Subaru PH Offers 2,000-km Grace Period for Missed Service Due to ECQ

In line with Motor Image Pilipinas’s move to re-open more dealerships with enhanced health and safety protocols, the exclusive distributor of Subaru vehicles in the Philippines is offering owners whose preventive maintenance service (PMS) and/or warranties were affected by the implementation of the ECQ, generous parts and service initiatives.

For customers who have missed a scheduled periodic maintenance service during the ECQ (March 15 to May 15), Motor Image Pilipinas is offering a 60-day or 2,000-kilometer grace period (whichever comes first).

In addition, for owners whose vehicles have warranties that expired during the ECQ (March 15 to May 15), Motor Image Pilipinas is likewise extending a 60-day warranty extension, subject to validation under Subaru’s standard warranty guidelines.

Customers are encouraged to book their service schedule ahead of time since all vehicle servicing will be done on a per appointment basis only. Check the full list of operating Subaru dealerships here.

Subaru PH Dealers Re-Open Starting Monday, May 18; Offers At Home Test Drives for Customers

Motor Image Pilipinas, the exclusive distributor of Subaru vehicles in the Philippines has announced that its company-owned dealer network will re-open starting Wednesday, May 20, while its franchise dealers will start resuming operations by Monday, May 18. The full list of dealers, operating hours, and re-opening dates is available below.

In line with Subaru’s focus on safety, stringent measures are in place to ensure the customers’ health and confidence.

Staff, customers and visitors are required to wear face masks and will have to undergo mandatory temperature checks accompanied by health declaration forms when they visit showrooms and service centers.

Those with body temperatures of 37.5 degrees Celsius and above will not be allowed to enter the premises and will be asked to seek medical attention. Entry and exit points at dealerships will be regulated, and the common areas will be limited. Sales consultation rooms, customer lounges, payment counters, parts and service areas and washroom facilities will be cleaned and sanitized twice a day. During this period, refreshments will only be served through disposable cups or in the form of bottled water.

To ensure safe distancing, the company is also limiting the number of customers in Subaru showrooms at any one time. Markers are in place to establish physical distancing of at least one meter. For test drives, a maximum of three people is allowed per vehicle: the customer, a sales consultant and a security personnel.

For aftersales services, customers are requested to schedule and confirm an appointment via phone or online before sending in their vehicles. Walk-ins are not permitted. Customers are strongly discouraged from waiting at service centers and should return to pick their vehicles up only after the job is completed. Customers are also advised not to bring their children along. All vehicles will be thoroughly sanitized before and after each job. Cashless payment options are encouraged. They have also released parts and service-related incentives.

For customers who wish don’t wish to travel to showrooms but are eager to try out a Subaru, MIP’s “At Home Test Drive” is still on-going. Interested customers may book their test drive slot through this website, or call their nearest showroom for a sales consultant to meet them. All vehicles are thoroughly sanitized before and after test drives.

Experience the Subaru Forester Via a Virtual Test Drive

Feeling blue during this Enhanced Community Quarantine? Well, Motor Image Pilipinas, the exclusive distributor of Subaru vehicles in the Philippines is still giving you the chance to test drive, albeit in a very different way.

Through the Subaru Virtual Test Drive Experience, you can experience the EyeSight Driver Assist Technology by simply using your smartphone or PC (sorry, it’s not compatible with the Apple iPhone).

Experience the Forester in action and learn just one of the over 100 safety features. Best of all? There’s no need for any fancy goggles—just click play and you’re ready to go.

Take the virtual ride for now and book a test drive later to get an even more superior feel on actual roads.

Check out the Virtual Test Drive experience here:

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Subaru to Halt Japanese Production Until May 1

They held out for as long as they can, but Subaru Corporation has announced that all its plants will shutdown entirely due to supply chain disruptions, and a sharp fall in global demand for new vehicles brought by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Subaru of Indiana, home of the Evoltis (U.S.-market Ascent) temporarily halted production last March 23, but now, the shutdown extends to even the carmaker’s Gunma Manufacturing Plant in Eastern Japan that pretty much makes everything else. The shutdown, announced just yesterday will start from April 11 to May 1, bringing a 17-day stoppage to all things Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive.

All of Japan’s eight major passenger car manufacturers are now seeing production hampered by the coronavirus pandemic.

