Photo by Genevieve Tiu
Singapore—It was another stellar year for Motor Image Subaru as they chalked up an impressive 25,000 units sold in Southeast Asia, with the Philippines ranking third in the sales race. In line with this feat, Tan Chong International Limited, regional distributors of the Subaru brand, launched the new Outback and XV that are now equipped with the breakthrough EyeSight Driver Assist Technology.
The event was held at the recently concluded Singapore Motorshow 2018, wherein select members of the media and Subaru dealers were invited and flown in to preview the cars. The program opened with a warm welcome by Glenn Tan, Managing Director of Tan Chong International Ltd., followed by an interview with Mr. Jinya Shoji, the Corporate Vice-President of Subaru Corporation.
It was a long-time coming for the award-winning EyeSight technology, as it completes Subaru’s core technology pillars. Unlike common driver assist systems that use single cameras combined with radar tech, the EyeSight employs stereo cameras to identify surrounding vehicles, obstacles, traffic lanes, and other items. This system also allows all features to engage simultaneously and work together as one unit, rather than waiting for separate cameras to communicate individually with the system, thereby allowing only one feature to be used at any given time.
The Subaru EyeSight includes a Pre-Collision Braking System that warns the driver of an impending collision, then employs the brakes if the driver fails to take action; Pre-Collision Throttle Management that alerts and cuts the engine output when the system detects a front obstacle and the driver mistakenly puts the car in Drive instead of Reverse; Lane Sway / Departure Warning that sends a signal to the driver when the car moves out of its designated lane; and, the crowd favorite, the Adaptive Cruise Control w/ Lead Vehicle Start Alert, which adjusts the speed of the car — from slow to stop — that keeps it at a steady (and safe) distance by monitoring the vehicle up front. This feature is especially helpful in Manila’s stop-and-go traffic conditions as it senses if the front vehicle has started moving and will start up the engine to follow the lead.
Motor Image gave attendees a chance to try each feature out for themselves during an afternoon test drive at the Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal, where a closed track was set specially for the contingent. Apart from the EyeSight, guests were also treated to a comparative drive between the Subaru XV, Toyota CH-R, and Honda HR-V, which reinforced the strength of the Subaru symmetrical all-wheel drive. The best part is that the EyeSight has undergone on-road test runs in several countries, including the Philippines, to ensure the accuracy of the camera sensors.
The launch of the EyeSight in the Outback and XV is a milestone for Subaru. To quote Glenn Tan, “It completes Subaru’s core technology pillars to present a wholesome and attractive package for customers who are looking for the highest standards of safety, driving performance, and comfort in a car.”
At the same time, the EyeSight is designed to enhance the driving experience by bringing confidence and safety to the driver with every trip — not by overtaking him, but by being the driver’s number one support system. According to Jinya Shoji, “We want to bring the fun in driving. With autonomy, it becomes very boring; there is nothing for the driver to do. Subaru needs to be fun and exciting!”
And from what was showcased in Singapore, the future is looking as exciting for Subaru as they envision it to be. The EyeSight will also soon be available in the Impreza, Legacy, and all other Subaru models.
