Designed just for Asia and with sporty intentions, this GT Edition will be hard sell for Subaru dealers in Malaysia, especially now when the economy is slowing down and car buying is not on the priority list of middle class Malaysians, who is the target market.
TC Subaru Sdn Bhd, the exclusive distributor of Subaru vehicles in Malaysia will have a tough time trying to bring customers into showrooms to test drive this version of the successful Forester as the regular version of the Forester with Eyesight is selling for RM159,888 and also with the rivals having equally good vehicles in their respective showrooms.
The special edition Forester is the second GT Edition model in Malaysia – the first being the XV GT Edition – created in close collaboration with renowned engineering company Giken Co. Ltd and Mr Masahiko “Jack” Kobayashi.
Mr Kobayashi is the former Chief Designer (Head of Global Advanced Design Studio) at Subaru Corporation and was responsible for the exterior design of more than 12 Subaru production models, including the legendary WRX STI.
The special GT Edition aero kit has four well-made and integrated elements, which give the rugged yet refined Forester a sleeker and even sportier look:
- Front bumper lip extension
- Side skirts
- Roof spoiler
- Rear bumper lip extension
These are complemented by a set of 18-inch bespoke alloy wheels. It also boasts its own seat-leather design. Completing the equipment package of the Forester GT Edition is a new 8-inch Display Audio System with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, and a Superview Around Recognition 360 System (360° around-view monitor system), which enables drivers to park and manoeuvre with ease.
Tailored specifically with Motor Image’s in-depth understanding of the market, Mr Kobayashi’s expertise, as well as Giken’s experience, the Forester GT Edition is expected to be a game-changer for Subaru in Malaysia.
An extraordinary SUV that does it all, the Forester GT Edition comes with the four hallmark Subaru Core Technologies – Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, Boxer Engine, Subaru Global Platform and EyeSight Driver Assist Technology – all of which contribute to a total of more than 100 safety features.
“We are proud to introduce the Forester GT Edition to Malaysia. Now, the Forester looks more rugged yet refined, sophisticated and sporty. It is specially made for those who want to stand out from the crowd and defy convention. With it, we are offering customers here a better line-up, better quality and value. I believe it will excite the market and drive product interest,” said Mr Glenn Tan, Deputy Chairman and Managing Director of Tan Chong International Ltd. Tan Chong International Ltd owns the Motor Image Group of companies.
Mr Kobayashi originally trained and practised as a fashion designer in Tokyo before graduating with a degree in Transportation Design. In his 25-year career with Subaru, he was known as the ‘hit maker’, after designing numerous successful models, including the original Outback, which was the world’s first sports utility wagon, several generations of the Legacy and Impreza, the current WRX and WRX STI sports saloons, the Levorg sports tourer and the first-generation XV. He is now an independent designer.
Giken is an award-winning engineering company founded in 1964. Holding numerous patents in Japan, South Korea and the United States, it has established itself as an industry leader in the design and manufacturing of technological and material handling systems. Giken is a global supplier of aero-parts and other passenger car components to Subaru and other major Japanese car brands.
Available for order
The Subaru Forester GT Edition is offered in seven colours – Crystal White Pearl, Ice Silver Metallic, Jasper Green Metallic, Horizon Blue Pearl, Sepia Bronze Metallic, Dark Grey Metallic and Crystal Black Silica.
Subaru Forester 2.0i-S EyeSight GT Edition – RM177,788
View the Subaru Forester GT Edition today at all Subaru showrooms nationwide. In line with Subaru’s focus on safety, the company has implemented stringent protocols at all its facilities for the health, safety and peace of mind of customers when they visit.
