8 February 2011
For a number of years now, Subaru have had one of the most popular wagons on the market. The AWD Legacy and Outback have sold well as an alternative to, and a very capable compromise between a traditional Station Wagon and an SUV.
Where the Legacy and Outback have been left wanting is that while their competitors have had diesel engine options on offer, Subaru have only had petrol versions until now. Enter the Legacy 2.0D Euro sedan, Legacy 2.0D Euro wagon and Outback 2.0D Euro.
Subaru have always sold very well in North America, where diesel has not been seen as a priority. However diesel sales volumes have been strong in Europe for many years and Subaru clearly have their sights set on the important European market with the introduction of diesel.
Underpinning the European leaning Subaru have even gone to the extent of switching the indicator and wiper stalks to opposite sides of the steering column in order to satisfy European buyers. The diesel models have been introduced with a manual transmission only at this stage.
It's no surprise then that the Legacy 2.0D and Outback 2.0D carry the Euro moniker locally.
The all aluminium diesel engine was built from the ground up in Subaru's familiar boxer configuration. Subaru reason the boxer configuration provides a compact, highly rigid engine with low vibration and a low centre of gravity. Power output is 110 kW at 3500rpm and maximum torque of 350 Nm is produced at 1800rpm.
The common rail diesel boxer engine meets Euro 4 emission standards, being equipped with oxidation catalytic converters, exhaust gas recirculation and particulate filter.
Manufacturer claims of 5.6 litres per 100km and CO2 emissions of 148 g/km combined cycle were exceeded during the recent AA Energywise Rally in both the Legacy 2.0D Euro wagon and Outback 2.0D Euro.
Reflecting the European specification, standard equipment includes heated front seats and a front windscreen de-icer which will be very useful in colder regions, especially on the ski slopes where Subaru seem completely at home.
An impressive level of safety equipment includes ABS with EBD and BA, 6 airbags, VDC (stability and traction control), 3 point centre rear seatbelt, active head restraints, pre-tentioner and load limiter front seat belts and side intrusion bars.
Power driver's seat, 6 stack CD player, MP3 input jack, cruise control, leather steering wheel, climate air-conditioning, trip computer and 60/40 split folding rear seats, 17" alloy wheels and front fog lights complete the package.
Launched in Europe earlier this year, the Subaru diesels have been extremely popular, and have enabled Subaru to be one of the few brands to enjoy increased sales volumes in Europe this year.
Available in New Zealand showrooms from mid December, pricing carries a $3000 premium over the base petrol models, with the Legacy Diesel Euro sedan retailing at $41,990, Legacy Diesel Euro wagon at $42,990 and Outback Diesel Euro at $44,990.