Subaru Forester 2019 (Pt.2) Genting Hillclimb - Symmetrical AWD and SGP and Its Effect on Handling!

The 2019 Subaru Forester is built on Subaru's Global Platform which is similar to what the BRZ is built on: add Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, a new Direct Injection engine featuring a 7-Speed CVT, and you get a SUV that drives with agility on our favourite mountain road.
Not as fast as some of the cars we drive up, but certainly handles very well.
*Note: Some videos may have been sped up and some footage are superimposed for "dramatic effect" in our channel.

[@TheTjpereira]

YS, what I like about your reviews is the good language you use. No four letter or harsh words. Very soothing for the ears.

[@YSKhongDriving]

Thank you, we will try to maintain that, hahaha.

[@arthurd6495]

Great video. You have a great disposition.

[@1wadesdad]

Very composed spirited driving with an unexpected car. Nice video.

[@haroldlbc]

uncle smile a lot with Forester, look very happy, i think this is a fantastic car!

[@isaac4309]

Observed YS driving and I must say that he is an above average driver. Enjoyed the journey all the way. Thanks from Australia.

[@aaap16annuar40]

He was a rally champion

[@srinathpadma3073]

Wonderful review uncle YS....thanks for the sharing 👌🏻🥂

[@keesengels4297]

Well, all the way from Holland, Europe, I just subscribed. Because: you need the subscriptions; your vids are honest and highly informative and go beyond the information that is already generally known about the car; I like the accent, la ;-) and finally, I ordered the Forester e-boxer ;-) - so, thanks for your vids and keep up the good work!

[@YSKhongDriving]

Wow! Thanks Engels! Welcome to the channel, and please stay for our other videos. And thank you for subscribing, mucho gracias, danke, merci!

[@YSKhongDriving]

Been to Amsterdam once, short stopover. Great place. If you ever come over here give us a shout.

[@keesengels4297]

@@YSKhongDriving Thanks for the invite YS! I love Singapore. Been there twice, and had a great time on both occasions. My nephew lives there so who knows, I might some day personally tell you over some good saté how the e-boxer is doing ;-)

[@flyguy729]

@@keesengels4297 this comment might be 7 months too late. But he's Malaysian and the shoot location is also in Malaysia.

[@keesengels4297]

@@flyguy729 tx, then I won't try to look him up in Singapore;-)

[@hedayatsm553]

Haha this uncle is so cute! But only until he hits the road!! Haha awesome stuff!

[@donnyderie2561]

one of the best suv in msia 2019

[@harvard_lee]

Wow, looks like Zachary is having fun. I miss the older Subaru where it has higher power.

[@ashtonlangston4490]

instaBlaster

[@haziqbuang5414]

Good job uncle

[@junkitlow]

Ohh....the tyre screeching sound came quite early as same as I driven with my mother in law Subaru Forester too (Prev model), it equipped with Continental MC5, i love the body movement of the Forester, not too much, but went a little bit under too early when i trying to attack some corner during the uphill, but as a SUV i think Subaru did a very good job on handling...

[@YSKhongDriving]

This new one is on a new platform - Subaru Global Platform, so handles a lot better. It is very similar to the Toyota TNGA platform. Remember that Toyota owns a big stake in Subaru, and they developed the GT86 and BRZ together. ANd both the GT86 and BRZ have rear Double wishbones and front Macpherson struts. Need I say more? LOL

[@wmf55]

Actually Forester like mountain bike lar, not so much speed but design for durability for all terrain.. If u wanna go faster, just take a road bike. BTW thanks uncle to give this review.. I enjoy to see u lenjan this boxer engine, at least give me some ideas for my next car.. keep it up...

[@Mrhukaka88]

The cam angle a bit on right side

[@vinotthamathram8853]

Is it possible to do a run on the forester xt(2014-2017) version if u can? The turbo sj gen version. Much appreciated and love your vids. Very informative and detailed.

