Subaru PH Starts Summer with Cash Savings Up to P 200k

Motor Image Pilipinas, the exclusive distributor of Subaru is starting summer with a special pricing promotion on selected MY2019 (Model Year 2019) and MY2020 (Model Year 2020) models.

Remaining MY2019 Forester, Levorg, WRX, and Subaru XV models can be had with the following promotions:

• Subaru Forester 2.0i-L EyeSight SAR360 – P 100,000 discount (Net Price: P 1,738,000)
• Subaru Forester 2.0-i-S EyeSight SAR 360 – P 130,000 discount (Net Price: P 1,838,000)
• Subaru XV 2.0i-S EyeSight SAR 360 – P 80,000 discount (Net Price: P 1,728,000)
• Subaru XV 2.0i-S EyeSight SAR 360 GT Edition – P 50,000 discount (Net Price: 1,838,000)
• Subaru Levorg 2.0 GT-S EyeSight – P 100,000 discount (Net Price: P 1,998,000)
• Subaru WRX 2.0 CVT EyeSight – P 150,000 discount (Net Price: 2,058,000)

For those opting for financing, these models are available with either a special all-in downpayment promo.

• MY2019 Subaru Forester 2.0i-L EyeSight SAR 360 – P 148,000 all-in downpayment
• MY2019 Subaru Forester 2.0i-S EyeSight SAR 360 – P 138,000 all-in downpayment
• MY2019 Subaru XV 2.0i-S EyeSight SAR 360 – P 188,000 all-in downpayment
• MY2020 Subaru Forester 2.0i-L EyeSight SAR 360 – P 248,000 all-in downpayment
• MY2020 Subaru Forester 2.0i-S EyeSight SAR 360 – P 268,000 all-in downpayment

Zero percent interest (assuming 50 percent downpayment and 24 months of pay) is available as well for the MY2019 Forester 2.0i-L EyeSight SAR 360, Forester 2.0i-S EyeSight SAR 360, and Subaru XV 2.0i-S EyeSight SAR 360.

Models with SAR 360 have been recently outfitted with a 360-degree camera. Called Superview Around Recognition (SAR) 360, the system helps drivers navigate through tight or challenging confines.

If the Forester or Subaru XV aren’t your thing, other MY2020 Subaru models are also available with huge cash savings:

• MY2020 Subaru BRZ A/T – P 100,000 discount (Net Price: 2,058,000)
• MY2020 Levorg 2.0 GT-S EyeSight – P 50,000 discount (Net Price: 2,048,000)
• MY2020 WRX 2.0 CVT EyeSight – P 100,000 discount (Net Price: P 2,058,000)
• MY2020 WRX STI 2.5 M/T – P 200,000 discount (Net Price: 2,648,000)

This special pricing promotion is ongoing until the end of March 2020.

A More Powerful Engine is Making Its Way into the Subaru XV by 2021

The American customers asked, they listened. Subaru is finally addressing one of the major complaints with its Subaru XV subcompact crossover come 2021 over there: it’ll get a larger engine.

Tom Doll, the CEO of Subaru of America told Automotive News (subscription required) that the Japanese carmaker will add a new variant to its Subaru XV line-up, at least in the U.S. Called Subaru XV Sport, this new variant will come packing a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder Boxer engine. The highest trim there, called Limited, will also get the larger engine option.

While Doll didn’t give technical details during his interview, it’s understood that the 2.5-liter engine he’s referring to is the Forester / Outback / Legacy’s FB25 engine. This means it’ll up this subcompact crossover’s output to 182 horsepower and 240 Nm of torque.

With the introduction of the FB25 in the Subaru XV, this makes it the vehicle with the most varied engine choices in the carmaker’s line-up with potentially four engine configurations: the 2.0-liter FB20, a mild-hybrid (e-BOXER), a plug-in hybrid, and now, a 2.5-liter FB25.

Though the Impreza should also stand to benefit from this new engine, Doll didn’t mention whether or not Subaru’s compact car will receive it as well. Moreover, there’s no word whether this new engine will be made available outside of the U.S. Honestly, for Philippine market conditions, the 2.0-liter engine in the Subaru XV is enough, what’s really needed here is a bigger engine for its Forester.

