Subaru has announced that its boxer diesel engine is now available in the Impreza. The turbodiesel was supposed to come to the UK at the start of the year, in line with other markets, but the launch was delayed because of exchange rates. It combines 47mpg economy with four-wheel drive.
It is the same flat-four engine seen in the
Legacy, Outback and Forester. That means a 2.0-litre displacement and 148bhp power output while torque is 258lb.ft between 1,800- and 2,400rpm. Driving through a six-speed manual gearbox, Subaru claims the Impreza will do 0-62mph in 9.0 seconds and 127mph flat out. The other key figures are CO
2 emissions of 155g/km and 47.9mpg on the combined cycle. The fuel consumption should allow a range of 670 miles on a tank of fuel.
Being a Subaru the Impreza has four-wheel drive with a 50:50 front-to-rear torque split. The chassis consists of MacPherson struts at the front and compact multi-link rear suspension.
Two trim levels are offered: RC and RX. The cheaper RC costs £20,000 and comes with climate control, Xenon headlamps with washers and power folding door mirrors. For an extra £2,255 the RX adds rear privacy glass, full leather trim and electric adjustment of the driver's seat.
The diesel fills an important gap in the Impreza range and, on paper, offers decent performance at an attractive price. The Impreza 2.0D RC and RX are available to order now.
John Lambert - 4 Sep 2009