Owner Review: My Steady Subie - 2018 Subaru Forester SJ iP

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Basic information about my car:

2018 Subaru Forester SJ iP

Reasons why I bought this car(purpose):

I always loved 5 door vehicles and good handling. It makes a vehicle very versatile for thrills and travels. An SUV along with the famous symmetrical AWD was a no brainer. The moment I gave it a test drive, I knew this was the one. That sentiment still remains till today. Subaru is also known to be the Volvo of Asia with its very tough body. 

Car Selection Process

• I had a budget of RM 150,000
• Models that I have considered include: HR-V, XV, CX-5

The HR-V definitely had more power to it but it wasn't big or comfortable enough. I would usually try the back seats as well to make sure my friends and family are comfy. Subaru was very comfortable, has reclining rear seats and most importantly, the handling was pure poison. Once tried, I couldn't let it go. 

User Experience

• I have already done 47,000 km.
• My average fuel consumption is 9L/100km.

That's an amazing all rounder. Fuel consumption is average 8L/100km but mine is about 10 because I have a heavy foot. This is really not bad for a 1.6 tonne SUV that's famous for its solid body and safety. It does lack power unlike other vehicles, but my priority is handling and it really corners very well. 

Pros and Cons

Pros of my car

The fuel consumption, handling AWD, comfort, cabin space, OEM parts are plenty.

Cons

lack of power, CVT, replacement parts can be expensive. 

Total Score: 4

Performance: 4

Quality & Features: 3

Space: 4

Ride comfort: 5

Fuel Economy: 5

Price & cost: 4

Summary:

I occasionally touge on weekends and it pushed me to improve the cars handling and performance even more. I have used over 3 sets of Japan rims like Wedssport SA10R and currently on Enkei PF07 Flow Formed, 3 sets of coilovers such as Tein Street Advance Z, HKS Hipermax III and settled with the amazing BC Racing Type BR, 2 exhaust pipe setups and 3 brake kits starting from Project Mu rotor and pad set, Nashin and now STI Brembo 4 pot. At this point, I'm pretty satisfied with the current setup. The next few things in my list is to go for a remap but I'm not so keen especially when the car is running fine. It's my only car and the last thing I would want for it to happen is that it's getting Christmas lights all over the dashboard. 

Lastly：

I think there are some things worth mentioning as achievements for this specific vehicle. Tune and mods is a journey. You try a part, it gives a certain effect. Sometimes it's good, sometimes it's bad. I could say that it was really a satisfying experience for this SUV to enter a curved 90 degree corner at 115 km/h without slipping and remaining in the lane. Of course, please do not attempt this. There is risk to it, but we do take calculated risk to try things out. At the end of the day, we are all enthusiasts. For the rest of the time, drive safe and responsibly. 

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