoming vehicles and pedestrians crossing the road at left- or right-turn junctions.

Subaru Rear Vehicle Detection (SRVD)*

Radar sensors check for traffic approaching from behind the vehicle to warn the driver during lane changes and while reversing or backing up from a parking lot.

High Beam Assist (HBA)*

This feature improves visibility, especially at night or in dark areas, minimising the risk of potential collisions. Relying on the dual stereo cameras, HBA switches between high and low beams automatically without the driver needing to adjust headlights constantly or worry about blinding other road users.

When engaged, the high beams automatically adjust to low beams when the cameras detect sufficient lighting (e.g., streetlamps), preceding vehicles, or oncoming ones in an adjacent lane. It is helpful for drivers travelling in small-town or kampung areas at night. This innovative, hassle-free feature enables drivers to see better and enhances road safety.

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^* Only in Forester 2.0 i-S EyeSight and GT Edition.

Subaru EyeSight Advanced Driver Assist Technology is a driving support system that uses a range of functions to assist the driver in making decisions in order to provide more safe and comfortable driving and to reduce driver fatigue. Making use of images created by the stereo cameras specially designed by Subaru, EyeSight detects the vehicle in front, obstacles, traffic lanes and other items. Detection by the EyeSight system is limited to objects that are within the range of the stereo cameras’ field.

Improved X-MODE: Intuitive Safety, Manoeuvrability, and Convenience
Helping drivers tackle the rough and challenging roads with the touch of a button, the improved X-MODE complements Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system to allow owners of the new Forester to drive more confidently, especially on uneven surfaces or challenging inclines. In addition, drivers can select between ‘Snow/Dirt’ and ‘Deep Snow/Mud’ (in Forester 2.0 i-S) to suit the driving situation.

The new X-MODE Auto Restore (in Forester 2.0 i-L and 2.0 i-S) switches to ‘standby’ when the speed exceeds 40km/h and subsequently comes back on when the speed drops below 35km/h. Previously, X-MODE would deactivate at 40km/h and must be reactivated manually. This improvement keeps the driver’s eyes on the road.

X-MODE’s Hill Descent Control empowers drivers, helping them maintain a controlled and constant speed even on slippery downhills of the Malaysia’s highlands and hills. This provides greater peace of mind and allows drivers to concentrate on steering.

It now operates more smoothly when the driver decides to accelerate during a gradual descent with X-MODE activated. There is no longer a delay between the driver’s accelerator input and Hill Descent Control’s auto modulation of the brakes in X-MODE when driving slowly down a slope (at 20km/h or less).

In an urban setting, driving down the narrow, winding carpark ramps of office buildings or shopping malls, especially if the surface is slippery, will no longer be a tedious chore in this new Forester.

What’s New – Inside and Out

Two new GT Lite and GT Edition body kits have been introduced alongside the i-L EyeSight and i-S EyeSight models, which add a sportier and more dynamic look to the new Forester 2023.

In addition, they provide better aerodynamic performance derived from the front and rear lip extensions, side skirts, and a roof spoiler. These two new bodykits were created in close collaboration with renowned engineering company Giken Co. Ltd and Mr. Masahiko “Jack” Kobayashi. Mr. Kobayashi was part of Subaru’s original team that created the iconic exterior designs for over 12 production models, including the legendary WRX STI. He has also personally handled the development of the new GT Edition designs for Motor Image Group.

The all-new, striking bespoke 18-inch alloy wheels that come with the i-S EyeSight GT Edition complete the exterior enhancements, while the i-L EyeSight and GT Lite Forester with 17-inch alloy wheels fuel the inspiration for more incredible adventures. The suspension has also been re-tuned to make the ride smoother with better handling.

Inside the cabin, the Forester i-S EyeSight with the new GT accessory kit features two-tone diamond-quilted designer leather seats inspired by European grand tourers. The front seats also come embossed with the GT logo on the sides, adding an extra touch of exclusivity.

The new Forester comes in three new exterior colours and not to miss out, the perennial favourites as well. 

Interior improvements include: 

• LED main cabin light: Providing brighter illumination while consuming less power.

• Rear upper cargo hooks in the boot: Adding practicality and convenience, in addition to four rear lower cargo hooks (perfect for families on adventures!)
  
• The rear seats can be folded down for a flat cargo floor, allowing luggage storage for balik kampung road trips, megamall shopping sprees, full-sized baby strollers, car seats, folding bicycles, golf bags, and camping equipment – to suit every lifestyle!
  

Outstanding Driveability and Technology

Imbued with the four hallmark Subaru Core Technologies, this new Forester has made numerous improvements over its predecessor, contributing towards optimised handling, maximum comfort, and enhanced safety.

The four Subaru Core Technologies are:

• Subaru Global Platform (SGP): It was engineered with three main objectives: increasing straight-line stability, reducing noise and vibration, and boosting ride comfort. The rigid framework changes how our Subaru cars drive, handle, and feel under all road conditions. The SGP is the underlying platform underpinning the next generation of Subaru vehicles. Enhancing overall safety and performance, it goes beyond better performance to offer a driving feel you can only find in a Subaru. It is the future of Subaru and delivers even more enjoyment and peace of mind to all drivers and passengers. 

• Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (SAWD): Distributes power to all four wheels for maximum control. SAWD provides double traction and doubles safety as it continually monitors all wheels and adapts to provide maximum road grip and outstanding control on every turn.
  
• Boxer Engine: The Boxer engine is at the core of Subaru’s performance. The Boxer engine derives its name from the horizontal movement of its pistons, which resembles the quick, jab-like motions of a boxer’s fists. The engine’s flat design delivers more stability and balance, providing passengers with driving enjoyment and peace of mind. In addition, the Lineartronic continuously variable transmission (CVT) with seven-speed override automatically optimises power delivery, acceleration, and fuel efficiency.
  
• EyeSight Advanced Driver Assist Technology: Your intelligent co-driver lets drivers see more of their surroundings by scanning for potential dangers ahead. With its new and advanced functions, EyeSight gives drivers even more peace of mind on the road.

The Subaru core technologies follow our philosophy of placing the occupants and driver of the car first. It is why Subarus are uniquely designed and engineered to deliver excellent safety, comfort, and peace of mind drives. At Subaru, safety comes first, and that is why Subaru has been fine-tuning, testing, and retesting its advanced safety features for over 50 years.

With all these technologies and systems in place, the Forester is truly an Extraordinary SUV that allows its driver and passengers to live larger!

The new 2023 Subaru Foresters are priced as follows:

*The prices shown above are Peninsular Malaysia MSRP. All four models come with 5 years or 100,000 km warranty (whichever comes first