Source: Automotive News

Subaru PH Now Offers 360-degree Camera for Subaru XV and Forester Models

Subaru is doubling down on its commitment to offer cutting-edge safety on their vehicles by adding a 360-degree camera on its most popular models—the Subaru XV and Forester.

The system, dubbed Superview Around Recognition (SAR) is a 360-degree camera system that integrates seamlessly into the Subaru XV and Forester’s Panasonic head unit. The system adds three additional cameras and stitches them together to create a bird’s eye view. This gives additional driver confidence when navigating tight or challenging confines.

The Superview Around Recognition (SAR) system is available on the following models. Their respective retail prices are also listed:

• Subaru XV 2.0i-S EyeSight with SAR 360 – P 1,858,000
• Subaru XV GT Edition with SAR 360 – P 1,938,000
• Forester 2.0i-L EyeSight with SAR 360 – P 1,888,000
• Forester 2.0i-S EyeSight with SAR 360 – P 2,018,000

For customers who just bought their respective Subaru XV or Forester, don’t worry. Good news is that for as long as your vehicle is compatible, the SAR 360 system can be installed as a dealer accessory for P 40,000—not a bad deal, especially for those who’re not too confident of their parking skills.

4 Reasons That Show Subaru Loves Dogs

From its background on the racetracks, and a strong following among enthusiasts, Subaru is now making a name for itself in one unlikely field: comfort. Indeed, modern Subarus don’t just offer commendable performance, but they tick off the requirements of every family looking for an attainable car upgrade.

One of the areas where Subaru is hard to beat is in their flexibility. Whether it’s the Forester, Outback, or the Subaru XV, each vehicle is generous space-wise, giving it the ability to transport a family of five and their cargo. Moreover, Subaru’s excellence goes beyond transporting family members of the two-legged variety—pets or “fur babies,” as they’re called nowadays are given equal importance as well.

Here are four reasons why a Subaru could be the best choice when it comes to transporting your beloved fur baby.

#1. Lots of Space

This fact cannot be stressed enough. With the Subaru XV, Outback, or Forester, you’re provided with enough seating in the back for three adults. This means that the width of the rear bench is wide enough for a medium or even large-sized dog to sit or even lie down comfortably.

#2. Designed for Pets

In relation to the space, the rear seats in a Subaru is great in accommodating all sorts of transport accessories. This includes a bench cover (to keep your leather safe from scratches and to catch any shedding hair), seat protectors, and baskets. Of course, it’s best to keep your dog strapped in with a safety harness, and Subaru’s actually done research on this matter.

In the US, Subaru gone so far to team up with the Center for Pet Safety in determining the safest and most ideal places for dogs to travel. In the upcoming three-row Evoltis (US-market Ascent), their extensive study has determined the following:

• Pets 20 lb. or less can be harnessed or secured in carriers in the 2nd row Captain’s Chair.
• Larger pets, more than 20 lb., should be properly secured and travel in the 3rd row bench directly behind one of the Captain’s Chairs.
• Never place your pet on the floor between the Captain’s Chairs in 3-row SUV models, as this could result in the pet becoming a projectile and cause serious injury to both the pet and vehicle passengers.
• When traveling with both children and pets in a 3-row vehicle with Captain’s Chairs, secure the child in the 2nd row and secure the pet in the 3rd row, on the opposite side of the vehicle as the child.

Aside from the seat, any Subaru SUV’s trunk has the capacity to accommodate a standard pet bed, basket, or carrier, with enough space leftover for luggage or accessories.

#3. The Right Height

Ideally, you want your pet to be able to get in and out of the vehicle on its own, especially if it’ll be riding with you inside the cabin. One of the factors that make Subaru easy for almost anyone is the seating height. It’s optimized in a way that makes it easy for humans to simply slide their legs in and out while still allowing even small dogs to safely step or jump in easily. Oh, and even the ground clearance is just right, making it easy for dogs to safely climb in or jump out.

#4. Unbeatable Comfort

Thanks to the award-winning Subaru Global Platform, Subarus now have great comfort and stability. Meant to give it an edge in flexibility, it can traverse uneven roads smoothly, adapting easily to any condition.

