Subaru Forester 2.0D (2008) CAR review

We’re already familiar with the Forester, Subaru’s take on the junior SUV market. It grew in stature and capacity as it morphed from last-gen to current model, but it lacked one crucial element: diesel power. Now it’s here, in the form of Subaru’s brilliant – and unique – 2.0-litre flat four. Does this new body/engine combo mean the Forester can now take on the established RAV4/CR-V herd – or even the Ford Kuga latecomer?

Seems an obvious engine for the Subaru Forester. Why’d it take so long?

Subaru could easily have bought in a VW turbodiesel, as Mitsubishi did for the Outlander – especially as a diesel variant is only relevant for the European market. But that didn’t satisfy the engineering minds at Subaru. The result is this 145bhp turbodiesel boxer, launched last February in the Legacy.

It isn’t based on Subaru’s petrol engine block, and is much more compact though 45kg heavier – which Subaru turns to its advantage by citing that it lowers the Forester’s centre of gravity, to the benefit of handling. The horizontally opposed cylinders reduce friction and vibration, compared with an in-line engine. It also features common-rail injection and a variable-vane turbocharger.

Is it any good?

There was a clue in the intro. This engine is exceptionally refined, barely audible at tickover, and it revs with a smooth and satisfying thrum. Unlike some turbodiesels, its power delivery is very even – there’s no all-or-nothing low-rev punch that tails out all too quickly. This engine metes out its power across a broader band, landing softly at the 5000rpm red line (where it’s still smooth and couth). It’s at its best in the mid-range, where it’s easily capable of hustling the weighty Scoob, and actually rewards judicious use of the new six-speed manual gearbox.

There’s little drama on tap, but the fact that it results in best-in-class emissions and fuel economy makes it extremely impressive.

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