Subaru PH Offers Warranty, PMS Extensions As Well

With the closure of all their showrooms and service centers nationwide due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Motor Image Pilipinas, the exclusive distributor of Subaru vehicles in the country has made the decision to extend PMS and warranties.

In a statement, Motor Image Pilipinas says:

“All previously scheduled Periodic Maintenance Servicing (PMS) and warranties that will expire within this period [of Enhanced Community Quarantine] shall be given a 30-day extension but will still be subject to validation under our Standard Warranty Guidelines.”

Motor Image Pilipinas’s move echoes other carmakers which have offered warranty extensions and PMS grace periods anywhere between 15 to 70 days after the lifting of the Enhanced Community Quarantine.

To Battle COVID-19, Subaru Will Go to You For Test Drives

During the launch of the Forester GT Edition, the Motor Image Pilipinas marketing team were clearly sweating buckets, and it’s not because they had the COVID-19 virus. It was more because of their 2020 target: 40 percent higher Forester sales with the launch of the sportier-looking GT Edition.

Assuming Motor Image Pilipinas does 200 units a month, the Forester and Subaru XV account for a vast majority of it—around 70 percent; that’s about 140 units per month. Even if we split Forester and XV sales evenly, that’s about 70 units. In short, a 40 percent growth target equates to an additional 28 units per month. That’s a lot!

With the Taal Ashfall and now, the COVID-19 outbreak sure to dampen market sentiment (at least for the first part of 2020), how will Motor Image Pilipinas achieve this high growth in sales, particularly with the Forester compact SUV?

When asked about it, Mr. Glenn Tan, Deputy Chairman and Managing Director of Tan Chong International, the parent company of Motor Image says that right now, he doesn’t see any long-term effects of COVID-19 sales-wise. He says it’s more of the public’s unwillingness to go out to a dealership that will hamper sales, especially as COVID-19 cases are on the rise in the Philippines.

To combat this concern, Motor Image Pilipinas is embarking on a unique program that will have their sales consultants actually visit the would-be customer in an area of his choosing—be it at his residence or workplace. The sales consultants can then allow the customer to actually look at, and test drive the vehicle of his choice then and there. This limits the number of trips a customer would need to make to a dealership just to buy a car.

Moreover, preventive measures are in place at all Subaru dealerships including the frequent disinfection of the facilities, showroom units, demo units, and even temperature checks on everyone who enters and exits the premises. Furthermore, they’ve providing alcohol and hand sanitizers to everyone who visits their showrooms.

To book a sales consultant visit, customers can fill out this Test Drive form or contact their nearest Subaru dealership here.

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.

Nissan is Now Worth Less than Subaru

Pop quiz: which Japanese carmaker you think is worth more? Nissan or Subaru? If you guessed Nissan, well you’re right…at least until last Friday.

Nissan shares fell to their lowest since 2009 leaving the company with a market capitalization of 2.17 trillion yen (USD 19.8 billion) behind not just Toyota and Honda, but now, even Suzuki and Subaru as well. Investors were spooked after the Japanese carmaker cut its full-year profit outlook and scrapped its year-end dividend payout.

All in all, Nissan’s stock is down 19 percent since the start of the year, after declining 28 percent in 2019 and 22 percent in 2018.

The culprit? Falling sales in the U.S., Europe, as well as its home market of Japan, as well as instability in its senior management since the ouster and arrest of its former Carlos Ghosn.

“Unfortunately, our business performance has worsened more than we anticipated, and there’s no letting up on investing in the future,” said CEO Makoto Uchida said at a press conference at the company’s Yokohama headquarters. “In order to invest in growth, we ended up with this dividend.”

The dividend payment he referred to is the lowest since 2011 since Nissan’s trying to free up cash for investment in next-generation technology such as EVs and autonomous driving vehicles.

Worldwide sales volumes at Nissan slid 8.4 percent to 5.18 million vehicles last year, pulling down its combined performance with Renault to third place globally after Volkswagen Group, and for the first time since 2016, Toyota.

After years of sales incentives that eroded margins and pushing businesses to buy cars, CEO Uchida said Nissan needs to rebuild its brand image and focus on appealing to retail customers. The company believes that they will once again hit their stride once they launch new and/or revitalized vehicles throughout the year.

The results are beginning to overshadow Nissan’s other big headache, the charges against Ghosn on alleged financial crimes.

