Subaru Forester 2019

[sparc179]

I was able to test-drive the 2.0iS last Sunday. I was so blown away by the interior and electronics that I feel like i need an hour to drive the thing. And i was already thinking of which color to get. Haha.

Ride was better than my current diesel Sportage (FWD only) in terms of comfort and road noise (aside from the diesel noise)... more comfortable in a well-paved road (BGC)... felt more grippy in a long, sweeping road (could be my imagination)

I was able to gun it up to about near 5,000 rpm only and compared to the diesel Sportage, it was of course no contest but significantly better than a friend's Gen2 CR-V 2.0. Sorry... no other basis for comparison.

For the looks, it seems to be reverting back into its wagon-like appearance like the earlier models.

Next test-drive would be the CR-V S Diesel and Gas...

Nice. Thanks for sharing your experience, I'm also waiting for my scheduled test drive for a new Fozzie.

'Was also considering the upcoming 2019 Sporty so I have to ask, what year model Sportage do you have right now? I can understand the Turbo-Diesel being more powerful on the open road, but how about take-offs and overtaking? Does it even compare?

I don't mind the exterior so much, the safety tech underneath and performance is what really piques my interest this time.

Lastly, did your SA mention any discounts? Subaru often offers discounts for new buyers.

TIA.

[yamahead]

Hi, sparc179.

- my Sportage is 2013, FWD Diesel A/T

- take offs, Sportage wins by a mile. (understandable considering the engines both have). Power/torque come in really early. Yung Sportage lumulundag kung baga.

- overtaking, I can't say since i had no opportunity to overtake last Sunday) But with the Sportage, overtaking has always been easy... very very responsive to throttle inputs).

- does it compare (to the Sportage)? In terms of straight line acceleration, based on my short test-drive, no. But I'm still in love with it).

But I have to tell that in my case, speed is not the priority anymore. Anyways, the new car I'm going to get (in about 3months) would replace a different car naman (a 2013 Jazz 1.5) . What interests me with the new (even the outgoing) Forester is the AWD feature, the interior, the electronic doodads, and exterior. And it's fairly cheap to buy.

What concerns me though is the maintenance and parts availability... because I've heard a few bad stories already about waiting for parts to arrive. Hope someone can shed light to this... aircon parts, alternator, healights, seats (yes, seats), radiator, etc)

[sparc179]

Hi, sparc179.

- my Sportage is 2013, FWD Diesel A/T

- take offs, Sportage wins by a mile. (understandable considering the engines both have). Power/torque come in really early. Yung Sportage lumulundag kung baga.

- overtaking, I can't say since i had no opportunity to overtake last Sunday) But with the Sportage, overtaking has always been easy... very very responsive to throttle inputs).

- does it compare (to the Sportage)? In terms of straight line acceleration, based on my short test-drive, no. But I'm still in love with it).

But I have to tell that in my case, speed is not the priority anymore. Anyways, the new car I'm going to get (in about 3months) would replace a different car naman (a 2013 Jazz 1.5) . What interests me with the new (even the outgoing) Forester is the AWD feature, the interior, the electronic doodads, and exterior. And it's fairly cheap to buy.

What concerns me though is the maintenance and parts availability... because I've heard a few bad stories already about waiting for parts to arrive. Hope someone can shed light to this... aircon parts, alternator, healights, seats (yes, seats), radiator, etc)

Thanks again for giving me a good idea on comparing the Sporty to the Fozzie. I'm coming from a Rav4 with a 2.4L engine so this will be a big adjustment for me, but it seems I have to sacrifice some power since my priorities have changed as well ( having a toddler in the car does that).

I'm more keen on the safety features, they say the Eyesight Tech is outstanding, and the reinforced cabin with catch-bolts, etc. along with the 8-inch touchscreen and other interior amenities because there may be times I have to work from the car too.

As for parts and maintenance, Subarus are notorious for this, expensive, yes, hard to find, sometimes. But there are alternatives like the Fusion-R shop which is reported to have many of the spare parts needed to maintain the Fozzie and other Subarus.

I'm thinking the L-model with Eyesight, I would rather not have a sun/moon roof, but leather seats are required in my case.

Good luck in your search and keep us posted on what you decide.

