The Subaru Forester 2.0D

Subaru has introduced the world's first flat four cylinder diesel to be sold in a production vehicle.  It has been used in Europe in Subaru Legacy's and Outbacks since 2008.  This engine has now been added to the Forester and will be called the Forester 2.0D.  So far, it has only been sold in Europe, and it is unknown when it will reach the states. Compared with the gas Forester, the diesel will be priced for roughly $2800 more in Europe, giving us an idea of its cost once it reaches this country. Given its superior fuel economy and enhanced "greenness", the 2.0D should prove popular among Americans.   

Forester 2.0D Advantages

The engine used in the Forester 2.0D has many advantages in its design. Most important, the horizontally opposed configuration is naturally balanced, requiring no weight- and friction-increasing counter-rotating shafts for smooth spinning. The engine is extremely compact, thanks to a bore pitch reduced 6 mm over the 2.0-liter gas engine. An aluminum block minimizes weight, while a low-mounted turbocharger helps drop the car's center of gravity. The engine also uses a diesel particulate filter (DPF), a closed silicon-fiber honeycomb that traps particulates passing through the exhaust.  This new Forester should be a hit once it arrives, as it combines Foresters excellent handling, its great cabin and cargo space, along with the fuel saving engine.  Overall, there is a lot to like.  Fuel savings versus even the base 2.5X model's naturally aspirated gas 2.5-liter four (rated at 20/26 city/highway mpg) is significant. Though the Forester doesn't have full sized SUV off-road capabilities, it has a real advantage over others in its market because of its car like driving skills.

Towing Abilities

This version of the Forester actually has improved tow ratings.  The Forester 2.0D can tow up to 4400 pounds (compared with just 2400 for the gasoline-fueled, turbo 2.5-liter four in the Forester XT).  

Driving the Forester 2.0D

Official EPA fuel-economy figures aren't yet available, but in Europe the Forester 2.0D is rated at an amazing 37 mpg city/highway combined. With its 16.9-gallon fuel tank, the 2.0D has a range of more than 600 miles.  The engine lights off with a pushbutton starter and settles into a quiet rumble. Yes, it does sound like a diesel, but the sound from beneath the hood isn't so loud that it's intrusive or annoying.  Acceleration is decent on the Forester 2.0D; Subaru claims a 0-to-60 mph time of 10.4 seconds.  Ride is well-controlled with a polished feel, the steering arcs through bends with nice weighting and feedback, brakes are strong, and you've always got Subaru's full-time all-wheel-drive system on hand should the road turn gravely, wet, or snowy. 

Subaru Forester 2.0D Engine

The boxer diesel is essentially an all-new engine, sharing its bore centers with Subaru's 3.0-liter gas six, but otherwise made mostly of unique parts. The twin-cam, four-cylinder mill displaces 2.0 liters, feeds off a common-rail fuel-delivery system, and breathes via 16 valves and a variable-nozzle turbo. Output is 145 horsepower at 3600 rpm and 258 pound-feet of torque at just 1800 rpm (compared with 226 pound-feet for the Forester's 2.0-liter turbo gas engine).  Mated to the new engine is a new six-speed manual transmission designed especially for the boxer diesel. Subaru currently has no automatic capable of handling the diesel's lofty torque output, and given the relatively low volumes anticipated for the diesel, the company isn't inclined to spend big bucks on creating a new one. Expect the manual to be the one and only transmission offering when the Forester diesel eventually makes its stateside debut.

Features

Two versions w ill be offered in Europe: the base 2.0D X and the 2.0D XS, which adds 17-inch alloy wheels (versus the standard 16s), HID headlamps, roof rails, and a seven-speaker surround-sound audio system, among other features. DVD navigation and leather are optional on the XS. The Forester's interior is simple compared to competitors such as the VW Tiguan.  But it does offer a roomy passenger space, plenty of cargo room, and a purely functional setup.  



The Forester 2.0D will differ from other Subarus with its unique engine.  Otherwise, it will be the same Subaru that is known for its all wheel drive handling and reliability.   This is a vehicle that has won comparison tests with rivals such as the Mazda CX-7 and the VW Tiguan.  With diesels growing in popularity in the U.S. the Subaru Forester 2.0D will fit right in. To research more, read another Subaru Forester 2.0D review.