Score Free Starbucks GCs When You Spend Your Valentine's Weekend at These Subaru Dealerships

Confused on where to spend the Valentine’s Day weekend? How about spending some of it over at Subaru Bonifacio Global City, Subaru C5 – Pasig, Subaru Greenhills, or Subaru Manila Bay. If you do, you can score a free Starbucks Gift Certificate.

From February 14 to 16, 2020, simply pop over to any of the aforementioned dealerships, test drive, and you’re a step closer to a free Orange Mocha Frappuccino (plus points if you got that reference). Oh, and if you happen to drop by either Subaru Manila Bay or the C5 – Pasig showroom, you’re in for an extra treat. At these two locations, they also have these mini-slip rollers that test the capabilities of the Subaru X-Mode system.

Now if you happen to take this quickie…test drive (hey guys, don’t be so naughty), then great. Reserve a brand-new Subaru and you’ll get a “special gift set” too. Subaru didn’t say what’s contained in the gift set, but we’re doubting it’s a Shades of Gray starter kit.

Anyhow, make it a Valentine’s weekend to remember, and don’t worry—you can drop by whether you’re flying solo or as a couple.

Subaru PH Just Increased Their Prices, Then Threw in a Discount

Okay, Subaru hear me out. You said you wanted to shy away from heavy discounting this 2020, so what gives that barely 30 days into the new year, you’re going back to the same, old tune?

Yeah sure, we did count 100 safety technologies in the Subaru Forester, but we just had to correct the tag line for you. Hope you liked it.

Honestly, I’m not complaining—you’re giving customers value-for-money…but how long can this go? I mean, you made an upward adjustment to these models for 2020 and then you slapped a discount on them again. Weird. Anyway, here’s how much you’ll pay:

• 2020 Subaru WRX 2.0 CVT EyeSight: P 100,000 cash discount (new net price: P 2,058,000)
• 2020 Subaru Levorg 2.0 GT-S EyeSight: P 50,000 cash discount (new net price: P 2,048,000)
• 2020 Subaru WRX STI 2.5 6 MT: P 200,000 cash discount (new net price: P 2,648,000)
• 2020 Subaru BRZ 2.0 AT: P 100,000 cash discount (new net price: P 2,058,000)

This offer is besides the 2018 clearance sale which we’ve covered last week.

If cash payment isn’t your thing, the last remaining 2019 year model Subarus can now be had with some aggressive financing options:

• 2019 Subaru XV 2.0i-S EyeSight (P 128,000 all-in downpayment or 50 percent downpayment with 0 percent interest for 24 months or 20 percent downpayment with 0 percent interest for 12 months); new SRP: P 1,718,000.
• 2019 Subaru Forester 2.0i-L (P 148,000 all-in downpayment or 50 percent downpayment with 0 percent interest for 24 months or 20 percent downpayment with 0 percent interest for 12 months); new SRP: 1,648,000.
• 2019 Subaru Forester 2.0i-S EyeSight (P 168,000 all-in downpayment or 50 percent downpayment with 0 percent interest for 24 months or 20 percent downpayment with 0 percent interest for 12 months); new SRP: P 1,878,000
• 2019 Subaru Forester XT, the previous model mind you (0 percent downpayment or 30 percent downpayment with 0 percent interest for 60 months or 40 percent downpayment with 0 percent interest for 60 months)

This is irritating to say the least, but Subaru says this is the absolute last time they will do it. Actually, there is an impending price increase come February for all models (some are already reflected here), so this may be the last, last, last, last, last, last chance to snag these models at these prices. Pinky promise.

Subaru Reveals Plans to Improve Its All-Wheel Drive System and Offers Details on New Engine

At a technology briefing in Japan, Subaru Corporation laid down their future plans including one where their entire global line-up will be electrified in one form or another by the first half of 2030.

We’ve delivered the gist of Subaru’s technology road map for the next decade, but since we’ve happened to get hold of their technical presentation too, we’ve uncovered more stuff that weren’t mentioned in the summarized press statement.

