Paris motor show - Subaru boxer

Rarely has the world got so excited about a diesel engine, but the fact is that Subaru's 2.0-litre boxer is a beauty.

Now its time for the Forester and Impreza models to benefit, with a six-speed gearbox improving fuel economy as well.

The Forester 2.0D X has 145bhp and 258lb ft of pulling power, and averages 44.8mpg with emissions of 167g/km of carbon dioxide. It is on sale from late September.

The Impreza has 148bhp and 258lb ft of pulling power, and emits 152g/km of CO2. No fuel economy figure has been released. It will go on sale from January 2009.

Meanwhile, Subaru is also using the Paris motor show to display an Impreza WRX2008 World Rally Car replica plus the Subaru R1e and G4e electric cars.

The R1e is being trialled around Tokyo at present, while the G4e uses lithium-ion batteries and has a projected range of 130 miles between charges.

For lovers of old cars, there's also an original Subaru 360 minicar on show, as part of an extremely muted celebration of Subaru's 50th anniversary.