Subaru Forester diesel added to Australian range

By Tim Beissmann | June 01st, 2010

Following the diesel variants of the Outback launched late last year, Subaru Australia has today added the 2.0-litre diesel engine to the Subaru Forester range.

Matching the Outback’s performance, the turbocharged four-cylinder 2.0D Boxer engine produces 108kW and 350Nm of torque, while consuming 6.4 litres/100km combined cycle and emitting 168g/km CO2, meeting Euro V standards.

Braked towing capacity is up 200kg from the naturally aspirated petrol models to 1600kg, and 300Nm of the engine’s torque is available from as low as 1600rpm.

Subaru Australia managing director, Nick Senior, said the decision to introduce a second diesel model to the local market was an obvious one.

“The Outback has exceeded our expectations and early demand for the Forester suggests it will follow suit.

“Outstanding economy, the potential for a 1000km plus range, great engine flexibility and Forester’s traditionally strong retained value are the hallmarks of this vehicle,” Mr Senior said.

Like the Outback, the diesel-powered Forester features a six-speed manual transmission which Subaru says optimises fuel efficiency, improves drivability and reduced ride noise at higher speeds.

And like the Outback, it will be offered in two variants: 2.0D and 2.0D Premium.

The 2.0D includes features such as electronic stability control, Hill Start Assist, six airbags, active headrests, shock absorbing brake and clutch pedals, front fog lights, four-speaker CD/MP3/iPod compatible stereo, climate control, 16in alloy wheels, chrome grille and DataDot security technology.

The 2.0D Premium adds privacy glass, seven-speaker six-stack CD player with subwoofer, 17in alloy wheels with full size alloy spare, eight-way adjustable power driver’s seat, leather trim, sunroof, xenon headlamps and seat-back pockets.

The Forester is currently the most popular vehicle in the Compact SUV segment, holding a 13.8 percent market share after selling 4704 in the first four months of the year.

The Subaru Forester diesel is on sale now and is priced from $35,990* for the 2.0D and $39,990* for the 2.0D Premium.

*Manufacturer’s List Pricing includes GST but excludes dealer delivery charges and all other government and statutory charges.

Radbloke

The only half-decent looking model Subaru have left. How long before this one gets the Joan Collins special?
Bob

FAIL! Where is the auto??? And while I’m ranting, why do petrol models only have a 4 speed auto? Do Soobaroo know it’s 2010?

s5driver

It’s more fail when you don’t know how to drive a manual.

Bob

True. But what if I can, and yet don’t WANT to? With traffic lights every 50m, I really don’t want a 3rd pedal!

Mr Pee Pee

Then you probably don’t need a Forester.

Bob

Touché sir!

Rob

Then why don’t you need a different sort of car e.g Liberty or Mazda 6???
98% of people do not need a 4WD.

simxs

??
Tim

Great car and finally we get the diesel. Thought we would see the CVT with this update.

simxs

I gather their first priority was to get a diesel released at all, even manual only, as the European market demanded it. Now they are working on getting the CVT to be compatible with extra torque of the diesel compared to the non-turbo petrol (Outback and Liberty) it is already available with.

Countrygirl

Manual is the norm (75% or something) in Europe. Makes sense from that point of view.

Will

No 6 speed auto or direct shift. Very disappointing.

Will is a Skoda troll

Still trolling through slandering other brands hey Will?

What’s the matter? Too quite in the Skoda salesroom?

Skoda salesmen and ethics don’t match do they????

Will

Resident fruit-loop.

As previously stated in other blogs I am no way affiliated with the automotive industry. Your accusations are tiresome.

I have owned three Subi’s; a serious one Liberty, serious two Outback, and a MY00 GT Forester. I have fond memories of all machines will special reference to their structural integrity and ability to give the driver a comfortable experience. Subi’s tend to follow an ethos of evolution. When it came time to let go of the GT in 08 I felt the brand had lost its way. Thus my purchase of the Skoda. I shall not delve into this in any way on this blog as it is not relevant, other than to state the purchase has been very satisfying.

Contrary to your assumptions I have an affinity to most Euro brands, having owned a Fiat, three Renaults and a Peugeot. I have an affinity with some Japanese brands. I am not despondent about Subaru given my past experiences with a lean to Mazda.

I do not intend to become part of the automotive industry in the future, I am too old and my current studies and vocation will tend to take me elsewhere.