• Moving into the new decade, Subaru wants to achieve a deeper bond with their customers. In their words, they want to transform from “a company that makes things to a company that makes its owners smile.”
• With that in mind, Subaru thinks that the strength of its brand doesn’t lie in its functionality, but rather, being able to speak in a way that’s relatable to its customers. Thus, they want to focus on three core aspects: Safety, Longevity, and Adventure/Versatility.
• In the coming years, Subaru will be enhancing its Subaru Global Platform (SGP) to maximize the potential of its driver. Using a human-centric design, they’ve realized that a driver’s input vis-à-vis the car’s response is delayed by as much as 65 percent. To counter this, they’re working to reduce the friction in the steering system, analyzed and improved the body rigidity, and optimized the joining method on the body.
• Moreover, they are set to improve the high-speed stability of their vehicles that by 2022, they will use a 2.74-kilometer running wind tunnel in the United Kingdom as part of their design validation process.
• Subaru is also keen to improve its trademark all-wheel drive system. This evolved system will vary the torque split between the front and rear wheels by monitoring the difference in wheel speed and the amount of driving force so that it will “offer All-Wheel Drive stability with rear-wheel drive turning performance.”
• As part of their plan to reduce their CO2 emissions taken from a Well-to-Wheel perspective, Subaru will launch their brand-new 1.8-liter Boxer 4-cylinder engine this year. It’s confirmed on the next-generation Levorg, and likely, it’ll be the same one used in the upcoming WRX. It offers less friction than their current engine line, and will also introduce a new proprietary spark technology to improve efficiency. This is how the engine looks like:

• Aside from this new downsized turbo engine, Subaru will expand the use of its Mild Hybrid (e-BOXER) system while also collaborating with Toyota for their first “Strong Hybrid” vehicle which debuts before 2025. Despite using the THS or Toyota Hybrid System, it’s placement along the vehicle’s central access makes it unique and will thereby result in good handling.
• Subaru says that vehicles equipped with this “Strong Hybrid” system will feature a direct drive All-Wheel Drive system. This means the front wheels will be powered by the internal combustion engine, while the rear wheels will be driven by the electric motor.
• Finally, Subaru also revealed how their first battery electric vehicle (BEV) looks like (see lead photo). This compact crossover is developed in cooperation with Toyota and will feature a high-response motor and all-wheel drive that “improves traction performance and provide stability in all driving environments.”

Subaru to Electrify Entire Line-Up in 10 Years

Subaru Corporation revealed the future direction of its technology development efforts, an opportune time given the automotive industry is facing increasing pressure to electrify their line-up.

President Tomomi Nakamura said: “Even in this once-in-a-century period of profound transformation, Subaru’s strong commitment and dedication towards car-manufacturing that we have cultivated throughout our history remain unchanged. With the aim of making Subaru different from other brands, we will further hone the distinctive qualities that make a Subaru a Subaru, maintaining the unique attributes our customers have come to expect. At the same time, as we work to fulfill our social responsibilities, including the protection of the global environment, we will leverage Subaru’s unique character and technological innovation to contribute to the creation of a carbon-free society.”

Regardless of this change, Subaru says they will continue to focus on enhancing their distinctive core technologies: the horizontally-opposed “Boxer” engines, all-wheel-drive (AWD) technologies, superior driving performance and safety, EyeSight driver assist system, and now, environmental technologies.

At the briefing, Subaru announced the following long-term goals:

• By 2050: Reduce average well-to-wheel CO2 emissions from new vehicles (in operation) sold worldwide by 90 percent or more compared to 2010 levels.
• By 2030: Make at least 40 percent of Subaru global sales electric vehicles (EVs) or hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs).
• By the first half of the 2030s: Apply electrification technologies to all Subaru vehicles sold worldwide.

Aside from the CO2 emissions reduction goals for vehicles announced, Subaru will also aim to reduce the direct CO2 emissions from their facilities to 30 percent below 2017 levels by 2031.

UPDATED: Subaru PH Greets Chinese New Year with Discounts on Service, Parts, and Accessories

UPDATE: Due to unforeseen circumstances, this Chinese New Year promo is being postponed to a later date. (1/24).

In celebration of Chinese New Year, Motor Image Pilipinas is offering several aftersales service promos including discounts on parts, accessories, and labor.

Valid from Friday, January 24 to Friday, January 31, 2020, get an oil change (2006-2018 models only) for just P 5,555. This oil change package includes:

• 5 liters of fully synthetic motor oil
• Oil filter
• Washer drain plug
• Brake paste
• Oil change labor

They’ll even throw in a bunch of complimentary services such as brake inspection, tire rotation, battery inspection and charging, belt inspection, AC and air filter cleaning.

