All-new 2019 Ascent Available at Subaru Dealers across Canada this Summer

• Largest Subaru ever with choice of seven- or eight-passenger configurations.
• Standard Subaru symmetrical full-time all-wheel drive and EyeSight driver assist technology.
• Powered by all-new turbocharged 2.4-litre 4-cylinder SUBARU BOXER engine.
• Available in a choice of four well-equipped trims, starting at $35,995.

MISSISSAUGA, ON, Feb. 23, 2018 /CNW/ - Subaru Canada, Inc. (SCI) is pleased to offer the 2019 Ascent three-row SUV in four value-packed trims when it goes on sale across the country this summer.

The largest Subaru ever built, the all-new Ascent is also big on value, and brings with it an impressive list of standard features, including seating for up to eight people, Subaru's legendary symmetrical full-time all-wheel drive, and its EyeSight suite of safety and convenience features.

"It's no secret that SUVs are extremely popular these days, but we wanted to offer more than just another option ? we wanted to offer a class-leading vehicle that delivers what Canadian customers are looking for," said Yasushi Enami, chairman, president and CEO of Subaru Canada, Inc. (SCI). "We believe the 2019 Ascent delivers that and more, and we're very excited to bring this North American-exclusive model to market."

Built in North America at Subaru of Indiana Automotive, Inc., the 2019 Ascent will be available in Convenience, Touring, Limited and Premier trims, all of which come well-equipped and competitively priced.

Beyond standard all-wheel drive and Subaru's EyeSight preventative safety suite, which includes pre-collision braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist and lead vehicle start assist, among others, the Ascent Convenience includes an impressive array of features including a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system with SiriusXM satellite radio and Android Auto and Apple CarPlay functionality. Further standard features include heated front seats, an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat, seating for eight people, second-row USB ports, three-zone automatic climate control, auto door locks, auto up/down front driver and passenger windows, 19 cup- and bottle holders, 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, automatic headlights, and Subaru's X-mode with hill descent control. With an MSRP of $35,995 plus $1,725 freight and PDI, the 2019 Ascent is priced comparable to many of its front-wheel drive competitors, providing unparalleled value in the intermediate three-row SUV segment.

The Touring trim adds an eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system; the Subaru Rear/Side Vehicle Detection (SRVD) system, which includes blind-spot detection, lane-change assist and rear cross traffic alert; a rear power tailgate; a panoramic sunroof; a proximity key with push-button start; second-row climate controls; and an increased towing capacity of 2,270 kg. Other added features include a transmission oil cooler, pre-wiring for a trailer hitch, premium fabric upholstery, leather-wrapped shift knob and steering wheel, auto-dimming mirrors, and a rear cargo cover. The Touring trim is also available with the choice of either a second-row bench (eight-passenger configuration) or captain's chairs (seven-passenger configuration) for greater interior versatility. The Touring is priced at $40,995 in eight-passenger configuration, and $41,495 in seven-passenger configuration, plus freight and PDI.

The Limited trim adds 20-inch alloy wheels; leather upholstery; a heated steering wheel; four-way power-adjustable front passenger seat; heated second-row outboard seats; integrated rear door sunshades; a 14-speaker Harmon Kardon audio system; integrated navigation functionality to the eight-inch infotainment system; third-row USB ports; and a 6.3-inch colour multifunction display. The multifunction display shows the time, temperature and dynamic features such as an inclinometer.

Also included are steering-responsive LED headlights with high beam assist. Like the Touring trim, the Limited is available with the choice of a second-row bench or captain's chairs. Pricing for the 2019 Ascent Limited starts at $46,495 in eight-passenger configuration, and $46,995 in seven-passenger configuration, plus freight and PDI.

Finally, the top-of-the-line 2019 Ascent Premier includes ventilated front seats; brown leather upholstery; a front-view camera; a Smart Rearview Mirror; rain-sensing wipers; ambient interior lighting; an upgraded front grille and a 120-volt outlet on the rear centre console. Available only with second-row captain's chairs, the Ascent Premier is priced at $49,995 plus freight and PDI.

Built on the Subaru Global Platform (SGP), the 2019 Ascent offers the capability of an SUV with a car-like ride and handling. The combination of Subaru's symmetrical full-time all-wheel drive, along with X-mode and an impressive 220 millimetres of ground clearance provides confidence no matter the conditions, while the choice of 18- or 20-inch alloy wheels and four-wheel independent suspension improve on-road comfort and quietness.

Active Torque Vectoring, first introduced on the WRX and WRX STI performance models, is also standard on the three-row Ascent, as are steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters.

The 2019 Ascent is powered by an all-new 2.4-litre SUBARU BOXER engine mated to a high-torque Lineartronic CVT featuring an eight-speed manual mode. The engine produces 260 horsepower to go along with peak torque of 277 lb.-ft. delivered between 2,000 and 4,800 rpm for impressive performance and efficiency.

With a wheelbase that measures 2,890 millimetres, the 2019 Ascent is built with families in mind, offering a maximum of 2,449 litres of cargo space to handle a family's worth of stuff, while providing seating for as many as eight people.

Beyond offering an impressive amount of space, the cabin prioritizes both comfort and convenience for all passengers. The rear doors open 75 degrees for improved access to the second and third rows of seating, while up to six USB charging ports are available to keep portable electronic devices charged on the go.

Standard three-zone automatic climate control ensures all passengers stay comfortable, while heated front seats come standard. A heated steering wheel and heated second-row seats are standard on the Limited trim and above, while ventilated front seats come equipped on Premier models.

The 2019 Subaru Ascent will arrive at Subaru dealers across Canada this summer.

About Subaru Canada, Inc.

Subaru Canada, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Subaru Corporation of Japan. Headquartered in Mississauga, Ont., the company markets and distributes Subaru vehicles, parts and accessories through a network of 93 authorized dealers across Canada. For more information, please visit www.subaru.ca or www.pr.subaru.ca or follow @SubaruCanada on Twitter.

SOURCE Subaru Canada Inc.