2020 Subaru Forester GT debuts as a snazzy-looking crossover at P2.2M

Updated Mar 27, 2020 | Same topic: Automotive Industry Updates

Check out the sportier GT edition of the Subaru Forester – now available in the Philippines.

Motor Image Pilipinas, Inc. (MIPI), the official distributor of Subaru vehicles in the country, has officially introduced the 2020 Subaru Forester GT Edition to the local market. The thing that stands out in the new Forester GT edition is the design. As Subaru would like to describe it, the Forester GT is “Designed to impress.” 

Glenn Tan, Deputy Chairman & Managing Director of Tan Chong Int’l Ltd., said, “What’s interesting in Asia is that a lot of the customers like to make their cars more sporty looking and I think that is something that seems to be quite common in Asia.” 

The GT edition aero kit which includes front bumper lip extension, side skirts, roof spoiler, and rear bumper lip extension gave the Subaru Forester 2020 its rugged yet sporty look.

Rear view of the Forester

Rear Bumper Lip Extension Aero Kit

However, there are no changes under the hood, as the Forester GT uses the same 2.0-L gasoline boxer engine from the standard Forester which is capable of producing 154 hp and 196 Nm of torque that runs on Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive System and Lineartronic CVT. Completing the drivetrain are 18-inch bespoke alloy wheels that have a “GT” logo on it.

>>> Related: Subaru Forester 2020 Philippines Review: Adulting 101

Wheel of Subaru Forester GT

The sporty wheel exclusive to the GT edition

The interior of the GT edition also gets plenty of upgrades. Starting off with its own high-quality leather seat design. It also comes with a new 8-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivities, as well as a 360° Around View Monitor system.

"We are proud to introduce the Forester GT Edition to the Philippines. 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," said Glenn Tan.

Safety features include the Subaru Global Platform and EyeSight driver-assist technology which monitors the movement of your car in relation to its surroundings. The Eyesight is responsible for Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keep Assist and Sway Warning, Pre-Collision Warning, and Pre-Collision Throttle Movement.

>>> Related: What to expect in the next-generation Subaru WRX

EyeSight driver-assist technology

EyeSight driver-assist technology of Subaru

As for pricing, the new Subaru Forester GT edition retails for Php 2,210,000. In contrast, the high-end variant of standard Forester is priced at Php 1,828,000.

Here at Philkotse.com, we value your interest in new car releases and the latest news in the auto industry. You can visit our website to find out more. 

Know more about Subaru Forester 2024

Subaru Forester

The Subaru Forester is a five-seater, all-wheel-drive, compact crossover. For the Philippine market, this model has three variants. This includes the Forester 2.0i-S EyeSight CVT, Forester 2.0i-L EyeSight CVT, and the Forester GT Edition priced at Php 1,938,000, Php 2,168,000 and Php 2,298,000 respectively. 

Under the hood, the Philippine-spec Subaru Forester uses a 2.0-liter boxer gasoline engine. This mill can make up to 154hp and 196Nm of torque. The sole Forester variant has a lineartronic continuously variable gearbox, and all have all-wheel-drive.

Size-wise, the Forester is 4,640mm long, 1,815mm wide, and 1,730mm in height. It also has a wheelbase length of 2,670mm and a ground clearance of 220mm.

In the local market, the Subaru Forester competes against the likes of the Toyota RAV4, Mazda CX-5, Honda CR-V, among others.

>>> New and used Subaru Forester 2024 for sale in the Philippines

 

Subaru Forester Lineup Comparison | Philkotse Reviews

 

Subaru Forester Launch

Subaru Corporation has been manufacturing this bestselling SUV since 1997. Since then, it has received various awards such as SUV of the Year and Best Car to Buy both in 2014.

Locally, the fifth-generation Subaru Forester received a refreshing update to its exterior and interior which fans and new followers love. The present model still bears the company’s former slogan “SUV tough, Car Easy.”

The Forester GT Edition was then launched at the 2023 Manila International Auto Show. 

