Subaru Impreza & Forester: Diesel Power

Motoring Channel Staff - 8/September/2008

Paris, France — Originally launched in the Outback and Liberty models, Subaru's long-awaited 4-cylinder diesel boxer engine is now coming to its biggest selling models.

The Impreza and Forester Diesel models will be launched at the 2008 Paris Motor Show, and will give Subaru's European sales a significant boost.

Subaru expects to have the diesel Forester on sale in October in Europe, while the diesel Impreza will launch there in early 2009. 

The Japanese car maker will show the fuel efficient turbo diesel-powered versions of the Impreza 5-soor hatchback and Forester compact 4WD in Paris, which will be coupled with 6-speed manual transmissions.

Demand in Europe for Subaru's diesel-powered sedans and wagons has been building for a few years now, ever since Subaru announced its intentions to deploy a fuel efficient diesel engine into the range.

The response to the new models in Europe has been considerable and demand for the diesel models is skyrocketing as a result.

We spoke to Subaru Australia about the diesel models arrival Down Under, and the aim is to have diesel-powered Outback (and possibly Liberty) models here in the final quarter of 2009, after showing them at the 2009 Australian International Motor Show. 

These dates are not set in concrete, but because of the huge demand in Europe supply will be tight for the next 12 months at least.

The European specification Forester 2.0D will output 108kW (147hp) versus the the Impreza 2.0D's 110kW (150hp), and both models crank out 350Nm of torque @ 1800rpm.

All of Subaru's new 2.0-litre boxer diesel engines have top-mounted intercoolers, hence the hood scoops. The vital statistics are as follows:

Engine type: Horizontally opposed 4-cylinder DOHC 16-valve turbo diesel
Displacement: 1998cc
Max power: 108kW - 110kW @ 3600rpm
Max torque: 350Nm @ 1800rpm
Fuel injection system: Common rail type
CO2 Emissions: 152g/km (Impreza 2.0D), 167g/km (Forester 2.0D)
Turbocharger: Variable nozzle turbocharger

Subaru says the Forester will use just 6.3 litres of fuel per 100km on the comined city/highway cycle, which would make it one of the most efficient SUVs in its class.

According to Subaru, the new engine is technologically advanced, using a variable nozzle turbo for improve response and reduced turbo lag.

The engine block is made from aluminium-alloys and Subaru explains that it's unorthodox layout "allows the right and left pistons to negate each other’s inertia. This translates into smooth rotational balance, low vibration and superior quietness."

Related Links:
- Subaru Forester (Road Test)
- Subaru Impreza WRX STI (Road Test)
- Subaru Exiga (2008)
- Subaru Impreza WRX (Road Test)
- Subaru Forester (2009)
- Subaru Liberty Diesel (2008)
- Subaru Impreza WRX STI (2008)
- Subaru Impreza Hatch (2008)
- Subaru Liberty & Outback (2008)
- Subaru Forester XT (Road Test)
- Subaru Tribeca (2008)
- Subaru Impreza World Rally Car (2008)
- Subaru Liberty GT Spec.B - Tuned by STI (Road Test)
- Subaru WRX - Tuned by STI (2007)
- Subaru Liberty Blitzen (2006)