[@YSKhongDriving]

We can only do tests if we can get hold of the cars. The XT is no longer sold here, so we will only be able to get it if any owner provides it to us. But thank you for your support, Vinot.

[@RyzalV]

Uncle which you suggest to me ? Cx5 2.0 Forester 2.0 X70 1.8 Crv 2.0

[@linuxkernel4.199]

lol that CVT is just a working its heart out HAHA

[@didier2124]

Hi, Didier from Australia. Great video and test drive haha. I am just about to buy my first Forester. I'm thinking of a 2019 series due to the extra perks. I will use it 80% of the time on city roads, highways. 20% off road, dirt, wet, sand, but nothing too 4WD. Which tyres would you recommend? Do I need All terrain tyres to take full advantage of the Forester all wheel drive?

[@YSKhongDriving]

Hi Didier, based on your broef, it seems the standard road-going tyres should be good enough. Just try not to go into soft, fine dry sand - any vehicle would be in trouble no matter what tyres they use. For soft sand, deflate the tyres to about half the normal pressure, but don't go too fast. Keep a tyre inflator handy for pumping it back up later. Have fun.

[@lifetrail_hiking_mentoring]

@@YSKhongDriving Thanks so much!

[@megurinemiku8201]

What about WRX CVT??

[@kishiorek.]

Hello YS. How do you differentiate between Forester and Mitsubishi Outlander ? In term of chassis control, reliability, durability, interior quality, and top speed on highways/ performance, which gives a better confidence in driving & to own one ?

[@YSKhongDriving]

Firstly, the Forester is the latest build based on the new Subaru Global Platform, so it is a much better chassis. The Subaru is also lighter and with a smaller capacity engine, fuel consumption would be better. The handling accorded by the SGP should be superior to the Outlander. Outlander engine is a bit old in design so is not the most fuel efficient.

[@coldboltz7390]

The camera view on top look like going to hit the side of the road or the car beside u

[@YSKhongDriving]

I think it's the stabilizer struggling to keep the camera steady as we flew around the corners.

[@ZtuneR97]

the camera looks like it is not angled exactly straight, instead it is pointing to the right slightly. hence the weird perspective.

[@ernestjion8006]

9:20 when your dad is disappointed with you

[@fastenerhouse]

Took delivery of the Forester 2.0i-S a few days ago. Familiarizing myself with it. I switched over from the current CR-V 2.0 which I have pass on to my son. The Subaru AWD is not exactly new to me as I also own the XV1 which I have just sold to a friend.

[@khlee1956]

Hi Henry. How do you find the Forester after a year plus? Good ride?

[@fastenerhouse]

@@khlee1956 The ride is firm but not harsh. Overall it is a well built SUV. I wish it has a 2.5L engine like those in North America and Australia. But the way I drive the 2.0L engine is adequate.

[@khlee1956]

@@fastenerhouse I have the same thought. More output from engine. Anyway, will test it this weekend. Thanks for your comment.

[@adamlim8778]

How is Forester 2.0i-S take it when going up Genting?

[@fastenerhouse]

@@adamlim8778 Not yet. It is underused. I have it for almost two years now. Mileage is only 14,000 km.

[@danielthw123]

Do you recall if the wind noise was loud as some have claimed? Especially on high speed straights? Thank you.

[@YSKhongDriving]

No, it was not.

[@mageswaranshammugamnathan918]

Hi YS... Can you do comparison with Mazda CX5 2.0 with the Forester? What you verdict be?

[@YSKhongDriving]

There are quite a few variants of the CX5, so some would be better, some would be worse off

[@akhmalzainal7435]

Uncle, Overall does it good? Interested in prev model of this, want something fun to drive, practicality (to bring bicycle most importantly) and comfort yet not too complicated to maintain.. Pls advise🙂

[@YSKhongDriving]

Power is decent, and handling is excellent.

