Japan Report: Subaru Launches Diesel Boxer for Europe

Just last week, we were down in southern Spain trying Subaru’s fascinating new 2.0-liter Boxer Diesel for size. And how was it? Very impressive.

Yes, to begin with, Subaru will be building this unique, light and compact aluminum block flat-four 1998 cc turbodiesel exclusively for Europe.

It appears first in the Legacy sedan, touring wagon and Outback, then is expected to go into the new Forester and Impreza before the year’s end.

(Click through to learn more about Subaru’s diesel engine.)

Why do it? Because the buzzword in Europe now is CO2. Subaru desperately needed a ‘clean,’ new-tech engine to meet Europe’s ever-toughening emission regulations.

Europeans love diesel (take up in some countries is more than 50 percent). So the Boxer Diesel is Subaru’s ingenious answer to both demands.

On paper, it’s already a winner. Up against Subaru’s regular gasoline 2.0-liter flat-four, the boxer diesel has the same 150 horsepower output, but with 258 pound-feet of torque peaking at just 1800 rpm, it beats even Subaru’s 3.0-liter flat-six for sheer pulling power.

Subaru’s internal figures have boxer diesel economy at 40.5 mpg (U.S.), versus 25.3 mpg for the thirsty 2.0-liter gas version. C02 emissions are also 148 g/km compared 209 g/km. Game over, then.

True, the Boxer Diesel will likely come at a price premium, but it really is smooth, quiet, super torquey, and impressive for low noise and vibration. The engine also has plenty of ‘stretch’ and whisper is it can even go out to six cylinders if need be.

Would it play in Peoria? Absolutely. Expect Subaru to be part of the new wave of clean diesels set to roll into America in the near future.