For those who don’t need an oil change, the Subaru Chinese New Year promo also offers:

• 15 percent off recommended parts replacement
• 20 percent off labor
• 25 percent off selected accessories
• Free vehicle inspection

This special promo is valid at all Subaru dealerships nationwide and given the higher volume of vehicles expected during this time, Motor Image Pilipinas is encouraging owners to book a service appointment ahead of time.

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.

Subaru Philippines to Veer Away from Heavy Discounting, to Focus on Brand Strength to Sell

This year, Motor Image is turning a new leaf in the Philippines, and will finally do away with aggressive discounting which have hurt its brand image somewhat. For 2020 onwards, the exclusive distributor of Subaru across 11 markets in Asia will instead focus on one aspect: safety.

“Starting this year, instead of aggressive discounting which we’ve done in the past, we’re going to focus on safety as the main brand pillar of Subaru,” says Mr. Glenn Tan, Deputy Chairman and Managing Director of Motor Image’s parent company, Tan Chong International. “We’re confident of hitting our 30 percent growth target this year even if we have to raise the prices of our vehicles sometime this year due to unfavorable exchange rates.”

This move makes perfect sense since safety is something that can’t be achieved by its competitors (aka the Chinese brands) easily. Subaru has built a reputation globally around safety for the better part of a decade. It was named in Interbrand’s Best Global Brands in 2018 thanks to its consistent brand positioning that “embodies the highest levels of safety and functionality, while also instilling a sense of enjoyment that encourages drivers to get the most out of life.”

With safety-related scandals rocking the Japanese automaker in 2018, they slipped out of the mythical 100 Best Global Brands in 2019. However, they’re now ready to move forward. Thanks to changes in its manufacturing system in Japan, Subaru has pledged to make ever-safer cars that ultimately contribute to its owner’s peace of mind.

Meanwhile, as Motor Image starts rolling out its EyeSight driver assist system across the markets they’re present in, it’s an opportune time to focus on their vehicle’s safety aspect. Debuting at this year’s Singapore Motor Show, is a new song done with long-time collaborator, Michael Bolton. Entitled, “I’ll Keep You Safe,” it focuses on the longevity of Subaru products as well as its cutting-edge safety features told in relatable, life situations. It’ll be used in marketing campaigns for Subaru across Asia.

Furthermore, Subaru has also introduced the “SAFE” brand wall which lists all of its 100-plus safety for features. Here’s what we could decipher and yes, it does list 100 safety features.

1. Thin A-pillars with body-mounted side mirrors
2. Tiltable and extendable head restraints for front occupants
3. Clear & easy-to-read instrument meters
4. Big windshield and big windows
5. Power adjustable driver’s seat
6. Extendable head restraints for three rear occupants
7. Tilt-adjustable and telescopic steering wheel
8. Rubber-studded aluminum pedals
9. Paddle shifters
10. Logical & easy-to-use 8-inch display audio system
11. 2018-2019 Grand Prix Award in JNCAP collision safety performance
12. Bluetooth hands-free phone connectivity
13. Color 4.2-inch LCD meter display
14. Large & easy-to-adjust air-conditioning controls
15. Steering wheel-mounted audio remote controls
16. Color 6.3-inch multi-function display
17. Vehicle self-check upon engine start
18. Anti-pinch power windows
19. Anti-pinch rear gate
20. Anti-pinch power sunroof
21. Anti-pinch side sill steps
22. Wide-angle driver’s door
23. Wide & upright rear door openings
24. Child-proof rear door locks
25. Collision detection unlock for all doors & tailgate
26. Ground clearance of 220 mm
27. Wading capability of 500 mm depth
28. Ample approach angle of 20.2 degrees
29. 5-star safety rating by National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
30. Ample departure angle of 25.8 degrees
31. Ample breakover angle of 21.4 to 21.5 degrees
32. PIN code access
33. 4-wheel independent suspension
34. Engine immobilizer
35. Symmetrical all-wheel drive
36. Boxer engine
37. X-Mode
38. Hill Descent Control
39. All-around ventilated disc brakes
40. 4-sensor, 4-channel anti-lock braking system
41. Electronic brakeforce distribution
42. Vehicle Dynamics Control
43. Retractable cargo cover
44. Active Torque Vectoring
45. Precise & responsive steering system
46. High-tensile steel in body
47. Ring-shaped reinforcement frame
48. Side-impact door beams
49. Subaru Global Platform
50. Rollover-safe roof & cabin ceiling
51. 5 stars ANCAP safety rating
52. Breakaway boxer engine
53. Shock-absorbing front bumper
54. Protective front underguard
55. Protective rear underguard
56. Protective side claddings
57. ISOFIX attachment points for child seats
58. Curtain airbags
59. Security relocking
60. Front airbag for driver
61. Side airbag for driver
62. Front seatbelt pretensioners & load limiters
63. Height-adjustable front seatbelt anchorages
64. Three-point seatbelts for three rear occupants
65. Side airbags for front passenger
66. Knee airbag for driver
67. Auto-retracting safety pedals
68. Front airbag for front passenger
69. 2019 Top Safety Pick+ award from Insurance Institute for Highway Safety
70. EyeSight Adaptive Cruise Control
71. EyeSight Lane Sway Warning
72. EyeSight Pre-Collision Braking
73. EyeSight Pre-Collision Throttle Management
74. EyeSight Lane Departure Warning
75. Brake Assist System
76. Brake Override
77. Auto Vehicle Hold
78. EyeSight Lead Vehicle Start Alert
79. Blind Spot Detection
80. Subaru Rear Vehicle Detection
81. Lane Change Assist
82. Rear Cross Traffic Alert
83. Rear View Camera
84. Reverse Automatic Braking
85. Side View Monitor
86. 2018-2019 Advanced Safety Vehicle Triple Plus (ASV +++) rating in JNCAP preventive safety performance
87. Intermittent rear wiper with water spray
88. Heated door mirrors
89. Auto-tilt door mirrors
90. Auto-dimming rear view mirror
91. Electric rear windshield defogger
92. High Beam Assist
93. LED headlamps with pop-up washers
94. Rain-sensing windscreen wipers
95. Auto on/off headlights
96. Steering Responsive Headlights
97. LED front fog lights
98. Rear fog lights
99. LED rear combination lamps
100. Emergency Stop Signal