Of course, human comfort takes precedence, but surprisingly, this comfort extends to our four-legged friends. Take it from our 7-month old hyperactive beagle. Once he settles in the seat and the Forester begins to move, he is out like a light. And that is what you want, as opposed to being restless all the time.

Putting all of this together, it’s no surprise that Subaru’s taken pet comfort as part of their car’s development process. They’ve even collaborated with renowned animal behavior expert Cesar Millan, too. Whether it’s a sedan, crossover, or SUV, Subarus are safe and reliable choice when it comes to transporting anyone you love. It’s all part of “Heart”—a Subaru promise that they’re more than just a car company. They’re committed to foster a lasting, genuine relationship for every member of the family, including those of the four-legged variety.

Words and photos by Gen Tiu.

Subaru Still Has A Couple of Old Stock Left and the Discounts are Huge

New Year, new Subaru? Well, that’s the gist since distributor Motor Image Pilipinas is giving up to P 350,000 off selected models until the end of the month.

Somewhat a continuation of their promo last year, you can still snag 2018 (yes, that’s not a typo) models including the previous Forester XT (they still those?) for just P 1,698,000—that makes it cheaper than even the current top-the-line Forester and the new one doesn’t even have a freakin’ turbo!

At the rate Subaru’s discounting their cars, it’s not anymore a question of how low they can go, but how long they can go—discounting, we mean. Still, discounting these last remaining stocks is a good way to remove bad juju entering 2020. Remember, they did say they want to shed their discounting policy this year. Or maybe because they want to introduce the FUCKS too?

If the Forester’s not your thing, here are other Subaru models that are part of the promo:

• 2018 Forester XT – P 350,000 discount (net price: P 1,698,000)
• 2018 Subaru XV 2.0i – P 150,000 discount (net price: P 1,268,000) 
• 2018 Subaru XV 2.0i-S EyeSight – P 150,000 discount (net price: P 1,518,000)
• 2018 Subaru XV GT Edition (wasn’t this launched in 2019?) – P 120,000 discount (net price: P 1,648,000)
• 2018 Subaru Outback 3.6R-S EyeSight – P 350,000 discount (net price: 2,058,000)

The promo runs until January 31, 2020 and all models (including those not part of the promo) do have Subaru’s new 5-year / 100,000-kilometer bumper-to-bumper warranty.

Want A Better Drive? Skip the Forester and Get the Subaru XV Instead

I’ll let you in on a little secret: if you’re on the fence and can’t decide whether you should get the Subaru XV or the Forester, take my advice and go straight for the smaller, quirkier one. Sure, utility is a bit compromised here, but it more than makes up for it in other areas including better on-road dynamics.

Typically, Subaru doesn’t get their compact SUV wrong; after all, it’s their bread-and-butter model loved more by enthusiasts than soccer moms. Sadly, it seems their marketers got in the way of their engineers and as a result, came up with a rather sedate crossover. In the end, the Forester is so boring it makes the RAV4 seem promising by comparison (spoiler alert: it’s not).

But where does that leave the enthusiast? The one who wants a bit more fire between his loins even if his favored six-star badge doesn’t offer a turbocharged engine upfront anymore? Well, there’s always the Subaru XV.

Frankly, the Subaru XV isn’t all that exciting, but next to the Forester? Well, at least it’s still a zip code away from yawns-ville; as opposed to the Forester which has already taken residence there. From the get-go, the 2.0-liter motor is a better match to this smaller, lighter crossover. Not only does the speedometer climb up faster, but more importantly, it doesn’t sound like a couple of zebras getting castrated. Oh, and the best part? The fuel mileage is way, way better—14 percent better than the Forester at 7.14 km/L (average speed of 14 km/h).

Oh, and thanks to the magic of the Subaru Global Platform, it feels tight with a body free from rattles or shakes. The ride quality itself is very good, muting all small bumps and reducing large ones to minor hiccups. There’s a bit of floatiness and some body roll, but compared to the Forester, it’s more controlled here. Togther with the smaller, lighter body, the quicker steering also lends to a more sporting character with good precision and copious amounts of grip.

