Subaru is set to shake up the mid-range performance market with the unveiling of five new all-wheel-drive vehicles, all featuring a healthy dose of style and performance. The vehicles’ launch coincides with the reintroduction of the brand itself under a new distributor.
The new models will be exclusively imported and distributed by Motor Image Pilipinas Inc., a subsidiary of Singapore-based Motor Image Enterprises Pte Ltd. Motor Image is itself a wholly owned subsidiary of Tan Chong International Limited (TCIL), a group listed in the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. TCIL is in the automotive, commercial, manufacturing, trading, and property investment businesses. Motor Image introduced Subaru in Singapore more than ten years ago and has since set up offices in China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand.
Subaru cars are engineered and manufactured by Japan’s Fuji Heavy Industries. The company’s core technologies are its flat-four and flat-six engines and symmetrical all-wheel drive. These engines, with the cylinders spread out at 180 degrees, theoretically allow for a lower center of gravity and thus improved packaging and handling. The layout also helps reduce vibration and noise.
Symmetrical all-wheel drive means that the engine is mounted longitudinally, with the engine, transmission, propeller shaft, and rear differential all arranged in a straight, symmetrical formation. Efficiency and packaging are optimized with this arrangement. Permanent all-wheel drive ensures that torque is optimally distributed to all four wheels, without needing driver intervention. The system can also distribute more torque to the wheels with grip, to aid handling and traction. This technology has endeared the brand to numerous customers in snow- and rain-prone areas in New England and the Pacific Northwest, where the brand has captured appreciable market share. Toyota now owns 8.7% of Fuji Heavy after it bought the stake from General Motors.
At the helm of Motor Image Pilipinas are two highly-experienced auto executives. MIPI’s General Manager Nicandro Mariano, formerly sales and marketing director of General Motors Philippines. Fresh from a winning streak at Toyota is marketing manager Ariel de Jesus. Together with the rest of MIPI’s officers and staff, they pledge to offer the dealer support and service that the brand deserves.
These five new models are now available at Motor Image:
Impreza Turbo WRX
This is essentially the flagship of the Subaru lineup. Think “Subaru” and you can’t help picture an Impreza WRC racer blasting through the twisting roads around Monte Carlo or the forests of Finland. The Turbo WRX is a compact sedan that packs a monster of an engine. The turbocharged 2.5 liter engine produces 225 bhp and 320 Nm. The engine mates to a five-speed manual transmission and of course the permanent all-wheel drive system. Maximum speed is 230 km/h. Independent struts are at all four corners, as are ventilated disc brakes. The Impreza rides on 215/45 R 17 tires. Sporty cues such as rear spoiler and bucket seats are standard. The Impreza retails for a competitive P1.8 million.
Legacy
The Legacy is Subaru’s mid-size sedan offering. The 4665-mm sedan is relatively compact compared to its portly competitors. That’s supposed to pay off dividends when it comes to responsiveness and handling. A 2.0 liter 4-cylinder engine provides 162 bhp and 187 Nm; the engine mates to a four-speed automatic with manual override function. Suspension is via MacPherson struts in front and a multi-link set up rear. As with all Subaru cars sold by MIPI, the Legacy is equipped with ABS. It goes for P1.5 million.
Outback
The Outback is the wagon version of the Legacy, with increased ground clearance and a lot of extra equipment. Fully-loaded at P2.2 million, the Outback comes with leather seats; a two-stage sunroof; McIntosh premium audio system; power driver’s seat; and front, side and curtain airbags. A 3.0 liter flat-six engine with 240 bhp and 297 Nm provides a lot of grunt. If you’re looking for the comfort and handling of a midsized sedan combined with the huge luggage space of a wagon, the Outback deserves your attention.
Forester 2.0X and 2.5 XT
The tall, raised wagon billed as a compact SUV returns with refreshed styling and a choice of two engines. The base Forester 2.0 X is propelled by a 2-liter flat-four with 155 bhp and 186 Nm. The 2.0 X retails for P1.3 million.
The one to go for is the higher-spec Forester 2.5 XT. This one has the 225-bhp engine of the WRX Turbo under its hood. It adds rear disc brakes, 17-inch alloys, side airbags and a sunroof. It even undercuts the Impreza at P1.65 million.
A sixth model, the B9 Tribeca seven-seater SUV, is set to join the lineup later on. Quirky, thoughtfully-engineered, and promising a lot of driving enjoyment: the new Subarus are not the usual choice and certainly worth considering. The gleaming new Subaru showroom is at 187 EDSA, Greenhills, San Juan (southbound lane, between Annapolis and Connecticut streets), and the company’s website is www.motorimage.net
By Jason Ang
Disclaimer: The comments uploaded on this site do not necessarily represent or reflect the views of management and owner of Cebudailynews. We reserve the right to exclude comments that we deem to be inconsistent with our editorial standards.