Subaru Predicts 30 Percent Increase in Sales Thanks to New Models Including the 7-Seater Evoltis and More GT Edition Models

Motor Image Pilipinas, the exclusive distributor of Subaru vehicles in the Philippines has made a bold prediction regarding its sales this year. They project that thanks to a slew of new product introductions, sales will increase by 30 percent compared to 2019 levels.

At the sidelines of the Singapore Motor Show 2020, where the Subaru Forester e-BOXER, Forester GT Edition, and refreshed Impreza were showcased, Mr. Glenn Tan, Deputy Chairman and Managing Director of Motor Image’s parent company, Tan Chong International says 2020 will be a strong year for the Japanese car brand.

More GT Edition Models on the Way

Mr. Tan says that he expects sales to be stronger this year thanks to the introduction of more GT Edition models such as the Forester GT Edition. A sportier variant of their most popular model, the Forester, it joins the Subaru XV GT Edition in getting a body kit specifically designed for Motor Image by former Subaru designer, Masahiko “Jack” Kobayashi.

“The introduction of the GT Edition to our Subaru XV has boosted our sales by around 30 percent,” reveals Mr. Tan. “We expect the same effect with the introduction of the GT Edition for the Forester as well as the Levorg GT Edition which will soon follow.”

The Forester GT Edition will launch this April for the Philippine market at the Manila International Auto Show.

7-Seater Subaru Ascent Arriving with a Different Name

Another interesting tidbit shared by Mr. Tan has to do with the 7-seater Subaru Ascent. Apparently, it will arrive in the country with a different name.

“The Subaru Ascent will carry the name Evoltis,” says Mr. Tan. “The Ascent name cannot be used for our market due to issues with its name. However, it will be the same vehicle—the same 7-seater SUV made at Subaru of Indiana using the turbocharged 2.4-liter Boxer engine.”

This makes perfect sense since Subaru Corporation has actually filed a trademark for the name, Evoltis way back in 2018. Previously though it was rumored to have been the name of the brand’s upcoming plug-in hybrid vehicle; apparently, that’s not the case. Instead, it’s going to be the Subaru Ascent’s export name for markets such as the Philippines.

It’s understood that several units of the Subaru Ascent / Evoltis have already made it into the Philippines for evaluative purposes. The launch date is slated around the third quarter of 2020 and may launch side-by-side with the Subaru Forester e-BOXER.

