Diesel for Subaru - but not until 2008

31 July 2006

Subaru is building a diesel engine that could be in its models by 2008.

The manufacturer has traditionally developed high-powered petrol engines for its cars, such as the rally-bred Impreza and Forester 4x4.

Rather than buying in a diesel engine from another manufacturer, Subaru has opted to develop its own diesel, and has running examples of a 2.0-litre four-cylinder unit. This engine will first appear in Subaru's Legacy family car in 2008.

However, the new diesel is unlikely to appear in Subaru's all-new premium 4x4, the Tribeca. The manufacturer is looking at a six cylinder 3.0-litre diesel for the Tribeca, but this is some way off.

Subaru is also developing its own six-speed automatic gearbox for the car. The Tribeca currently has a five-speed auto.