2019 MIAS: Subaru XV GT Edition Was Penned By The WRX STI’s Chief Designer

Motor Image Pilipinas has unveiled at the 2019 Manila International Auto Show the new Subaru XV GT Edition. This new XV is the top trim 2.0i-S EyeSight variant with a host of exterior, interior, and safety upgrades that make the XV more appealing to customers.

The XV GT Edition’s exterior enhancements were designed in collaboration with renowned engineering company Giken Co. Ltd and Masahiko “Jack” Kobayashi. Mr. Kobayashi is former Chief Designer (Head of Global Advanced Design Studio) at Subaru Corporation and was responsible for the exterior design of more than 12 Subaru production models, including the legendary WRX STI.

These interior upgrades range from a host of aero kit elements, including a front bumper lip extension with integrated canards, side skirts, roof spoiler, and rear bumper extension. Rounding off the exterior upgrades are a set of good-looking 18-inch alloy wheels.

Changes are less dramatic inside, with the most noticeable ones being the new special carpeting, as well as new leather seat designs inspired from “the high-performance grand tourers from Germany and Britain.”

Lastly, a dual side-view camera that displays both front wheels further adds to the class-leading safety aspects that the Subaru XV has already been known for. This should leave no excuse for anyone to curb their wheels.

“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 customers who want an even sportier version of the XV a new and unique look. We 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 sport-utility wagon, several generations of the Legacy and Impreza, the current WRX and WRX STI, the Levorg, and the first-generation XV. He is now an independent designer.

Meanwhile, 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.

Pricing for the XV GT Edition starts at P1,768,000, which is a P100,000 premium over the standard 2.0i-S EyeSight variant.