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It seems odd that an invention well over 100 years old takes that long to reach the core of public acceptance. Yet, that's the time line for Rudolph Diesel's invention of `Diesel' internal combustion engine. Yet another family car has been fitted with the latest adaptation of Rudolph's design – this time Subaru's enduring and much loved Forester compact SUV.
Diesel engines have been around since Rudolph had his first patent granted in 1898, powering massive ships, trucks, locomotives and heavy equipment. Light trucks too have been powered by oil-burning engines, especially our genuine 4WDs, LandCruiser, Patrol and Land Rovers, but only since the fuel crisis and 9/11 have diesel-powered family-cars become the norm as opposed to the exception.
The Forester now adds to that movement with it's first ever turbo-powered diesel, the second vehicle in Subaru's range to gain diesel after the larger Outback was launched late last year. Forester gets a 2.0 litre diesel variant of the Subaru `boxer' engine similar to that in Outback. Subaru was been late on the diesel bandwagon with it's necessity to develop the technology for a flat-four engine.
At the heart of the reason for diesel power is the ability to drive the vehicle further than petrol using less fuel. The diesel Forester sips just 6.4 litres/100 kms in combined cycle, so expect even better economy on highway or country roads. This will open up Forester sales to those who live in the bush where they can expect a frugal 5.7 litres/100 km. With a 64 litre fuel tank drivers can expect at least 1000 kilometres out of each fill up – more if there's a lot of cruising at the speed limit.
The Forester diesel comes in two model variants - Forester 2.0D and the 2.0D Premium. Both are powered by the 2.0 litre turbo-diesel which puts out 108 kW or power at 3600 rpm and a hefty 350 Nm of torque between 1800-2400 rpm. At just 1600 rpm the engine has on tap 340 Nm of torque, so there's lots of low-rev pulling power.
Forester diesel has a braked towing capacity of 1600 kg, 200 kg above the normally-aspirated petrol Foresters. This will also have appeal for those in the bush as well as `grey nomads' wanting a smaller vehicle for a compact van or camper-trailer.
With sales of the diesel Outback exceeding Subaru Australia's expectations, Managing Director, Nick Senior said early demand for Forester diesel suggests it too would be a popular choice and follow suit.
“Outstanding economy, the potential for a 1000 kilometre-plus range, great engine flexibility and Forester's traditionally strong retained value are the hallmarks of this vehicle,” he said.
Forester 2.0D comes with a six speed manual transmission, all wheel drive, self levelling rear suspension and the first service at 12,500 kilometres or six months. The 2.0D Premium adds leather trim, electric sunroof, 17 inch alloy wheels, power driver's seat, premium audio and HID headlights, privacy glass, seat-back pockets, six stack CD with seven speakers. The Forester range has a five star ANCAP safety rating with safety equipment including six airbags and the crash-saving electronic stability program.
It also maintains the Forester standard for rear vision with a one metre tall object positioned a metre away from the bumper being able to be seen by a driver when reversing.
ROAD TEST
Subaru launched the diesel Forester out
of Canberra using a mix of highways, country roads and gravel tracks
in State Forest. The six speed transmission is smooth and well mated
to the oil burner and pulls easily from a low rev base. While many
people like – indeed prefer manual shifters – there's no doubt
the lack of an automatic will hold back sales. As it is Subaru are
confident of sales in the order of 100 a month for diesel Forester.
Forester was developed primarily for
the European market and Australia with the Europeans preferring
manual transmissions. This is the reason why both Forester and larger
sibling Outback at this stage do not offer an automatic. However, Mr
Senior says a request is in for an auto for both Outback and
Forester, but don't hold your breath waiting.
Forester has always been a
delight to drive and the diesel variant does not break that mould.
The engine is willing through the gears and happily sits at 110 km/h
at just under 2000 rpm in sixth gear. On day one of the road test we
returned 7.4 litres/100 km after pushing the car fairly hard through
the bush on gravel tracks as well as along quiet country roads. On
day two we had a transport leg along the highway to Moruya airport
and managed an excellent 6.2 litres/100 km along the highway sitting
at around 100 km/h. Our bush tracks – the
types of soft off-road terrain Forester owners are likely to use –
revealed a suspension that handles the rough stuff with ease. The
back tended to drift our slightly over corrugations, but just as soon
correct itself. It's a car that gives you the feeling of being in
control. And, that's before any intervention by the stability
program.
MODELS AND PRICING
Forester 2.0D manual $36,990*
Forester 2.0D Premium manual $39,990
(*Prices are Manufacturer's List Price and do not include on road costs or government charges)
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