The Subaru XV’s added sportiness may have been the inspiration for this sporty body kit dubbed the “GT Edition.” Now, personally, I’m never a big fan of body kits. I’ve always believed that if designers did their job right the first time, they wouldn’t have to fix things “in post,” or in this case with aftermarket appendages. But I do have to admit that the Subaru XV GT Edition actually looks nice, especially compared to the lukewarm Subaru XV STI Performance from a generation ago. It’s as if former Subaru designer Jack Kobayashi saved the best styling bits when it was his name (and not his company) that was on the byline.

Moving inside, the Subaru XV presents itself as a clear-cut, easy-to-use vehicle. And while there are attempts to spruce it up with the added orange stitching, the name of the game here is KISS or Keeping It Simple, Stupid. With that, everything is easy to understand; all operated via big knobs and buttons. Material choices aren’t really a standout, but they feel sturdy and well-wearing—a perfect match for this crossover’s overall character and vibe. Oh, but if there’s one thing I’d like to nitpick here is that the fit and finish of the XV GT Edition’s leather seats could use some work. The added silver highlights do liven things up, but the sewing work is crooked in places.

In terms of space utilization, there’s almost nothing to complain about the 2018 Subaru XV. There’s ample head, shoulder, and leg room with a wide range of adjustments for the driver. That said, the sunroof does rob some headroom for the rear middle passenger and the cargo hold itself doesn’t really qualify as cavernous.

Priced at P 1.768 million (without discounts), the Subaru XV GT Edition is P 100,000 more than the Subaru XV 2.0i-S (without discounts) on which it’s based on. It is a high price to pay for what’s essentially just an aesthetics upgrade. Whatever you think though, its value proposition cannot be ignored. It’s well-kitted for the price. It gets 18-inch wheels, steering responsive LED headlights, moon roof, leather seats with power adjustment for the driver, auto-dimming rear view mirror, dual zone climate control, 7 airbags, ABS, stability control, X-Mode, blind spot and rear cross-traffic alert, a 360-degree camera (still in the experimentation stage), all-wheel drive, and of course, the Subaru EyeSight system. For those keeping track, this equipment makes it more loaded than even the top-trim Forester 2.0i-S EyeSight!

That along with the fact that it drives better and is more fuel efficient is the reason why the Subaru XV has managed to upstage its bigger brother. The Forester now appeals to those with a practical mindset, but its less than stellar powertrain cannot be ignored any further. It severely hampers its appeal for those who want a bit more pep in their family car—a very small consideration, especially I presume they’ve always wanted a WRX before the baby stork came knocking at the window. With that in mind, if you don’t have kids but are still looking for a solid, well-rounded crossover? The Subaru XV fulfills that role now. And if the GT Edition trim doesn’t appeal to you, there’s always the (better) 2.0i-S EyeSight variant.

Subaru Philippines is Now Offering Up to P 350k Discounts on Selected Models

Buying a brand-new Subaru? Well, you’re in for a surprise because distributor Motor Image Pilipinas is clearing their older 2018 inventory and to do that, they’re offering their biggest discount yet with up to P 350,000 off selected models until December 31, 2019.

Opting for cash transaction gets you the following discounts:

• 2018 Subaru Forester XT (previous model) – P 350,000 discount (net price: P 1,698,000)
• 2018 Subaru XV 2.0i – P 150,000 discount (net price: P 1,268,000)
• 2018 Subaru XV 2.0i-S EyeSight – P 150,000 discount (net price: 1,518,000)
• 2018 Subaru XV GT Edition – P 120,000 discount (net price: 1,648,000)
• 2018 Subaru Outback 3.6R-S EyeSight – P 350,000 discount (net price: P 2,058,000)
• 2018 Subaru BRZ 2.0 A/T – P 170,000 discount (net price: P 1,888,000)

This is actually quite historical for Subaru. Why? Because the turbocharged Forester, albeit the previous model, is now cheaper than the current normally-aspirated one; the Subaru XV 2.0i is cheaper than the Kia Seltos or Honda HR-V; and the Outback is cheaper than the all-new Accord.

Oh, if you opt for financing, the Forester XT is available with a zero, yup, zero percent downpayment, while the Subaru XV 2.0i can be yours with just a P 29,000 downpayment.