Subaru Forester Exterior

The Subaru Forester measures 4,640mm long, 1,815mm wide, and 1,730mm tall. Its fascia is highlighted with the Japanese company’s signature grilled and wide hood. LED headlamps with automatic levelers provide illumination. It is paired with a pop-up-type headlamp washer and a pair of steering-responsive headlights.

Compared to previous releases, it now boasts a slightly bigger, more beefed-up body. It is designed with character lines and nice curves exuding a hint of sophistication. At the rear, LED combination lamps with fog lamps support visibility.

Subaru Forester front view

The Subaru Forester measures 4,640mm long, 1,815mm wide, and 1,730mm tall.

 

Subaru Forester Interior

The Forester’s spacious cabin is dominated by sturdy plastic and leather in black. Drivers will enjoy the vehicle’s extensive features such as the eight-way power-adjustable seats (with memory function), telescopic steering wheel wrapped in leather, and the high-grade multi-function display. At the back, the seats are wrapped in leather and can be reclined using a one-touch folding switch. It also comes with a center armrest with two cup holders.

A dual-zone automatic air conditioning system will keep passengers comfortable. There is also a ventilation system found in the rear. The vehicle is also built with 12-volt power sockets located in the center panel and console box for recharging mobile devices.

Subaru Forester interior view

The Forester’s spacious cabin is dominated by sturdy plastic and leather in black.

Technology & Safety Features

The new Forester has an eight-inch display with a navigation system, affixed for entertainment that can be controlled using designated buttons found on the steering wheel. 

As for safety, the Subaru Forester is equipped with the latest Subaru EyeSight 4.0, offering Autonomous Emergency Steering, Lane Centering Function, Lane Departure Prevention, Adaptive Cruise Control, Pre-Collision Braking, among others.

In terms of standard safety features, the crossover gets SRS airbags at the front and side. Curtain and knee SRS airbags are also added for utmost safety. Each seat comes with height adjustable seat belts and ISO-FIX child seat anchors. Its rear doors come with childproof locks.

Subaru Forester front view

Platform & Chassis

The new Subaru Forester Philippines shares the same platform with its brothers, the Subaru XV and the Subaru Impreza. It is built with a retuned 4-wheel independent suspension for a smoother ride and better handling. Ventilated disc brakes assist in the vehicle's stopping on the front and back.

Subaru Forester rear view

Forester GT Edition

Subaru Forester Engine & Drivetrain

The new Subaru Forester runs using direct fuel injection, boxer-4, DOHC 16-valve engine. It is tested to produce 156 hp with a torque of 196 Nm. With this, expect consistent performance on any terrain.

Subaru Forester 2024 Price List

Let's check out the Subaru Forester 2024 price in September in the Philippines.

Variants  Price
Subaru Forester 2.0i-L EyeSight CVT ₱1,938,000
Subaru Forester 2.0i-S EyeSight CVT ₱2,168,000
Subaru Forester 2.0i-S EyeSight GT Edition CVT ₱2,298,000

Subaru Forester FAQs

1. How much does a 2024 Subaru Forester cost?

The Subaru Forester 2.0i-S EyeSight CVT, Forester 2.0i-L EyeSight CVT, and the Forester GT Edition are priced at Php 1,938,000, Php 2,168,000 and Php 2,298,000, respectively. 

2. Is the Subaru Forester automatic?

The Forester is exclusively available as an automatic variant in the Philippines, or particularly as a CVT.

3. What is the ground clearance of the Subaru Forester?

The ground clearance of the Subaru Forester is 220 mm.

4. Is the Subaru Forester diesel or gas?

The Subaru Forester is gasoline-powered in the Philippine market.

5. Is the Subaru Forester a SUV car?

Yes, the Subaru Forester can accommodate up to 5 passengers in its cabin.

 

₱ 2,168,000 - ₱ 2,298,000

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Rex Sanchez

Rex Sanchez

Author

Rex Sanchez grew up in Saudi Arabia where he saw and got into the automotive scene. He started his career for an aviation company in the said region, writing about turbines and rotors which are later distributed for educational purposes. And now, he joined Philkotse.com as a staff writer. Currently, he is the youngest on the team and is more than ready to grow in the field.

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