Never diesel for Impreza

The Subaru Impreza is available with a 2.0-litre diesel engine in overseas markets but the maker won’t be making the option available for the new model.

The fourth generation Impreza is expected in local showrooms in March, offered with a revised 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine and new transmission. Subaru Australia is aiming to maintain current pricing for the new Impreza.

Subaru Australia managing director Nick Senior told motoring.com.au his company was committed to providing diesel options among its SUV range, however he said Subaru’s work with the Impreza’s petrol engine had brought gains in efficiency that would rival the value equation of owning a diesel.

“At 6.8 [litres per 100km] for the new model, a diesel version is not going to make a huge improvement,” said Senior. “Diesel engines are more expensive and depending on which week it is, diesel fuel can be expensive [in Australia],” he reasoned. “So the diesel is down on the list of priorities for Impreza.”

Senior admits his company has had a “fantastic reception” to the diesel offerings for Outback and Forester, but supply constraints brought about by the Tohoku earthquake has impeded local supply. Subaru Australia has made around 200 sales a month of the diesel-equipped Forester, despite the fact it is only available in manual. Subaru Australia is “working on” bringing an auto option to local buyers, says Senior.

Currently Forester and Outback are available with diesel (pictured). Senior told motoring.com.au diesel was also a possibility for the upcoming XV crossover, which shares the Impreza’s underpinnings, in the future.

Visit motoring.com.au again for our full launch review of the new Subaru Impreza and Subaru XV.

Read the latest news and reviews on your mobile, iPhone or PDA at carsales' mobile site...