Turbodiesel Forester confirmed for Oz

Subaru has announced that the turbodiesel boxer engine that made its local debut in the Outback late last year will find its way into the smaller Forester. Due June, the new variant will go on sale wearing the name Forester 2.0D and will be available as an entry-level grade or upmarket Forester 2.0D Premium. As reported by the Carsales Network previously, the introduction of the diesel Forester was contingent on customer demand.

"Given the level of customer enquiry so far, we anticipate substantial demand for Forester diesels," Subaru's MD, Nick Senior, was quoted as saying in a press release issued today.

"We expect supply to be quite tight and on that basis our network is now taking orders, to avoid customer disappointment. We thank customers for their patience and based on the huge response we've had to our Outback diesels, we're gearing up for significant orders."

The engine will be in the same state of tune as in the Outback 2.0D, developing 110kW of power at 3600rpm and 350Nm of torque, ranging between 1800 and 2400rpm. Drive to all four wheels will be via the standard six-speed manual transmission and Subaru's 'symmetrical' constant four-wheel drive system.

Subaru is yet to decide pricing for the diesel-engined Foresters, but has revealed that standard equipment for the entry-level model will comprise: cloth trim, 16-inch alloy wheels, leather gear shift, front fog lights, climate control air conditioning, self-levelling rear suspension, a flip-out rear tray and colour-coordinated door handles.

In addition to that specification, the Forester 2.0D Premium features: 17-inch alloy wheels, leather trim, power driver's seat, upgraded audio, HID headlights and a sunroof.

Both grades will be rated at five-star (ANCAP) crash safety, thanks to dual front, side and curtain airbags, plus Vehicle Dynamics Control electronic stability system.

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