Subaru Impreza diesel (2009): first photos

By Ben Pulman

First Official Pictures

05 September 2008 12:31

Subaru will upset die-hard fans at the Paris motor show by unveiling a new diesel-powered Impreza. The oil-burning Impreza will debut alongside a new Forester diesel and a WRC replica car.

Of course. Both the Impreza and Forester get a horizontally-opposed 2.0-litre engine with a new six-speed ‘box, rather than the five-speed that appeared in the Legacy.

In the five-door Impreza the 1998cc engine produces 148bhp at 3600rpm and 258lb ft at 1800rpm. The Forester produces the same torque figure, but 145bhp at 3600rpm. Subaru is claiming the new diesel engine makes the Forester the cleanest SUV on sale, with figures of 44.8mpg and 167g/km CO2.

The Forester goes on sale later this month, while the Impreza will arrive in the UK in January 2009 and be available with a WRX bodykit.

Subaru will have a replica of the 2008 WRC car on its Paris stand, but the other interesting cars are be battery-powered. We've seen both before, but the electric R1e is currently on test around Tokyo, while the G4e previews Subaru’s next-gen lithium-ion battery technology. Combine the two and you’ll get the new electric R1.

It gets worse if you're a rally fan. The 380S Impreza – unveiled at the London motor show – might not be put into production as the current economic conditions mean the numbers won't be viable. But at least the 330S will go ahead, and it'll be on sale by the end of 2008.

Which would you rather have – a 380S or a diesel Impreza? Click 'Add your comment' below and have your say.

By Ben Pulman