Diesel Forester arrives Down Under

Another diesel-powered entry has joined the ranks of the compact SUV segment. Subaru's Forester is now available in Australia with the 2.0-litre diesel boxer already introduced in the Outback.

Marketed in two levels of trim -- the Forester 2.0D ($35,990*) and the Forester 2.0D Premium ($39,990*) -- the diesel softroader adds further depth to Subaru's all-terrain range. The Forester's towing capacity, for example, is 200kg better (1600kg) with the diesel powerplant than with the standard petrol engine.

Boasting common-rail turbo induction and a diesel particulate filter, the diesel generates maximum power of 108kW at 3600rpm and torque peaks at 350Nm, between 1800 and 2400rpm. The company claims that 4of torque is available from as low as 1600rpm. Yet combined-cycle fuel consumption is 6.4L/100km for the Forester 2.0D and the Euro 5-compliant engine produces 168g/km of CO2 emissions. Unusually for a diesel and a boxer, the Subaru engine is neither oversquare nor undersquare, measuring bore and stroke dimensions of 86.0 x 86.0mm.

Subaru has said in the past that the business case for a diesel Forester variant would be dependent on the popularity of the same engine in the Outback. According to Nick Senior, Subaru Australia's Managing Director, that sales threshold has been reached.

"The Outback has exceeded our expectations and early demand for the Forester suggests it will follow suit," Senior says.

"Outstanding economy, the potential for a 1000 kilometre plus range, great engine flexibility and Forester's traditionally strong retained value are the hallmarks of this vehicle."

As in the case of the Outback, the Forester 2.0D will only be available with a six-speed manual transmission. Subaru has no self-shifting options in the works, for the present. The manual drives through Subaru's symmetrical four-wheel drive system (longitudinal engine/centre differential), which is supported by MacPherson struts at the front and a double-wishbone-type independent system at the rear. Steering is handled by an electrically-assisted rack-and-pinion set-up turning through a 10.6-metre diameter, measured kerb to kerb. Power-assisted brakes are a combination of ventilated discs at the front and solid discs at the rear.

Measuring 4560mm in length, the Forester is 1795mm wide, 1700mm high and sits on a 2615mm wheelbase. The tare weight is 1520kg for the base model and 1555kg for the Forester 2.0D Premium. Bridgestone 215/65 R16 tyres are specified for the base model, with 225/55 R17 Yokohamas for the Premium variant.

In keeping with other models in Subaru's local product portfolio, the Forester 2.0D remains a five-star safe car, according to ANCAP -- and the crash testing authority has also assessed the Forester to be a three-star car for pedestrian safety. Standard safety features include: stability control, ABS/EBD, dual front airbags, side-impact airbags, curtain airbags, front seatbelt load-limiters/pre-tensioners, retracting pedals and active headrests.

All diesel Foresters come with the following standard features: DataDot theft protection, 16-inch alloy wheels, four-speaker MP3/iPod-compatible CD audio, remote central locking, climate control, cruise control, telescopic/tilt-adjustable steering, electric windows/mirrors, 60/40 splitfold rear seat and 12V auxiliary power outlets.

To this, the Forester 2.0D Premium adds: 17-inch alloy wheels, seven-speaker six-disc audio, leather trim, electric sunroof, eight-way electric driver's seat adjustment and HID headlights.

Colours available are: Satin White Pearl, Steel Silver, Spark Silver, Camellia Red, Sage Green, Newport Blue, Obsidian Black, Dark Grey and Sunlight Gold.

* Manufacturer's list price, excluding on-road costs and dealer pre-delivery charge.

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