No Subaru Impreza Hatchback

Finally, in a last piece of rather sad news, Mr. Tan also confirmed that the refreshed Impreza won’t be arriving as a 5-door hatchback after all.

“As much as we wanted to bring the 5-door hatchback to the Philippine market, no suitable specification exists from Subaru,” reveals Mr. Tan. “While there is a 5-door hatchback available for left-hand drive markets, it’s more of an entry-level model, unsuitable for our positioning in the Philippines.”

That being said, despite being difficult to sell, Motor Image says they will continue to sell the Impreza as a 4-door sedan. With that, they remain committed to the nameplate, with plans to bring in the refreshed 2020 model as soon as possible.

Subaru's EyeSight Cameras Will Soon Help You See at Intersections

Hitachi Automotive Systems, the company partly responsible for Subaru’s EyeSight system says they’ve now enhanced the range of the stereoscopic camera to enable Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) at intersections without the need for millimeter-wave radar.

The Japanese tech giant has done this by applying upgraded sensor technologies. This includes the use of a horizontal, wide-angle camera, high-definition CMOS sensors, and a processor that detects objects (including pedestrians). Moreover, they’ve also figured out a way to shift images detected by the left and right cameras.

Thanks to this development, the stereoscopic cameras will have an angle of view three times wider than the current standard enabling it to offer Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) when turning at intersections, while still maintaining other functions such as Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC).

According to Hitachi, it provides highly accurate detection and range estimation of pedestrians and cyclists improving safety at intersections with just a minimal number of components.

It’s currently not known when Hitachi or its main client, Subaru plans to roll out this enhanced stereoscopic camera system, but for sure, once it’s been approved for road use, the Japanese automaker will waste no time in implementing it in their cars given that one of their brand pillars now is safety.

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.

Subaru Plans to Combat Boring with More GT Edition Variants

Motor Image wants to combat boring by launching even more GT Edition variants of its popular models. After the Subaru XV, and now the Forester getting GT Editions, soon, the Levorg and Impreza will join them in receiving the same sporty treatment.

The styling kits, designed by former Subaru designer Masahiko “Jack” Kobayashi and manufactured by Giken, an award-winning Japanese company are developed exclusively for Motor Image.

During the launch of the Forester GT Edition, Mr. Glenn Tan, Deputy Chairman and Managing Director of Tan Chong International, the parent company of Motor Image had this to say, “I am happy to bring Giken and Kobayashi-san back for our second bespoke GT Edition project. Some people feel that the Forester over the years has become a little sedate and mainstream. Now, it no longer is. With its sharpened design all around, we are positive the sporty and stylish Forester GT Edition will stand out wherever it goes. I look forward to working on the next GT Edition with them.”

Later on, Mr. Tan confirmed that the next two GT Edition models will be the Levorg and the Impreza.

And while the GT Edition kits cannot be retrofitted to existing units, Mr. Tan says they’re also working on their very own line of aftermarket body kits as well. These will be different from the GT Edition ones, and will be marketed separately under a different name. In terms of price, it will slot below the Subaru STI, yet they’ll likely be even more aggressive given the prevailing market taste of those in ASEAN.

Get a Subaru Oil Change for Less than P 5K Until End of the Month

Motor Image Pilipinas, the exclusive distributor of Subaru vehicles in the Philippines is saying, “thank you” in the biggest way possible by offering aftersales parts and service at unbeatable prices up to October 31, 2019 at the Kansha Festival 2019.

The offer, valid at all authorized Subaru dealership nationwide reduces the price of an oil change to less than P 5,000 (P 4,999 to be exact). The package is applicable to all MY2006 to MY2016 Subaru models and includes the following:

• Fully synthetic engine oil (5 liters)
• Oil filter
• Washer drain plug
• Oil change labor

Moreover, Subaru’s throwing in complimentary service which covers:

• Brake inspection
• Check battery and charging system
• Tire rotation
• Belt inspection
• Clean air conditioner and air filter

Plus, if your Subaru needs additional TLC above the usual oil change, owners will benefit from:

• 20 percent off recommended parts replacement
• 20 percent off labor recommendations
• 30 percent off selected accessory parts

Of course, it won’t be the Kansha Festival without the usual free snacks and refreshments. Aspiring Subaru owners can also enjoy exclusive sales offers on selected models during the one-week long event.

Motor Image highly suggests to book a service appointment ahead of time (click this link) to reduce waiting times at your authorized dealership.