All Subaru models in this promo feature Motor Image Pilipinas’s new 5-year / 100,000-kilometer bumper-to-bumper warranty.

2020 Kia Seltos vs Hyundai Kona vs Honda HR-V vs Subaru XV

With the Seltos, Kia Philippines thinks they have one of the hottest rides around and who could blame them? The sub-compact crossover segment is absolutely lit with choices and everyone, and we mean everyone wants a piece of the action—including Chinese brands you probably haven’t even heard of.

But of course, Kia’s not going that route. Leave the sub-million crossovers to the JACs, GACs, BACs, DACs, and whatever “ACs” there are in the world. Instead, the Seltos is targeting market space occupied by more premium choices—you know, against the likes of the Honda HR-V, Subaru XV, and its platform twin, the Hyundai Kona.

Let’s see how it stacks up.

Sporting a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine from Hyundai/Kia’s “Nu” family, the Seltos makes 149 horsepower and 179 Nm of torque—figures that are actually very comparable with the rest of the segment, including the Honda HR-V’s 1.8-liter mill. The Subaru XV’s 2.0-liter Boxer does edge the rest in grunt, but that’s negated by having to carry close to 200 kilograms of more weight because of its all-wheel drive drivetrain.

Apart from its drivetrain advantage, the Subaru is the only one in this group to offer independent suspension at all four corners and even vented disc brakes, too. It also has the largest tire size in the group at 225/55 R 18s, while the rest ride on exactly the same size of rubber: 215/55 R 17s.

Exterior-wise, the Subaru XV is also largest in this group, sports the largest wheelbase, and has the highest ground clearance, but it’s quite surprising that the Seltos (and the Kona) matches the Subaru in overall width and height.

Despite its exterior size advantage though, the Seltos does manage to optimize its interior very well. Aside from having best-in-group front and rear headroom, it does beat the Honda HR-V in terms of front leg and rear shoulder room. Compared to its mechanical twin though, the Seltos trounces the Kona in all but front leg room.

Priced at P 1.498-million, the Seltos (at least in SX trim) is the second most expensive model. Yet, a quick scan through the standard features shows it doesn’t really stand out in any department. Its convenience features are matched almost line-by-line to the Honda HR-V RS! At the polar opposites of this group are the Hyundai Kona at P 1.188 million and the Subaru XV at P 1.668-million. But it becomes a case of “you get what you paid for” with the Kona not even getting leather seats and reverse camera/sensors. On the other hand, the Subaru XV is the only one here with collision avoidance tech (Subaru EyeSight), powered driver’s seat, and a sunroof!

Feel free to nerd out with the rest of the specs below.

Three New Recalls Hit Subaru XV, Impreza, and Forester Models

Attention Impreza, XV, and Forester owners: Subaru has just confirmed that three new recalls affect these three best-selling vehicles in the Philippines, and that Motor Image Pilipinas is working closely with Subaru Corporation of Japan to assist all affected customers.

The first recall affects 2017-2019 Model Year Impreza and XV vehicles manufactured before August 6, 2018. Nearly 1,000 units are affected.

This recall is a precautionary measure to replace the Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) valve. The PCV valve, which is an oil flow control device, may separate and allow engine oil to enter the combustion chamber. This may result in an excessive amount of smoke. The vehicle may experience a loss of power.

The second recall affects the 2017-2019 Model Year Impreza and XV vehicles manufactured from July 28, 2016 to August 21, 2018.

This is a precautionary measure to replace the brake hoses of affected vehicles. There are no safety concerns with regards to the brake system as braking performance is not affected. Due to insufficient sealing, brake fluid may enter the brake hose, causing it to swell. Nearly 1,000 units are affected.

The third recall affects 2017-2020 Model Year Impreza and XV vehicles and 2019-2020 Model Year Forester vehicles equipped with the 2.0-liter engine.

The recall is a precautionary measure to reprogram the Engine Control Module and inspect the ignition coil. Due to improper programming, the ignition coil may be energized after the engine is turned off. This could cause the internal temperature of the coil to increase and lead to a short circuit. Nearly 5,000 units are affected.