[Egan101]

Parts can be sourced in aftermarket shops unless you have something big broken like the engine or tranny. The usual filters, brake pads, suspension parts, and even aircon parts will be cheaper outside casa. The same has been the concern with previous gen Foresters but owners have learned to find ways to source parts.

Don't expect too much in terms of performance as Subaru opted to keep the FB20 engine for the new Forester. SJ platform owners with the same engine are satisfied with the performance of the FB20. It would have been good if Motor Image decided to bring the global model with the 2.5L engine but I guess it was a business decision to keep the FB20 to align with the SJ platform and also keep the price of the new Forester very competitive.

Now, if performance is a key concern, then Subaru has three models you can choose from an affordable performance point of view. You can opt to buy the three vehicles powered by the FA20DIT - Forester SJ XT (241hp/350Nm) at 1.798M, Levorg 2.0DIT (268hp/350Nm) at 1.998M, and WRX (268hp/350Nm) at 2.048M. Turbo diesels at this price range are surely no match in terms of performance against any of these 3 vehicles. By the way, you can tune the FA20DIT easily to around 300hp/400Nm.

[yamahead]

Hello, sparc179,

I forgot to mention the Eyesight was also demonstrated. It was a first for me so naturally, i was impressed.

Might get the L-variant as well since I see the sunroof as a weak point against time and weather (those seals.. i feel they might brittle up and cause leaks)...but i want 18's rims and those OEM aluminum pedals only the S-variant has.

[sparc179]

Parts can be sourced in aftermarket shops unless you have something big broken like the engine or tranny. The usual filters, brake pads, suspension parts, and even aircon parts will be cheaper outside casa. The same has been the concern with previous gen Foresters but owners have learned to find ways to source parts.

Don't expect too much in terms of performance as Subaru opted to keep the FB20 engine for the new Forester. SJ platform owners with the same engine are satisfied with the performance of the FB20. It would have been good if Motor Image decided to bring the global model with the 2.5L engine but I guess it was a business decision to keep the FB20 to align with the SJ platform and also keep the price of the new Forester very competitive.

Now, if performance is a key concern, then Subaru has three models you can choose from an affordable performance point of view. You can opt to buy the three vehicles powered by the FA20DIT - Forester SJ XT (241hp/350Nm) at 1.798M, Levorg 2.0DIT (268hp/350Nm) at 1.998M, and WRX (268hp/350Nm) at 2.048M. Turbo diesels at this price range are surely no match in terms of performance against any of these 3 vehicles. By the way, you can tune the FA20DIT easily to around 300hp/400Nm.

There you go, thanks for chiming in Master Egan.

I'm curious though, do they still sell the Forester SJ XT at 1.798M? The last SA I spoke to said it was 2.038M. I guess he may have been mistaken.

[sparc179]

Hello, sparc179,

I forgot to mention the Eyesight was also demonstrated. It was a first for me so naturally, i was impressed.

Might get the L-variant as well since I see the sunroof as a weak point against time and weather (those seals.. i feel they might brittle up and cause leaks)...but i want 18's rims and those OEM aluminum pedals only the S-variant has.

Hehee, I want those too, possibly even 19's for the shoes but I can't sacrifice the suspension for it.

Those Alloy pedals, we can source from other shops easily.

[Egan101]

There you go, thanks for chiming in Master Egan.

I'm curious though, do they still sell the Forester SJ XT at 1.798M? The last SA I spoke to said it was 2.038M. I guess he may have been mistaken.

They have a standing 250k discount for the SJ XT until supplies last.

[sparc179]

They have a standing 250k discount for the SJ XT until supplies last.

Crap! That's tempting!

The SA never mentioned that. Will it have all of the same safety features as the 2019 model?

Then again, the FC would be way better in the non-turbo models for sure and it's a factor I have to consider.

Having children really does change the way I think now.

[yamahead]

Yes, the. XT and the Premium are still available... which makes me even more confused which unit to get... but supply could be depleted by the time I'm able to acquire a new car.

[Egan101]

Crap! That's tempting!

The SA never mentioned that. Will it have all of the same safety features as the 2019 model?

Then again, the FC would be way better in the non-turbo models for sure and it's a factor I have to consider.

Having children really does change the way I think now.

I am not sure if the outgoing SJ XT (2017-2018 year models) had the eyesight system already but my 2016 XT had no Eyesight system. All the other safety features of the SK platform came standard with the SJ platform. The SK platform is a bit more spacious though than the SJ platform as the platform is shared with the bigger Ascent.

