March 21, 2016

8 Changes with the 2016 Subaru Forester (And 3 That Haven't) w/ Brochure, Specs


Subaru just let us drive the 2016 Forester. And before waiting for our first impressions on their substantially updated compact crossover, here’s a rundown on some details on what’s new and what’s not.

What Has Changed

1. Refreshed Design
Keeping itself competitive with its sleeker competition, the boxy Forester gets some detail changes for 2016. The most noticeable part is the front end with the new grille, headlights, and bumpers. In addition, the mid-range 2.0i-Premium now gets the same sporty bumpers as the 2.0XT. At each corner, the Forester gets revised alloy wheels across the line though the measurements remain the same with either 17- or 18-inches depending on the model grade. At the back, new LED taillights with the same “hawk-eye” signature lighting complete the difference.

2. Plusher Interior
Like the exterior, the 2016 Forester gets a heavy revamp with the interior. The low-rent silver trim is gone and in its place: high-gloss piano black inserts. This is a finished echoed in the power window bezel and the center console too. The steering wheel, shared with the Legacy and Outback, is new. It’s a quieter place with thicker glass all around and more sound deadening. And together with the quieter interior, a better audio system with touch screen controls on all variants with the 2.0XT getting an 8-speaker Harman/Kardon system and Siri Hands-Free. All but the 2.0i-L gets a full-color LCD multi-information display sandwiched between the speedo and tach as well as a high-grade information display on the center console.


3. LED Steering Responsive Headlights
Apart from integrating Subaru’s trademark “hawk-eye” daytime running lights, the Forester gets LED lighting elements for the headlights with auto on/off capability. Setting the 2.0i-Premium and 2.0XT apart is the Steering Responsive Headlights or SRH. This allows the headlights to move left or right according to steering wheel movement ensuring better night-time visibility.

4. PIN Code Access
Knowing a typical Subaru owner’s penchant for “dirty” lifestyle activities, the 2016 Forester gets the added convenience of a PIN Code Access system. This allows owners to lock and unlock their car using a programmable five-digit pin code. This means the key fob can actually be left in the car without worrying it’ll get lost in the bike trail, get drenched in sweat while running a marathon, or get wet when swimming.

5. Power Seats with Memory
Further increasing the differentiation between the base 2.0i-L model and the rest of the line-up, the higher grades of the 2016 Forester now gets power seats for both the driver and front passenger. In fact, the driver gets the convenience of a two-setting memory adjustment too.


6. More Airbags
The Forester is the only one in its class to get a standard set of six airbags (dual front, side, and curtains). This year that count increases to seven with the driver getting a knee airbag. This is further proof of the brand’s commitment to deliver first-class safety as proven by its numerous accolades and recognitions globally.

7. Tougher Chassis
Together with more airbags, the 2016 Forester features a modified chassis that not only contributes to better safety, but improves handling and ride as well. This starts with a stiffer front cross member that reduces chassis flex, especially during cornering or off-roading. Together with the stiffer front cross member, the coil springs and dampers have been tweaked for a more comfortable ride.

8. New Campaign
The previous Forester was marketed under the campaign of “Enjoy More of Everything”. The 2016 model now goes with the campaign of “Is There Anything You Can’t Do”. This switch in marketing communication under the leadership of Mr. Glenn Tan, Tan Chong International Ltd.’s Executive Director (parent company of Motor Image – Subaru) reminds people that they can achieve anything they have set their eyes on and that the Forester will accompany them throughout their adventure.


What Hasn’t Changed

1. Engines and Transmissions
All models of the Forester get carried over engines and transmissions. The normally-aspirated models use the 2.0-liter 4-cylinder FB20 with 150 horsepower at 6,200 rpm and 198 Nm of torque at 4,200 rpm while the XT uses the turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder FA20DIT with 241 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 350 Nm of torque at 2,400 to 3,600 rpm. Of course, the increased glass thickness, sound deadening, and larger front cross member did contribute to a slightly heavier curb weight with the 2.0i-L and 2.0i-Premium gaining 11 kilograms (1,518 versus 1,507) while the 2.0XT gaining a whopping 28 kilograms (1,641 versus 1,613). Acceleration times remain the same though with the FB20-equipped models doing the century mark in 11.8 seconds while the turbocharged XT dispatching it in 7.5 seconds. Interestingly, the XT gets a revised transmission logic that allows the CVT to mimic gear changes when the throttle is engaged above 35 percent.

