2019 5th Generation Subaru Forester (SK)

[richard_crl032]

IMHO, the main engine difference between existing FNA and 2019 Forester is Port Injection versus Direct Injection. The same Direct Injection engine is already fitted to current 2.0 Impreza/XV, albeit different tuning (VES band B versus C1 for 2019 Forester).

Hi JB,

 

Fxt oreli DIT ... for efficiency but associated carbon buildup issue

 

Cheers.

 

Richard

[Mann123]

Ghost town .. No discussion ;)

 

This thread seems not active even with such new Model. All potential buyers enjoying holidays with kids overseas? 

[richard_crl032]

Ghost town .. No discussion ;)

 

This thread seems not active even with such new Model. All potential buyers enjoying holidays with kids overseas? 

 

Hi Mann,

 

Believe some felt no longer VFM at current asking price unlike previous .... was not many FNA SJ5 also until last 1-2 years and especially in the last 6 months with the very attractive price.  It does not help that many ADs seems to also lelong both their new and old cars aggressively in the last few months .. with frequent roadshows and car shows.

 

Guess not having solar film on front windscreen did not help and already some feedback on power loss concern concurrently in Taiwan and local Singapore ... but not unexpected with new platform which I am sure Subaru Japan will resolve quickly.

 

To be seen but saw the 1st forester 2019 SK version just 2 days ago and it is quite different looking ... more MPV like and seemingly longer and bigger.

 

Cheers,

 

Richard

Would the warranty be void if you change?

 

Hi Dach,

 

Warranty of removed HU will be void for sure ... but not sure why other warranty void applies but for sure nothing on brakes, engine, aircon etc.

 

Any upgraded HU is just another +12v gadget.

 

Cheers,

 

Richard

[Mann123]

Hi Mann,

 

Believe some felt no longer VFM at current asking price unlike previous .... was not many FNA SJ5 also until last 1-2 years and especially in the last 6 months with the very attractive price.  It does not help that many ADs seems to also lelong both their new and old cars aggressively in the last few months .. with frequent roadshows and car shows.

 

Guess not having solar film on front windscreen did not help and already some feedback on power loss concern concurrently in Taiwan and local Singapore ... but not unexpected with new platform which I am sure Subaru Japan will resolve quickly.

 

To be seen but saw the 1st forester 2019 SK version just 2 days ago and it is quite different looking ... more MPV like and seemingly longer and bigger.

 

Cheers,

 

Richard

 

True! 

 

i have seen only once Forester 2019 Black till date on road. It looks wider from behind. Not sure if it was lowered or it looks lower due to extra width compared to old FNA 

[DACH]

Ghost town .. No discussion ;)

 

This thread seems not active even with such new Model. All potential buyers enjoying holidays with kids overseas?

All snapping up all the old stocks

[cashcow]

Ghost town .. No discussion ;)

 

This thread seems not active even with such new Model. All potential buyers enjoying holidays with kids overseas? 

If you go to places like Commonwealth carmall or AML on weekdays you can feel the ghostly eerie feeling.

 

New and pre-owned car market in general seems soft indeed.

 

I was accosted by car salespersons persistently even I told them I am not interested at their offerings..haha.

 

Plenty of stocks available. In the past you have to wait for shipment.. wow.

[Lala81]

True! 

 

i have seen only once Forester 2019 Black till date on road. It looks wider from behind. Not sure if it was lowered or it looks lower due to extra width compared to old FNA 

 

Why would u pay VES 10k for a basic 2.0L NA engine. 

Whether it's new or not, it's still going to be underpowered. Even the new 2.5L reviews overseas are not flattering.

 

No power in a mid sized SUV body, CVT + AWD. 

At least the x-trail has some flexibility in terms of seating option at 5+2.

