Subaru has added a diesel engined model to its Forester compact SUV (sports utility vehicle) model range. With 350 Nm of torque at a lowly 1800 rpm, the Forester 2.0 Euro spec model is powered by the same 2.0-litre Boxer Diesel engine used in the new generation Legacy and Outback diesel. The Forester 2.0D Euro spec comes as a single model with a six speed manual gearbox at $45,990. “Having a diesel model in the compact SUV market is becoming increasingly important,” said Graeme Woodlands, the Managing Director of Subaru of New Zealand. “It offers customers the chance to access a more economical option with fewer emissions.” The Forester Boxer Diesel has an overall fuel consumption of 6.3 litres/100 kilometres under EC regulations with emissions of just 167 grams/km, making it one of the most economical and green compact SUVs. In fact of all the diesel-powered SUV’s available on the New Zealand Market today, Forester is one of the most efficient available in the market. Forester is one of the few compact SUVs to come with a permanent All Wheel Drive system, while many of its rivals offer part time systems where the 4WD has to be engaged manually or is only done automatically once wheels begin to slip. The Forester has outstanding handling and control on all road conditions. With its All Wheel Drive system, low slung Boxer engine and consequent low centre of gravity and symmetrical drive train combining to provide superior handling to many road-only passenger cars. Boxer Diesel engine new to Forester
Since the Boxer Diesel engined Legacy and Outback models were introduced late last year, changes have been made to the 2.0-litre Boxer Diesel motor to further reduce emissions, weight and NVH in the new Forester 2.0D Boxer Diesel. The engine for Forester is rated at 108 kWs at 3600 rpm, with 350 Nm of the all-important torque available from a lowly 1800 rpm. The shape of the piston crowns have been changed and improvements to the gas flow within the combustion chamber. Ceramic glow plugs provide a better start up at cold temperatures. Plastic is now used for the intake manifold to save weight and the common rail system has improved injectors and ECU. A lift sensor has been added to the turbocharger to refine operation of the variable nozzle for more accurate control to improve emissions. The exhaust oxidizing catalyst has been improved and a closed particulate filter reduces particulate matter in the exhaust gas for emissions that meet Euro4 standards. Nitrous oxide gases have been reduced with the use of a larger exhaust gas recirculation cooler. The charging capacity of the alternator has been improved to improve fuel efficiency. Six-speed manual transmission
For the first time, a lightweight and efficient six-speed manual is mated to the 2.0 litre turbo Boxer Diesel engine. The same gearbox is fitted to all three Subaru Boxer diesel models – Forester, Legacy and Outback. It aids optimum fuel efficiency, improved drivability and a quieter ride at higher speeds, due to wider ratio coverage. Use of a shift cable greatly improves feel and noise levels, while friction loss is reduced by optimising lubrication paths, leading to improved fuel efficiency. Shift feel and noise levels are improved when selecting reverse due to gear structure changes, adopting constant-mesh synchromesh. A dual mass flywheel limits noise and reduces vibrations at low speed. Strong specification level
Specification unique to the Forester Boxer Diesel includes heated front seats, windscreen wiper de-icer and heated wing mirrors. Other features it shares with petrol-engined Foresters include height and reach adjustable steering column, climate control air conditioning, cruise control buttons on the steering wheel, leather wrapped steering wheel, self-levelling rear suspension and front fog lights. It sits on 16-inch alloy wheels. There are split folding rear seats that also recline, automatic headlights off, CD sound system, cargo security blind and hooks and a height adjustable driver’s seat. Subaru style, performance, safety and security
The new diesel Forester has the same sleek new look as the petrol engined models launched 18 months ago offering outstanding handling, superb safety and greater space. The unique Subaru All Wheel Drive system along with the low-slung Boxer engine, symmetrical drive train, new chassis and suspension, provides outstanding handling and control on all road conditions. Framed door windows provide greater noise suppression, more strength and security and open wider providing easier access, particularly to the back seat. Safety is not optional at Subaru. That’s clearly demonstrated by the inclusion of dual front, side, curtain SRS airbags, energy-absorbing engine cradle, ring-shaped reinforcement frame body and strategic strengthening of the body using high tensile steel and the Subaru tailored blank welding process. That’s all in addition to standard Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) - electronic Stability Control and ABS brakes with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution, anti-whiplash active headrests, plus a raft of other detailed safety features that shows Subaru isn’t resting on its laurels, despite being a leader in this field. DataDot security is standard on all Subaru models. Over 8,000 microscopic dots with the vehicles unique VIN number are sprayed over all the major components of the vehicle. DataDot technology has proven highly effective in deterring criminals from stealing New Zealand new Subaru vehicles over the past five years since they were introduced. In fact, over that time, NZ new vehicles fitted with DataDots represent a tiny 0.34% of Subaru vehicle thefts – less than half of one percent. The overwhelming majority of Subaru thefts being Japanese used imports without the advanced immobiliser technology and DataDot security fitted to the New Zealand new cars.
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