Subaru is set to shake up the mid-range performance market with the unveiling of five new all-wheel-drive vehicles, all featuring a healthy dose of style and performance. The vehicles’ launch coincides with the reintroduction of the brand itself under a new distributor.

The new models will be exclusively imported and distributed by Motor Image Pilipinas Inc., a subsidiary of Singapore-based Motor Image Enterprises Pte Ltd. Motor Image is itself a wholly owned subsidiary of Tan Chong International Limited (TCIL), a group listed in the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. TCIL is in the automotive, commercial, manufacturing, trading, and property investment businesses. Motor Image introduced Subaru in Singapore more than ten years ago and has since set up offices in China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand.

Subaru cars are engineered and manufactured by Japan’s Fuji Heavy Industries. The company’s core technologies are its flat-four and flat-six engines and symmetrical all-wheel drive. These engines, with the cylinders spread out at 180 degrees, theoretically allow for a lower center of gravity and thus improved packaging and handling. The layout also helps reduce vibration and noise.

Symmetrical all-wheel drive means that the engine is mounted longitudinally, with the engine, transmission, propeller shaft, and rear differential all arranged in a straight, symmetrical formation. Efficiency and packaging are optimized with this arrangement. Permanent all-wheel drive ensures that torque is optimally distributed to all four wheels, without needing driver intervention. The system can also distribute more torque to the wheels with grip, to aid handling and traction. This technology has endeared the brand to numerous customers in snow- and rain-prone areas in New England and the Pacific Northwest, where the brand has captured appreciable market share. Toyota now owns 8.7% of Fuji Heavy after it bought the stake from General Motors.

At the helm of Motor Image Pilipinas are two highly-experienced auto executives. MIPI’s General Manager Nicandro Mariano, formerly sales and marketing director of General Motors Philippines. Fresh from a winning streak at Toyota is marketing manager Ariel de Jesus. Together with the rest of MIPI’s officers and staff, they pledge to offer the dealer support and service that the brand deserves.

Subaru returns to the Philippines courtesy of its new distributor, Motor Image Pilipinas. This company is a subsidiary of the Singapore-based Motor Image Enterprises--a company that distributes the Subaru brands to Hong Kong, China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and Singapore.

The secret of Subaru's renowned handling is the use of a symmetrical all-wheel drive system paired with a horizontally-opposed (flat) engine layout.

Undoubtedly, the Subaru Impreza is the star attraction in Motor Image's line-up. Priced at P 1.68 million, it's a steal.