Subaru’s widely-acclaimed new Boxer Diesel engine is now available in the new Forester where it is expected to account for the majority of sales and eventually turn the SUV into Subaru’s best-selling model.
And both the Forester and Impreza turbo diesels feature new six-speed manual gearboxes while the engine itself benefits from a new closed-type diesel particulate filter.
Such is the efficiency of the new engine that the Forester 2.0TD boasts class-leading
fuel economy and emissions with urban figures of 6.9 L/100km and producing a combined CO2 figure of 170 G/km respectively. Annual road tax will be €430
First introduced in the Legacy and Outback earlier this year, the 2.0 litre, four-cylinder horizontally-opposed Boxer Diesel engine offers outstanding refinement and throttle-response plus exceptional handling thanks to its light weight and low centre-of gravity.
And in the new Boxer Diesel Forester – itself only launched in the Spring in petrol format – the boxer diesel catapults it right up towards the top of the class for fuel economy and low emissions.
The Forester produces 147bhp and 258lb ft torque and the Impreza 150bhp and 258lb ft – both at 3,600rpm and 1,800rpm respectively. The engine’s benefits include exceptional compactness, light weight and a low centre-of-gravity which benefits handling agility and makes best use of the standard all-wheel drive system.
And Subaru claims that it also offers drivers the longest range of any SUV at more than 1,000 km before refueling. Subaru also says no other competitor can match the new Forester 2.0D X’s combined 44.8mpg or its ultra-low 167g/km emissions level..
Meanwhile, the Boxer Diesel Forester’s 115.5mph top speed and 10 second 0-60mph time makes it one of the swiftest of SUVs while the extra engine torque over the petrol model allows a full 2,000 kg braked towing limit.
Apart from the much-applauded new engine, key improvements over the 2.0 litre petrol Forester include a new six-speed manual gearbox, up-rated front suspension and firmer-feeling steering.
Even more the keen driver’s choice, the new Forester is based on the platform of the new Impreza, the Forester features a new multi-link rear suspension, fuel-saving electric power steering and Subaru Vehicle Dynamics Control.
Now closer in size to its less agile SUV competitors, the completely new Forester is 75mm longer, 45 mm wider and gains 110 mm in height (all models except the 2.0D X which lacks roof rails ).
Rear legroom grows by 95mm, the driver’s eye-line is 30mm higher, while the load space is now 450 litres with the rear seat up – 63 litres more than the previous model.
But while the ground clearance is now 10 mm greater at 215 mm, the engine itself sits 10 mm lower. This, coupled with the inherent low centre-of-gravity of the boxer engine, gives exceptionally agile handling.
Commenting on the new Boxer Diesel Forester, a Subaru spokesman said: “This is the car everyone has been waiting for and places us right in the SUV heartland where it leads in so many crucial areas.
“With the praise already heaped on the new Boxer Diesel as fitted to the Legacy and the favourable comments on the new Forester’s improved space, ride and handling, this should be the perfect combination for both loyal Subaru owners and conquest customers.”
The new Forester Turbo Diesel goes on sale in Ireland this month, and the Impreza Turbo Diesel in early 2009, more details on the Impreza will be released nearer the launch date. And prices for Forester passenger and the new Forester commercial will be announced shortly.