As per the reviews from Forester owners, there is no big difference in terms of FC between the 2.0L NA and 2.0L Turbo (1 km/L on city driving, not sure on the highway) but you get a more considerably quick and fast vehicle with the XT.

My wife and daughter loves our XT. My wife complains that our Mitsubishi ASX 2.0L is a bit slow to accelerate and not as smooth when going fast. My daughter is used to the feel of the XT cruising at a higher than normal speed on the highway.

Subaru Philippines Offers Outgoing Forester with 5-Year Interest-Free Financing or Cash Discount | Philippine Car News, Car Reviews, Automotive Features, and New Car Prices | ************

[sparc179]

I am not sure if the outgoing SJ XT (2017-2018 year models) had the eyesight system already but my 2016 XT had no Eyesight system. All the other safety features of the SK platform came standard with the SJ platform. The SK platform is a bit more spacious though than the SJ platform as the platform is shared with the bigger Ascent.

As per the reviews from Forester owners, there is no big difference in terms of FC between the 2.0L NA and 2.0L Turbo (1 km/L on city driving, not sure on the highway) but you get a more considerably quick and fast vehicle with the XT.

My wife and daughter loves our XT. My wife complains that our Mitsubishi ASX 2.0L is a bit slow to accelerate and not as smooth when going fast. My daughter is used to the feel of the XT cruising at a higher than normal speed on the highway.

Subaru Philippines Offers Outgoing Forester with 5-Year Interest-Free Financing or Cash Discount | Philippine Car News, Car Reviews, Automotive Features, and New Car Prices | ************

So I asked the local SA and he confirmed that the outgoing model does not have ES yet, sayang, that would have really swayed me into buying this month. It would have been nice to have the option of a Turbo along with the new safety tech they put in. Plus it would have been easier to convince the wifey to agree if it had the ES.

'can't have your cake and eat it too, it seems. LoL.

I'm still looking forward to the test drive though.

[Egan101]

So I asked the local SA and he confirmed that the outgoing model does not have ES yet, sayang, that would have really swayed me into buying this month. It would have been nice to have the option of a Turbo along with the new safety tech they put in. Plus it would have been easier to convince the wifey to agree if it had the ES.

'can't have your cake and eat it too, it seems. LoL.

I'm still looking forward to the test drive though.

Or you can wait for the new Legacy and Outback. Subaru will be fielding XT (turbo) models of both vehicles. They will be powered by the newer 2.4L turbo engine used on the Ascent and come standard with the Eyesight system. Subaru is getting rid of the 3.6L H6 engine.

[JohnM]

How about a 2.0T Levorg?

[sparc179]

Thanks for the suggestions Gents, unfortunately, one of my requirements is a strict length limitation, I have a little over 15 feet of length to fit the car of my choice. Right now, the Gen. 3 Rav4 that I have fits just right with 4 other vehicles in our garage. Anything longer or wider, as is the case with the new CRV, won't fit comfortably.

So far, the Fozzie ticks all the boxes for me, the Turbo would have been a nice plus, but not really a requirement.

[Egan101]

How about a 2.0T Levorg?

Gusto ko nyan but I can't justify buying one for now. Maybe the next generation for my next purchase.

[EQAddict]

Gusto ko nyan but I can't justify buying one for now. Maybe the next generation for my next purchase.

Convert to the dark side bro.... Hehe.

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[Egan101]

Convert to the dark side bro.... Hehe.

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Bro, I am on the dark side already 'coz my choices are not aligned with the usual folks. If I was with most people, I would be driving a boring vehicle.

[sparc179]

Bro, I am on the dark side already 'coz my choices are not aligned with the usual folks. If I was with most people, I would be driving a boring vehicle.

No one could accuse you of driving a boring car Master E.

Could the same be said of all Subaru owners? I certainly hope so! I plan on being one again. LoL.

[Egan101]

No one could accuse you of driving a boring car Master E.

Could the same be said of all Subaru owners? I certainly hope so! I plan on being one again. LoL.

What I meant is that if I were like the usual folks, I would have been driving a boring vehicle and not a Subaru. However, I am one with the dark side, the misfits, the unconventional, and thus folks like me beg to differ.