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)
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