 

 

 

 

[IvanOng_162241]

I am reconsidering my purchase now. Just my humble opinion:

 

• It is a relatively new car and Subaru seems to be unstable. (FB got a few bro collect SK less than 3 weeks got breakdown issues)
• Only 2 free servicing (No other AD give so little)
• Trade in value is extremely low (51k for my jazz where a few PI take in 58k and direct sell EU can fetch 65k)
• FC not fantastic due to AWD
• Performance is just average and same as other competitors like x-trail, BMW 216d AT, Outlander.

 

For the same price tag, outlander offering:

• 5 years free servicing (which is alot of money in my opinion)
• 10 year engine and gearbox warranty compared to 3 years from MI (Toyota and Honda all 5 years. Gives me the impression that Subaru is only reliable for 3 years?)
• 5 + 2 seater

 

[SpaceMike]

Hello, anyone knows if can update the system to use Android auto? Salesperson said it's not and will not be available. Strange that a car nowadays cannot update its entertainment app. Now I have a 10 year old forester and wanted to get 2019 version but this limitation make me rethink and maybe change to other brand. Maybe some hero here knows a work around or hack to install Android auto?

[ksekar]

Hello, anyone knows if can update the system to use Android auto? Salesperson said it's not and will not be available. Strange that a car nowadays cannot update its entertainment app. Now I have a 10 year old forester and wanted to get 2019 version but this limitation make me rethink and maybe change to other brand. Maybe some hero here knows a work around or hack to install Android auto?

I can understand your frustration. This was one of my main criteria and I was very firm about it. After realising that good VFM cars do not feature it, I decided to give a benefit of doubt and assessed my “actual” needs here is what I came up with:

-I want to stream my iTunes songs

-I want up to date navigation as I was fed up with in-car navigation in my Chevrolet cruze.

 

For first requirement, I was told Forester ICE has multiple options to stream my iTunes playlists.

 

For second requirement,I realised that with Apple CarPlay I will be limited to use only Apple maps, which sucks and will not be using it anyway. So I’m ok with continuing to use phone or alternatively, the marabella GPS unit provided by MI for $230. I prefer the former as I have very bad experience with my Cruze GPS.

 

I suggest you analyse what you really need from Apple CarPlay and if you can get the same by existing means. All the best!

[ksekar]

Really like the new Forester NA, but $20k difference makes no sense! Booked old one instead after test driving Tucson, Grandland and considering Karoq, Eclipse cross and CX5. Based on my analysis so far, Mazda 3, old Forester NA and Outlander are best bang for buck in their respective segments at the moment!

[GoodCar]

Really like the new Forester NA, but $20k difference makes no sense! Booked old one instead after test driving Tucson, Grandland and considering Karoq, Eclipse cross and CX5. Based on my analysis so far, Mazda 3, old Forester NA and Outlander are best bang for buck in their respective segments at the moment!

I has shortlist Tucson as alternate becos the new Forester NA is no longer attractive compare to the old Forester NA.

 

Can share how is outlander better than Tucson.

[IvanOng_162241]

Really like the new Forester NA, but $20k difference makes no sense! Booked old one instead after test driving Tucson, Grandland and considering Karoq, Eclipse cross and CX5. Based on my analysis so far, Mazda 3, old Forester NA and Outlander are best bang for buck in their respective segments at the moment!

 

You are right bro.. Just came back from showroom and outlander is really value for money. However the quality is something you need sacrifice. The overall built and quality does differ significantly between the forester and outlander.. Wife didnt like outlander as well as she felt is a plastic car.. =\

 

So we will decide between the SJ or SK now.. 20k is really significant.. And the only 2 features i think will be good to have is electric tailgate and blindspot sensor.. Haha! Eyesight honestly is a good to have, not a must have..

[SpaceMike]

I can understand your frustration. This was one of my main criteria and I was very firm about it. After realising that good VFM cars do not feature it, I decided to give a benefit of doubt and assessed my âactualâ needs here is what I came up with:

-I want to stream my iTunes songs

-I want up to date navigation as I was fed up with in-car navigation in my Chevrolet cruze.

 

For first requirement, I was told Forester ICE has multiple options to stream my iTunes playlists.

