Subaru distributor Motor Image has previewed the
Forester GT Edition at the ongoing Subaru Palm Challenge in Singapore. The
second GT Edition model after the XV, this kitted-up SUV has been given a
sporty makeover as the name suggests, again bringing in the expertise of
engineering company Giken and former Subaru chief designer Masahiko Kobayashi.
The GT Edition is based on the range-topping 2.0i-S
EyeSight variant, and the additions are similar to those on the XV. These
include large black plastic panels that cover almost the entire front and rear
fascias, along with deeper side skirts, a black tailgate spoiler and jutting
silver spoilers on the front and rear bumpers.
Also added are unique two-tone alloy wheels that
measure 18 inches in diameter and feature GT-badged centre caps. Inside, you
get redesigned leather upholstery, a new touchscreen head unit with Apple
CarPlay and Android Auto functionality and a 360-degree camera system.
No apparent changes to the rest of the kit list, so
the car still gets LED headlights and daytime running lights, keyless entry,
push-button start, eight-way power-adjustable front seats, dual-zone climate
control, six airbags, stability control and the EyeSight suite of driver
assists, including autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane
departure warning, blind spot monitoring and Lead Vehicle Start Alert.
There are also no changes to the mechanicals – an
FB20 2.0 litre naturally-aspirated and direct-injected flat-four engine making
156 PS at 6,000 rpm and 196 Nm of torque at 4,000 rpm, paired to a Lineartronic
CVT and a Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system. The Forester GT Edition will make
its public debut at the 2019 Taipei International Auto Show, and is expected to
be launched in Malaysia in the first quarter of 2020.