[@shazland]

Uncle which 1 better going up genting this or the crv turbo 😁

[@YSKhongDriving]

The CRV has more power, so climbs a bit better.

[@gabrielseow7479]

I noticed that the tyre crunching noise is not so loud in the car you are driving. Did you sound proof it? The Subaru Forester 2019 I bought 3 week ago was as noisy like driving a lorry. Last time, I'm ever buying a Subaru car. Should have bought a Honda CRV or Toyota Cross Over Yaris.

[@YSKhongDriving]

The car we tested was a new car from Subaru, without any modifications. Tyre noise will depend on the tyre tread, and also to a large extent, the road surface. Most vehicles in this category have some soundproofing materials but the tyre noise is something that cannot be avoided.

[@TalkingFishbonez]

Between full specs CRV, Forester and Cx5 2.5T, which one would be the best bang for buck for you?

[@YSKhongDriving]

CX5 2.5T

[@wmf55]

Uncle, is it worth to have a paddle shift for this model? Did you use paddle shift during this test drive? look like u never use that if i'm not mistaken

[@YSKhongDriving]

If it is there, it is always useful. I did use them, but maybe you cannot see my fingers working. It is always good to have, but sometimes we don't get because of cost considerations. While it is true some people don't use them, I find them very useful, and actually would like to praise the person who put it in the specs.

[@danialshamim4703]

Hi Sifu, can you do review on budget tyres for daily driven and also can fun drive budget tyres less than rm200 pcs, 15 inch tyres should be good can go with many brand of cars nowadays. This should be fun 😁

[@YSKhongDriving]

Let me think about it. Any tyre company wants to do it?

[@alvinwong1766]

Yeah Uncle, economy tyre for 15 inches. Bridgestone, Continental, Goodyear, Michelin and so on

[@garyleong166]

Uncle, may i know compare with subaru XV which one better in term of handaling?

[@YSKhongDriving]

XV is lighter and lower, so XV would have a slight advantage. But Forester has more space.

[@marcuslee7575]

The top and bottom right cameras are not synced and its a bit confusing

[@YSKhongDriving]

I checked, and they are synced.

[@marcuslee7575]

What I mean is that the camera angles are not synced. The top one pans by itself whereas the bottom one is fixed.

[@YSKhongDriving]

Sorry, the top one is the new 360 cam, now under test use. I got yr point after you explained. We will try to sort it out Marcus. Thanks for your input.

[@NA-pv7yw]

Seems like the Forester is a jack of all trades, trying to be sedan, SUV and pickup truck all at the same time. And thus, does not shine.. Am I right Uncle Khong?

[@YSKhongDriving]

I think it is a very versatile vehicle, and a certain niche of people will find it very suitable. However, as with all vehicles, there is no one panacea for everything, which is why the auto industry is so vibrant.

[@glennngglennng2788]

Uncle, is this Subaru Forester as reliable as Toyota in terms of engine and built quality in long run?

[@YSKhongDriving]

I don't have details, but to my knowledge, Subarus are very relisble. I have many friends who are very happy owners.

[@chenyl0525]

If you have to choose between the XV or Forester, which one would you buy?

[@YSKhongDriving]

Tough decision. I think I would choose the Forester.

[@chenyl0525]

YS Khong Driving Thanks.

[@majorlee8553]

uncle, compare with toyota harrier and mazda cx-5, which one is better for Singapore drive?

[@YSKhongDriving]

In Singapore you cannot go very fast so just pick the car that is easiest to drive.

[@majorlee8553]

@@YSKhongDriving Thank you uncle! You are right. I will buy forester, it is fast enough for me, and good visibility, big rear seat room for my family.

[@harizhaikal4878]

Uncle, since u already test drive new forester & xtrail 4wd, which one do u recommend most?

[@YSKhongDriving]

Both are good vehicles - the 2.5 litre Nissan has better power, if you are looking for power. The new forester has a new engine, and is only 2.0 litre, but drives quite well too.