 

For second requirement,I realised that with Apple CarPlay I will be limited to use only Apple maps, which sucks and will not be using it anyway. So Iâm ok with continuing to use phone or alternatively, the marabella GPS unit provided by MI for $230. I prefer the former as I have very bad experience with my Cruze GPS.

 

I suggest you analyse what you really need from Apple CarPlay and if you can get the same by existing means. All the best!

Thanks for good thoughts.

 

My hard requirement is to use Google maps since it is linked to my calendar meeting locations and contacts. I can of course continue to use the phone for this but when changing car I was hoping to get rid of using a phone holder that drops off from the window due to the heat when parking in open air carparks. A bigger screen is a plus. Now looking at same price class SUV that have Android auto and it seem to be only Outlander and Qashqai. Feels sad if the car selection is because of the system and not because of the car itself.

[richard_crl032]

You are right bro.. Just came back from showroom and outlander is really value for money. However the quality is something you need sacrifice. The overall built and quality does differ significantly between the forester and outlander.. Wife didnt like outlander as well as she felt is a plastic car.. =\

 

So we will decide between the SJ or SK now.. 20k is really significant.. And the only 2 features i think will be good to have is electric tailgate and blindspot sensor.. Haha! Eyesight honestly is a good to have, not a must have..

Hi Ivan,

 

After mkt electric tailgate and blindspot total 1.5 to 2k.

 

However, it is not possible retrofit aftermarket equivalent of eyesight which include assisted emergency braking (AEB) which to me is more crucial like blindspot than features like tailgate since safety related.

 

Then again, SJ without eyesight can have solar film on winscreen which SK does not or you take risk with insurers on no claim if you fit yourself or sign disclaimer with MI.

 

Cheers.

 

Richard

[Geoandre]

You are right bro.. Just came back from showroom and outlander is really value for money. However the quality is something you need sacrifice. The overall built and quality does differ significantly between the forester and outlander.. Wife didnt like outlander as well as she felt is a plastic car.. =\

 

So we will decide between the SJ or SK now.. 20k is really significant.. And the only 2 features i think will be good to have is electric tailgate and blindspot sensor.. Haha! Eyesight honestly is a good to have, not a must have..

Hi Ivan, just to share. Bought the SJ recently, find it tough sell to accept the new SK price difference esp the thought of $10K going to VES which is absolutely of no added value to buyer. Been enjoying the new drive, only negative so far is the 'bouncy' ride. Surprised I did not miss my old ride (BMW E60) as much as I thought I would. Personally the outgoing SJ model is a value buy for its class/category but you can take your time if you intend to get a CAT car. It will definitely test the 20K level simply based on current market sentiments. I strike off CX3 because of space, HRV due to SE attitude, Outlander for its interior & Qashai overall feel. 

[richard_crl032]

Hello, anyone knows if can update the system to use Android auto? Salesperson said it's not and will not be available. Strange that a car nowadays cannot update its entertainment app. Now I have a 10 year old forester and wanted to get 2019 version but this limitation make me rethink and maybe change to other brand. Maybe some hero here knows a work around or hack to install Android auto?

Hi Mike,

 

Not sure what is the big deal on limited AA .... just get any aftermarket fully cracked android headunit and you have hundreds of thousands playstore apps.

 

Cheers.

 

Richard

[richard_crl032]

Really like the new Forester NA, but $20k difference makes no sense! Booked old one instead after test driving Tucson, Grandland and considering Karoq, Eclipse cross and CX5. Based on my analysis so far, Mazda 3, old Forester NA and Outlander are best bang for buck in their respective segments at the moment!

Hi ksekar,

 

Do also look at mazda 2.0 standard at 95k nia since you mentioned non suv of mazda 3.

 

I made the mistake of not looking at it and missed the launch price 3 months back cos had thought it 120k+ since about same category of accord, camry etc.

 

Forester's stock exterior is not what I will covet but bland and odd outlander or xtrail look much worse to me and the initial has AWD preferred.

 

Cheers.

 

Richard