“Owners of the affected vehicles will be notified accordingly,” says Uzzi Asuncion, Head of Marketing Department, Motor Image Pilipinas. “We appreciate the understanding and patience of our customers as we finalize the list of affected units through their VIN (Vehicle Identification Number).”

The Subaru XV is Now Just P 1.298M While Supplies Last

Motor Image Pilipinas, the exclusive distributor of Subaru vehicles in the Philippines is offering the last few 2018 model year (MY2018) units in their inventory at a substantial discount while supplies last.

The offer adds P 20,000 off on top of existing discounts on the Forester XT (previous model), Subaru XV, Outback, Subaru BRZ, Impreza, Levorg 1.6 GT-S, and Legacy 2.5i-S. With that, expect these to be the new net selling price when you walk into any authorized Subaru showroom:

• 2018 Subaru Forester XT – P 1,728,000
• 2018 Subaru XV 2.0i – P 1,298,000
• 2018 Subaru XV 2.0i-S EyeSight – P 1,548,000
• 2018 Subaru Outback 3.6R-S EyeSight – P 2,088,000
• 2018 Subaru BRZ 2.0 A/T – P 1,888,000
• 2018 Subaru Impreza – P 1,348,000
• 2018 Subaru Levorg 1.6 GT-S – P 1,568,000
• 2018 Subaru Legacy 2.5i-S – P 1,978,000

For those who want something newer (i.e. MY2019) models, Subaru is adding a new low downpayment scheme for the Subaru XV and Forester models. With that, drive home the Subaru XV for as low as P 99,000, while for the Forester, it’s at P 118,000 (2.0i-L) or P 149,000 (2.0i-L EyeSight). For cash customers, the 2019 Subaru XV is also available with an P 80,000 discount, while the Forester 2.0i-L has a P 90,000 discount.

Yes, Subaru Just Refreshed the XV, But You'll Have to Look Carefully to Notice

The Subaru XV is getting some “blink-and-you’ll-miss-it” updates for 2020. Rolling out first in its home market of Japan, expect these changes to be implemented as well as part of rolling changes sometime next year.

Unlike the Impreza which sees a more substantial re-design, changes to the Subaru XV are limited to just the new headlights and rear fog light design.

Inside, it gets a new multi-function display meter design and the added convenience of memory seats for the driver. The latter can also be tied to the key fob allowing the Subaru XV to recall a set seating position depending on the key fob used. Also added is the enhanced X-Mode system with four additional modes: Snow/Dirt and Deep Snow/Mud and the latest version of the Subaru EyeSight system called Subaru EyeSight Touring Assist.

Mechanically, the Subaru XV remains unchanged but for the Japanese market, aside from the regular 2.0-liter FB20 variant, the variants equipped with the e-Boxer hybrid system and 1.6-liter FB16 have been expanded.

The Subaru XV is Now Cheaper Than the Honda HR-V or Hyundai Tucson

Jose Mari Chan isn’t the only one greeting the “ber” months. The long Christmas holiday has begun at Motor Image Pilipinas as well. The exclusive distributor of Subaru vehicles in Philippines now has special deals on the Subaru XV crossover.

This month, all three variants of the Subaru XV are offered either with a low downpayment option or a cash discount.

For cash buyers, the entry-level Subaru XV 2.0i and the mid-grade Subaru XV 2.0i-S both get P 80,000 discounts for the month. Financing customers can get a low down on the 2.0i for P 138,000, while the 2.0i-S EyeSight can be driven home with just a P 208,000 low downpayment.  Even the recently-launched Subaru XV GT Edition nets you P 50,000 of savings.

Putting that into perspective, it means that for a limited time, the Subaru XV 2.0i (P 1,338,000) is more affordable than the Honda HR-V (RS Navi) and is within striking distance of the Mazda3 1.5 Elite Sportback. Meanwhile, the Subaru XV 2.0i-S EyeSight is now P 1,558,000, and the Subaru XV GT Edition is at P 1,718,000. Subaru offers true SUV ground clearance, a larger engine, and standard all-wheel drive than the competition. And like all other Subaru vehicles, all Subaru XVs now come with a comprehensive 5-year warranty.

The promo is valid at all Subaru dealers nationwide.