2. X-MODE
Subaru’s trick X-MODE, a system that made its debut on the Forester in 2013, continues on in the 2016 model. This one-button system integrates a host of functions that give the Forester surprisingly good off-road capability. This includes modifications to the car’s throttle response, stability control behavior, and so much more. It also modifies the Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive’s torque split, allowing it to lock at a 50/50 much earlier than with it off. Best of all, it automatically disengages at speeds above 40 km/h, so there’s no worry about leaving it on accidentally when hitting the pavement.


3. Price
Available for bookings at all Subaru dealerships nationwide starting April 7, the 2016 Forester will hold its Philippine launch at the Manila International Auto Show. As early as now though, would-be Forester owners should know that there won’t be any price increase despite the substantial uptick in technology. The 2.0i-L enters in at P 1,398,000 with the 2.0i-Premium going for  P 1,598,000 and the 2.0XT topping out at P 1,868,000.



48 comments:

  1. how about the fuel consumption for L & Premium variants considering the added weight

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  2. Is this updated Forester still a good buy considering that Subaru will introduce the Suba Global Platform with the SUV in about 2 years from now?

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  3. Is it just me that still thinks that the top of the line Mazda CX-5 more interesting than the Subaru Forester?

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    1. It's just you because the top of the line Forester XT IS THE MOST INTERESTING THAN THE TOP OF THE LINE CX-5!!!!!

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    2. Everytime there's a new article about subaru, this retard shows up.

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    3. When a see a top variant Mazda CX5 in Soul Red color, it always blows me away, whereas when I see a Forester XT, it doesn't look that appealing like the CX5. But the top variant Forester has more power due to the turbocharged engine, but then again, the CX5 is lighter and has better power to weight ratio.

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    4. And the wheels of the previous XT looks a lot better than the new one. -_-

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    5. But when I see the top variant CX-5, it LOOKS like a ZOMBIE! whereas when I see the NEW Forester XT, it always AND forever blows me away and it DOES look appealing to the CX-5. Then again, the CX-5 SHOULD be disqualified from the New York Daily News award and the new wheels of the new XT LOOKS BEST than the previous one and the STI wheel with it!

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    6. I bet you haven't even seen a top variant Mazda CX-5 in person.

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    7. He probably did but his retardedness prevents him from having good judgement. His parents fault, not his. Retarded people like tnis guy shouldn't be on the internet in the first place.

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    8. Ouch! Thats deragatory. I guess it takes one to know one.

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  4. "7. Tougher Chassis" does this mean they found that the old models might have problems when cornering or off-roading and are unsafe in the long run?
    And why RHD photos? Will they sell RHD models in PH or they were just too lazy to prepare marketing photos for the PH market?

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    1. Not exactly, but adding rigidity improves ride and handling. It's also in the interest of safety since it means it can withstand tougher crashes.

      As for the photo, we're here at the regional launch in Thailand. And because the Philippines is one of the few LHD markets in ASEAN, they provided RHD product shots. This version of the Forester hasn't even come out yet in the US.

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    2. Units will be manufacture in Thailand for Philippine markets?

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  5. Hi, Uly. You mentioned, "the mid-range 2.0i-Premium now gets the same sporty bumpers as the 2.0XT" Does it mean 2.0i-Premium will also have the "fangs"-like bumper?

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  6. sa mga naka forester dyan?.. is it true that this car is on the high side of maintenance/ PMS/ Parts? compared to other mainstream SUVs?.. Is subaru for everybody?.. thanks!

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    1. Yup that's true. But you're getting solid reliability.

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    2. Hi Uly, hope you can also chime in on this. I'm interested in a Forester but I'd love to know your (and all other Forester owners') experience when it comes to the maintenance costs of Subarus. I believe I read in a separate carguide article that Uly has experienced a gasket replacement early in the life of his Subaru?

      If Subarus indeed possess solid reliability, how can you quantify that? Also, how much more expensive are Subarus to maintain vs. say, a Toyota or a Honda?

      Happy to hear from Uly and all Subaru owners. Thanks! :)

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    3. It wasn't a CarGuide.PH article but on my personal Facebook page.

      Anyway, Subaru is quite reliable. I have two of them and with the exception of the leaking valve gasket problem, I've never experienced anything negative with them. Perhaps that experience was a one off.