[@kittie479]

YS Khong Driving for “off-roaring” or going into ladang, which one would you recommend?

[@sambait5017]

Hello Mr. YS, which Subaru Forester variant are you driving? Is it the 2.0 i-L, 2.0 Wild Edition, 2.0 i-S, or 2.0 GT version?

[@YSKhongDriving]

This is 5 years ago, so must be the 2.0 iL

[@sambait5017]

@@YSKhongDriving awesome, amazing, thank you so much, Sir. I tested both cars and found the 2.0 Wild Edition had way more power and grip than the 2.0-iL. Only you can know, maybe you need to test the Wild edition- the power difference will surprise you.

[@mrrobot783]

uncle, what is your average fuel consumption on this run?

[@YSKhongDriving]

Cannot remember

[@wwyk1993]

Probably be faster uphill if you didn't try to "shift" manually where even a lower "gear" couldn't be in the power band. Just leave the CVT to its own devices and it'll be in the power band as long as you're stepping on it

[@YSKhongDriving]

Perhaps.

[@edwardcho9859]

how's the engine temperature indicated?

[@YSKhongDriving]

Still normal.

[@edwardcho9859]

@@YSKhongDriving Thanks for your reply. i recalled going up is about 106deg C but normal driving is about 95deg C. Is this ok?

[@julianricardodiaz]

Uncle, is this the 2.0 or 2.5?

[@YSKhongDriving]

2.0, hahaha.

[@talpolano4549]

Sir khong which is better cx5 or this one???

[@YSKhongDriving]

Depends on your needs. This one has a 2.0 litre engine and AWD. The Mazda has a choice of 2.0 and 2.5 FWD and a 2.5 AWD and turbo. If you want a 2.0 AWD this the the best option. The Mazda 2.5 has more power.

[@talpolano4549]

@@YSKhongDriving thanks sir khong :)

[@nhtp342501]

I think the awd was really helping...

[@YSKhongDriving]

Yes, of course.

[@zanizack1731]

This model used timing chain or timing belt

[@YSKhongDriving]

Chain, I think.

[@fishkumar]

360° cam make me scary. Looks like the car slide when cornering. The back read cam look good and to bright..

[@YSKhongDriving]

Noted. I think the cam was trying to keep focused on some objects it picked up.

[@fishkumar]

@@YSKhongDriving its ok uncle.. not big issue at all.. i love all your review's.. keep up the great work uncle..

[@faizanbukhari6584]

Uncle what about mitsubishi triton?

[@YSKhongDriving]

It's a good truck

[@JJ-nn1ur]

That 360 cam makes me dizzy or its just me 😂

[@YSKhongDriving]

It's you, hahaha

[@raeldeg]

Which is faster compare to subaru xv?

[@YSKhongDriving]

Possibly the XV, because it is lighter. Both are built on the same platform

[@raeldeg]

@@YSKhongDriving thank you 👍👍👍 From the Philippines

[@verbalwound5874]

Uncle can do STI hill climb?

[@YSKhongDriving]

I can, but there is no STi available.

[@germaineliew2012]

Shame that they no longer have the Forester XT Turbo, which did share its engine with the WRX, else it'll be a rocket of a crossover. (Although for here anyway, that would definitely drive up the prices beyond what the average C segment crossover would cost. So I do somewhat get why they don't offer it anymore.) Also I think many have criticized the 2019 Forester, its design isn't too interesting, I do somewhat agree. But it seems to handle nice though being a crossover, engine seems adequate enough too.

[@YSKhongDriving]

Good observation. I also like the turbo but it seems we are a minority. More people buy the NA models, so Subaru is only doing what the market wants. You and I are not on the radar, lol.

[@calvinteoh5660]

Motor Image ought to consider producing CKD turbocharged models here to bring down the price. The previous turbocharged models were all CBUs and costly (not that there's any value addition when it's a CBU, but we're just paying unnecessary extra taxes and duties).