Your unsolicited attacks are without foundation.

Will is a Skoda troll

Will the resident Skoda sales-troll,

Why keep denying it, when if you look back through the blogs there are several instances where YOU actually freely admitted it – was that before you got roasted by the boss for unethical behaviour?

Vibe

About time! No auto might hurt it though, like Mazda.
http://www.facebook.com/sammo.8191 Sam Moss

It’a a shame about the cheap looking interior, but other than that it looks like a good buy!
http://caradvice OSU811

nice car, will sell well!
im kind of glad there is no auto!
might create some more interest in the manual
compact suv market again, as its been slipping in sales and interest lately!
greenroom

sorry guys.. my comment was meant for the Impreza RV article.
Shane

without a 6spd auto or 6spd manual, this car cannot be taken seriously nor subarus claim about its engineering credentials.

http://caradvice OSU811

did you not read the review Shane???
it is a 6 SPEED MANUAL

Shane

Sorry, I was referring to the petrol motors

Stew

Yes, you’re right it should be a 6 speed box… a dual range 5 speed manual (which is actually 6 speed)

Stew

Awesome, finally the Forester in a diesel in Oz, BUT, dual range box? Extremely stupid if not.
Stew

Awesome, finally a diesel Forester in Oz! But! Dual range box? Extremely stupid if not.
Stew

Auto? Why would you want one????
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000504339577 Ben Ning Shu

To those who pity no auto option: it is a scientific fact that manual car drivers use more brain and muscle than auto transmission drivers.

Your comments reflected a snapshot of our society nowadays: fatter, lazier, want things quick & easy. C’mon, if you lads are really passionate about fun motoring, join the manual club.

Reckless1

What a load of crap.

85% of new cars are Auto.

Why would you want to ignore that potential market?

The Japanese have shown they are no good at Auto trans for high torque FWD.

Come to think of it, they aren’t much good at high output Euro VI diesels, either.

(therealBob

I agree with Ben. While its true that the majority of people these days want an Auto (I just bought one because My girlfriend preferred it over a manual for city driving).

You can’t really call yourself a car enthusiast if you don’t like driving a manual, its a large part of the experience.

Brett

I have been researching for the right car for us for 4 months and when I found out about this in April I decided this was the one. Great for long holiday driving towing our camper-trailer with a great awd system to handle the semi-off roading we will do. Not fussed about the manual, in fact I think it’s the only way to experience the great drive of the Forester. I’d rather they bring this out than wait until they get the auto right which could be a year or two away. I have a feeling this will be a huge seller once the word gets out. Families like us don’t want to pay through the nose at the bowser for petrol and it’s still the cheapest of it’s competitors to buy. Well done Subaru!

Reckless1

You might want to rethink towing with this thing.

Test reports complain of zero torque below 1600rpm when it comes on with a rush. They also complain of inability to accelerate at all below 1600, unlike other 2.0 diesels which pull well even from as low as 800.

Brian

Rubbish. I have an Outback diesel and I can assure you that it’s pulling strongly at 1500rpm and can get up a reasonable hill at 1200rpm. What car diesel pulls strongly at 800rpm – idle speed? I’ve never heard of this before.
The only issue in regard to some other diesels (VW?) would probably be a bit more turbo lag.
If you want to do a Grand Prix start, you need to get the revs up – as you do with other modern diesels.

Buck

The lack of Auot and for that matter still running with a four speed auot in 2010 on the petrol model is very disappointing in an otherwise attractive proposition.

I’m not surprised they’re selling well as they’re good value and reasonably capable, but they’d sell heaps more if they provided the option of a decent six speed auto transmission on both versions.
Josh

Great car, going to check it out in the coming weeks. Shame it still has the outdated interior from the old Liberty/Outback. I was hoping it would be the first of the Foresters to get the new.
Brett

I find it hard to believe an SUV with twice the torque to weight ratio of a 2008 Pajero will struggle at low revs for pulling power! According to this review, 300nmtrs kicks in at 1600 revs so the rush from 0 – 1600 will be a hell of a ride!
Stew

@ Reckless1 – who cares if 85% cars are auto now! What does that say about people these days and there want for a real driving experience??

Besides, why would you want an auto SUV? That’s like getting an auto Landcruiser! If auto is what you want, clearly you don’t intend on using your SUV for what it was built for… travel and light off roading. If you want a soccer mum car, go buy a Honda or a Rav4!!