      In terms of maintenance cost, they're quite similar to a Honda. The exception being is the service interval every 40k kilometers. You need to replace all fluids and that costs a lot. Around P25k for that. Besides that, it's around just P 15k per year? Not so bad unless you drive a lot.

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  7. Hi Uly, are they offering EyeSight as an option yet?

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  8. I just checked the comments to see if Richard JOASH Tan the MONGGOLOID will post... I WAS RIGHT! HOORAY!!!

    MONGGOLOID!!!!!

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  9. sir uly, when is the expected release here in the philippines?

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  10. Hi Uly, hope you can also chime in on one of the earlier comments above regarding maintenance. I'm interested in a Forester but I'd love to know your (and all other Forester owners') experience when it comes to the maintenance costs of Subarus. I believe I read in a separate carguide article that Uly has experienced a gasket replacement early in the life of his Subaru?

    If Subarus indeed possess solid reliability (as stated by one of the repliers above), how can you quantify that? Also, how much more expensive are Subarus to maintain vs. say, a Toyota or a Honda?

    Happy to hear from Uly and all Subaru owners. Thanks! :)

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    1. the dreaded subaru head gasket issues.. I thought they aleady brought a fix on this. Not that big of an issue but the work involved to fix this is on the premium side. I wonder if the oil eating engine issue is fixed as well. I guess we have to live to accept these issues if we do want to own and have a subaru. And the always busted tail lamps of the XV anyone?...

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    2. Not a head gasket. A valve gasket. Two different things. The valve gasket leak, which I had, is easier to fix and took only a day. Cost me around P6k.

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    3. I have a 2014 Subaru XT which I love. Last November I did a road trip around Northern Luzon with 2 friends and it was fantastic in the mountains. and few cars can beat it away from the lights.

      I have had a few issues with the rear door not opening properly and a fuse blow, but Subaru BGC have always been very good with servicing. However, I have been told that when I reach 40,000km I will need a CVT fluid change which will cost PHP17,000. Maybe I should see about a trade-in!?

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    4. 17k just for CVT fluid change?? God I hope that's not true. Maybe it's for the whole 40k km PMS and not just the CVT fluid? Hope you can clarify, thanks.

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    5. I don't know about the CVT fluid, but I know the differential fluid is like 1,500 per liter. And you need 8 liters of the stuff. That alone is P 12,000. I know the typical 40k PMS is worth 20ish

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    6. About the dreaded Subaru head gasket issues though... Is this problem prevalent in Subarus in the Philippines too? Been trying to read up on it from forums in the US, sounds like it's only prevalent in 2.5L engines and not 2.0L ones. Is this accurate?

      If not, what year models (e.g. of the Forester) should I buy so I can avoid the head gasket issues?

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  11. Hi Uly, is it confirmed that the price of the 2016 facelifted models are the same, because I was told otherwise by the sales agent of one of the subaru showrooms.

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    1. After I posted this, Subaru Philippines says they still have 2 weeks to final the pricing. We'll find out by MIAS what they decide

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    2. Hi Uly,

      Not the same with the person anonymous above, but regardless, does this mean this statement is not true? "As early as now though, would-be Forester owners should know that there won’t be any price increase despite the substantial uptick in technology."
      Hope you can help clarify, thanks!

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    3. Their official line is that the price will remain the same, but that still have two weeks to finalize the price.

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    4. Latest news out of Motor Image is that there will be a price increase for the 2016 Forester. Looks like the XT will be P 1,918,000. That's worrisome given the intense competition out there.

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  12. hi Sir Uly,
    I also hear a lot about brake problems on Forester year 2009 models. Is it true? Thanks for sharing your actual ownership experience of Subarus

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    1. No real brake problems, only excessive brake dust.

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  13. boss uly, i love the xt and i am just waiting for May (company car plan) to buy the xt, my first subaru ever.

    accdg to subaru pampanga, the price of the newly facelifted xt will be without any discount whereas the 2015 model will have about 150k discount.

    150k discount is quite a large sum. if you were to buy an xt by May, would it be wise to get the 2015 model (and the 150k discount) or the new one without any discount?

    thanks

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    Replies
    1. I think I answered this same question somewhere?

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  14. Hi Ulysses. Can you please tell me where you had your valve cover gaskets replaced? Hope it's not in MI as I don't want to spend too much. Thanks.

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    1. It wasn't a head gasket. It valve and sparkplug gasket.

      Didn't cost too much. Labor and parts were something like P 6k. Had it done at Motor Image.

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