All-New 2019 Subaru Ascent Makes Canadian Debut in Montreal

• Largest Subaru ever with choice of seven- or eight-passenger configurations.
• Standard Subaru Symmetrical 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.

MISSISSAUGA, ON, Jan. 18, 2018 /CNW/ - Subaru Canada, Inc. (SCI) is proud to announce that the all-new 2019 Ascent made its Canadian debut today at the Montreal International Auto Show.

The biggest Subaru ever built, the much-anticipated three-row SUV is designed with active families in mind, and is built to take them where they want to go and beyond. Featuring seating for up to eight people and standard equipment including Subaru's renowned symmetrical full-time all-wheel drive system and EyeSight advanced preventative safety suite, the 2019 Ascent combines the versatility, capability and safety Subaru vehicles are known for in a family-sized package.

"We're very pleased to share the all-new 2019 Subaru Ascent in Canada for the first time in Montreal," said Yasushi Enami, chairman, president and CEO of Subaru Canada, Inc. "This is a very special vehicle for Subaru and our customers, and very clearly showcases what we consider to be the top priorities for families shopping in this segment."

Built in North America at Subaru of Indiana Automotive, Inc., the 2019 Ascent will be available in Convenience, Touring, Limited and Premier trims when it arrives at Subaru retailers this summer.

Built for Families

The 2019 Ascent is all new from the ground up and was built on a strengthened and extended version of the Subaru Global Platform that will eventually become the foundation for all Subaru vehicles. Riding on a wheelbase that stretches 2,890 millimetres, the 2019 Ascent comes with three rows of seating, with available bench or captain's chairs in the second row, and a maximum of 2,056 litres of cargo space to handle a family's worth of stuff.

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, including making it easier to reach the third row, while up to six USB charging ports are available throughout to go along with 19 standard cup- and bottle holders.

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.

Blending Performance and Capability

With the Subaru Global Platform serving as its foundation, the 2019 Ascent offers the capability of an SUV with a car-like ride and handling. Subaru's symmetrical full-time all-wheel drive is standard, as is an impressive 220 millimetres of ground clearance, to provide confidence no matter the conditions, while 18-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 and X-Mode with Hill Descent Control.

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. The powertrain allows for a maximum towing capacity of 2,270 kg, the most of any Subaru in history.

Putting Safety First

The 2019 Ascent comes standard with Subaru's EyeSight safety suite that includes pre-collision braking and pre-collision brake assist, pre-collision throttle management, adaptive cruise control, lane departure and lane sway warning, lane keep assist and lead vehicle start alert.

The Subaru Rear/Side Vehicle Detection (SRVD) system is also available, as are steering responsive headlights, a high beam assist system that automatically activates and deactivates the high beams when the system detects a vehicle ahead or oncoming vehicle, and reverse automatic braking that applies the vehicle's brakes if an obstacle is detected while reversing.

The top-level Premier trim adds rain-sensing windshield wipers, and a front-view camera that displays a 180-degree view of the front of the vehicle on the multi-function display. Also standard on the Premier is a Smart Rearview Mirror that displays a view from behind the vehicle from a camera mounted above the rear gate glass. This feature is designed to provide the driver with improved rearward visibility when cargo or passengers are blocking the view.

Four Trims to Choose From

The 2019 Subaru Ascent will be available in four well-equipped trims: Convenience, Touring, Limited and Premier. Beyond the standard all-wheel drive and EyeSight preventative safety suite, the Convenience includes an impressive array of standard features including a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system; Android Auto and Apple CarPlay; heated front seats; a power-adjustable driver's seat; second-row USB ports; three-zone automatic climate control; 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels; and 19 cup- and bottle holders.

The Touring trim adds an eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system; Subaru Rear/Side Vehicle Detection (SRVD) system; 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. 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 Limited trim adds 20-inch alloy wheels; leather upholstery; a heated steering wheel; heated second-row outboard seats; integrated rear door sunshades; a 14-speaker Harmon Kardon audio system; integrated navigation functionality to the infotainment system; and third-row USB ports. Like the Touring trim, the Limited is available with the choice of a second-row bench or captain's chairs.

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; and a 120-volt outlet on the rear centre console.

Further details, including pricing, will be announced at a later date.

About Subaru Canada, Inc.

Subaru Canada, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Subaru Corporation of Japan. Headquartered in Mississauga, Ontario, 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.