Motor Image Pilipinas Inc., the exclusive distributor of Subaru vehicles in the Philippines, officially unveils the Subaru XV GT Edition on the first day of the 2019 Manila International Auto Show (MIAS) at the World Trade Center.
The special edition of the highly popular crossover vehicle is a ground-breaking collaboration with renowned engineering company Giken Co. Ltd and Mister Masahiko “Jack” Kobayashi. Mr. Kobayashi is former Chief Designer (Head of Global Advanced Design Studio) at SubaruCorporation and was responsible for the exterior design of more than 12 Subaru productionmodels, including the legendary WRX STI.
The special edition XV aero kit has four well-made and integrated elements, which give the alreadysporty XV a sleeker and even sportier look:1. Front bumper lip extension with integrated canards2. Side skirts3. Roof spoiler4.
Rear bumper extension
These will be complemented by a set of 18-inch bespoke alloy wheels. It also boasts its own carpets and seat-leather design inspired by the cabins of high-performance grand tourers from Germany and Britain. Completing the equipment package of the Subaru XV GT Edition is a dual side-view monitor system, which enables drivers to park and manoeuvre with ease.
This iteration of the XV will be a game-changer for Subaru in the country as it caters to Filipinos’ preference for dynamic and sporty vehicle features.
Filipinos expect their vehicles to be in good form and function to suit a “ready for anything” lifestyle. The new Subaru XV GT Edition is a primechoice for consumers who wish to elevate the fun in driving, as it combines Motor Image’s in-depth understanding of the market, Mr. Kobayashi’s expertise, as well as Giken’s experience and Japan standard production capability in Southeast Asia.
“Motor Image worked with Giken and Kobayashi-san, because they share our enthusiasm for design and creating fun and exciting products. I know this will be the start of an exciting collaboration for Subaru customers. We believe this GT edition will help create excitement in Asia and offer expect that the Philippines will be one of the key markets for the Subaru XV GT Edition.” said Mr Glenn Tan.
Mr. Kobayashi originally trained and practiced as a fashion designer in Tokyo before graduating with a degree in Transportation Design. In a 25-year career with Subaru, he was known as the ‘hit maker’, after designing numerous successful models, including the original Outback, which was the world’s first sports-utility wagon, several generations of the Legacy and Impreza, the current WRX and WRX STI sports saloons, the Levorg sports tourer and the first-generation XV. He is now an independent designer.
Giken is an award-winning engineering company founded in 1964. Holding numerous patents in Japan, South Korea and the United States, it has established itself as an industry leader in the design and manufacturing of technological and material handling systems. Giken is a global supplier of aero-parts and other passenger car components to Subaru and other major Japanese car brands.
Be the first to catch the Subaru XV GT Edition here in the country for the first time at the Subaru booth in this year’s MIAS from April 4 to 7. The XV GT Edition is also now available for booking at any of the Subaru showrooms nationwide.
