April 8, 2016

MIAS 2016: New Subaru Forester Arrives with a Price Hike


Having driven the 2016 Subaru Forester as well as outlining the new/updated features, the cycle is now complete as Subaru distributor, Motor Image Pilipinas, has finally brought its refreshed compact crossover to the country. Featuring some aesthetic tweaks and packing more tech, the 2016 Forester is now here for the “active family that wants to live life to the fullest”.

The Philippine-spec Foresters are a bit different from those shown at the Bangkok International Motor Show. Aside from being made in Japan, the normally-aspirated trims, the 2.0i-L and 2.0i-Premium share the same front clip while the 2.0XT retains its usual sporty bumper. All models locally don’t have daytime running lights (DRLs) too.

Surprisingly, the 2016 Forester sees a notable P 50,000 increase across the entire model range. The 2.0i-L is now P 1,448,000, the 2.0i-Premium is P 1,648,000, and the 2.0XT is now P 1,918,000.

But before you raise your pitchforks at Motor Image Pilipinas’s decision to hike the price, buyers of the new Forester do get a P 30,000 discount if you book at the Manila International Auto Show. This discount may be applied as service vouchers or to genuine accessories.

9 comments:

  1. Aren't those C shaped light strips surrounding the head lights DRLs?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Nope. Those are park lights. the DRLs are located on the bumper. The Malaysian-built units though have the DRLs located on the bumper which also activates the park lights. Weird, I know.

      Delete
    2. It's amazing how a little touch-up as park lights can change dramatically a car's looks. Really nice. But the price increase
      is not.

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    3. Actually the price increase is only 50k. If you can after afford a 1.5-2.0 M SUV, then 50k is not big of a deal.

      That and they gave 30k discounts to cash/immediate buyers during MIAS.

      Seems fair imho =)

      Delete
  2. It is imported CBU from Malaysia or Japan?

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  3. Hi Mr. Ang,
    May I check if this is also the case for the facelifted 2016 Subaru Forester released in PH?
    What Subaru changed for 2016 is reducing noise vibration and harshness (NVH). They did this by making the window panels thicker and adding sound insulation materials in key locations on the monocoque. Engineers also reworked the suspension with a beefier front crossmember, revised shocks and springs, and enhanced rear suspension alignment.

    Thank you.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Thank you for the speedy reply, Mr. Ang. Deciding whether to get the pre-facelift model with a discount or the new one with a higher price tag.

    ReplyDelete

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