[@germaineliew2012]

@@calvinteoh5660 Even that, we're not going to see the turbo Forester XT anymore, since Subaru completely dropped off this variant for the 2019 models globally. Also if I'm not mistaken, the 2019 Forester for the Malaysian market is assembled in Thailand right? The Forester here already costs abit more than the competing C segment crossovers we have here.

[@mohdali-bw9op]

Uncle y dont have subru xv video genting hillclimb?

[@YSKhongDriving]

No, not yet.

[@RoelMC]

since 2 liter same engine with subaru xv, is subaru xv a better drive ?

[@YSKhongDriving]

Each vehicle is tuned differently. Both are nice to drive.

[@flowerhorn3]

Can you arrange something for subscriber. 1 lucky person to accompany you in your hill climb 😄

[@YSKhongDriving]

Good idea. But I think most people would be a bit nervous. Not recommended for people with heart conditions, LOL.

[@lilian9681]

Yes yes agreed...I wud love to be the first to hop in...but need to take my BP med first 😝

[@YSKhongDriving]

Hahaha. You are welcome to come. You can add me on FB ( tell me who you are if yr FB name is different) then PM me. However you may have to wake up really early.

[@lilian9681]

YS Khong Driving I take it as a yes. I’ve been seeing you bring all sort of car up the hill and would like to experience myself the adrenaline.🙋🏼‍♀️

[@flowerhorn3]

YS Khong Driving added 👍

[@leeschdmitz116]

Who was the guy, uncle?

[@YSKhongDriving]

Zachary Ho, my driving partner from Autoworld.com.my. We were actually on the way back from a Subaru official test drive to Kuantan, and were on the way back. We sneaked in the hillclimb video, hahaha. Zachary is editor of AW and has appeared in many of our videos before.

[@leeschdmitz116]

YS Khong Driving ok...is the fuel consumption bad when u always floor the accelerator?

[@YSKhongDriving]

But of course. Floor the throttle on any car and fuel consumption goes out the roof.

[@mohamadshahriman6950]

Is it just me the center console look like proton's persona?

[@YSKhongDriving]

It's just you, hahaha.

[@darrenfoo8269]

The old Toyota 1AZ-FE engine has 193Nm of torque without Direct Injection, this engine isn't really impressive. I miss the 2.5 Turbo Forester S-Edition of the yesteryears

[@YSKhongDriving]

The new engines have to meet stringent emission rules. I also miss the older turbo engines but fuel consumption wasn't very good.

[@junhauwong6762]

@@YSKhongDriving can I know how is the fuel consumption for this new model?

[@garywillis8737]

I love people who drive recklessly on public road.

[@YSKhongDriving]

Not sure how to take this, but I was very careful.

[@lilian9681]

I heard the tyre screeching uncle khong....

[@YSKhongDriving]

You did? My, my, hahaha, so did I. Seems they were not that happy with me. Blame Zachary - it must have been the additional weight in the car, lol.

[@lilian9681]

@@YSKhongDriving 🤭 pls don't blame him.... like he say why can't you drive just like normal without your rally mojo on😬

[@YSKhongDriving]

Hahaha, I was just joking. In truth, just changing to better tyres would improve handling: understanding fully well, of course that this vehicle is meant to be a family SUV, with longer lasting treads.

[@foxtrottv6425]

forester top speed of that car 224kph ..

[@iDIL53]

That CVT is loud..

[@YSKhongDriving]

It is actually the engine revving high. The CVT is relatively quiet in this one.

[@kenlim13]

No it cannot climb the hill. You never climb all the way up to the top. The hardest climb is the last few km to the very top.

[@YSKhongDriving]

Dear Ken, it does not mean it cannot climb the hill just because we did not go there.

[@yezheng7331]

Bullshit ,