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Launched: Subaru Liberty Diesel

Wheels Magazine
April, 2008

There, out in the bright Spanish sunshine, stands the white Subaru Liberty sedan. It seems just like any other Liberty until the engine starts up, then suddenly you know this isn't business as usual.

This was the coming-out party for Subaru's Boxer Diesel, an all-new 2.0-litre flat-four turbo-diesel that Subaru's designed and built all on its own, and is going exclusively into European-spec versions of the Liberty and Outback.

This clever new low-emission 1998cc Boxer Diesel, which is also destined for the Impreza in 2009, is Subaru's vital entry into countries where diesel sales make up 40-50 percent of the market.

For a first-time effort in building a production diesel, Subaru's done a masterful job. Yes, you hear some faint diesel clatter at idle, but on the move, Subaru's TDI is smooth, torquey, responsive, refined and certainly a whole lot quieter than several other Euro diesels in its class.

Strong turbo boost from below 2000rpm coupled with 350Nm (peaking at just 1800rpm) dismisses any thoughts that diesels must be slow and boring. The Boxer Diesel, in fact, is anything but - revving freely and cruising beautifully at 130km/h-plus.

Compared to the 2.5-litre atmo petrol flat-four in the current Liberty range, the Boxer Diesel has 17kW less power, but is in another league for torque (the petrol makes 226Nm), and economy (5.6L/100kms versus 9.3L/100kms). The all-important C02 ratings (148g/km for diesel, 209g/km for petrol) also make a compelling argument.

Structurally, the diesel's a stronger and shorter unit than the petrol engine, but weighs in 20kg heavier despite aluminium blocks and heads. Importantly, however, it completely fits in with Subaru's unique, low centre of gravity and symmetrical AWD layout, but it does drive differently.

High geared and low revving, the Liberty Diesel's also fairly softly set up - tuned for comfort, and not quite the sporty driving package Subaru's PR blurb makes out. It points well, though, resists understeer and, like the standard Liberty, it feels a quality item with first-rate grip and traction.

This first version of the Boxer Diesel is launching with a five-speed manual gearbox, but Subaru is already working on a six-speeder. An automatic or CVT would also be on the wish-list if the Boxer Diesel's going to make serious inroads into other key world markets like North America.

At the end of the day, the economic argument with diesel needs to be thought through. Traditionally, you have to fork out more for the purchase price of the car, but over time, you should come out in front with the inherently simpler/more economical oil burner. But, then there's the cost at the pump. Still, the 64-litre tank gives a potential range of around 1000km, Subaru says, which is a big drawcard for plenty of customers.

Talking of cost, Subaru will surely be taking a major hit on this engine in the short term, but once it starts to ship globally starting in early 2010 (and yes, there is a plan for Australia), then that investment will start to pay off.

Along the autopista and up through the hills in Spain, meantime, the Boxer Diesel passed its first, critical test with flying colours. It's refined, smooth, quick and really good to drive - everything clattery old-school diesels weren't.

And this of course is just the opening bell on Subaru's bold new adventure.

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