Subaru planning Forester and Impreza diesels for Paris Motor Show

Posted Fri Sep 5 2008 7:03 AM by Alex Kaufmann

Subaru is set to expand its diesel offering following next month’s Paris Motor Show, with the carmaker planning to launch versions of its Forester and Impreza powered by a boxer diesel engine. The new Forester diesel is set to go on sale in Europe towards the end of next month and will be joined in January next year by the oil-burning Impreza.

Subaru’s diesel engine first debuted at the Geneva Motor Show earlier this year, and has since been placed into the Legacy and Outback models. The boxer engine is renowned for its compactness, light weight and low centre-of-gravity. Furthermore, the particular engine also utilizes a shorter and stiffer crankshaft than that found in the petrol version, which ultimately reduces engine noise and cabin vibration. It also improves the performance and throttle response, while also reducing the amount of fuel consumed and carbon dioxide emitted.

According to Subaru, the Forester 2.0L diesel boasts class-leading fuel economy and emissions, with mileage for the SUV rated at 37mpg (6.3L/100km) and emissions coming in at just 167g of CO2 per km. Subaru is yet to reveal mileage figures for the Impreza diesel, but its emissions are rated at an even lower 157g of CO2 per km.

Output levels for the Forester diesel are rated at 145hp (108kW) and 258lb-ft (350Nm) of torque. The Impreza, meanwhile, is rated at 147hp (110kW) and 258lb-ft (350Nm) of torque. Additionally, both the Forester and Impreza boxer diesels feature new six-speed manual gearboxes, while the engine itself benefits from a new closed-type diesel particulate filter.

Also on show in Paris will be a replica of Subaru's 2008 World Rally Car, as will prototypes of the R1e and G4e electric cars.

Reader Comments

Fri Sep 5 2008 12:33 PM
JSH says

That would be ~40 mpg for the Impreza as CO2 emissions are directly related to fuel economy.

To bad we won't be getting these vehicles in the US before 2010 to 2012
Fri Sep 5 2008 1:18 PM
NoNameDenton says

I am wish JSH, I wish we were getting them sooner, but still, all that low end torque, interior space, and fuel milage, I would actually consider one, even if Toyota has their claws in Subie.
Fri Sep 5 2008 7:31 PM
Johnny says

NoNameDenton, Toyota had nothing to do with the Subaru Diesels, these were planned and prototyped before Toyota had any part. Sure, they might have a stake in Subaru, but don't think their going to change lots.
Fri Sep 5 2008 7:34 PM
NoNameDenton says

Not what I said Johnny, thanks for trying to re-write what I said. My point was that Toyota makes bland vehicles and I worry they will try and change Subaru.

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