Subaru will be unveiling its new Boxer Diesel powered Forester and Impreza at next month’s Paris Motor Show (October 4-19), and this particular 2.0-litre diesel has some impressive credentials.

Subaru’s diesel has been available in Legacy and Outback models since early 2008, and is held in high regard. The Boxer Diesel is the world’s first horizontally-opposed diesel engine for a passenger car and has generally impressed with its refinement, smoothness, sharp throttle-response and outstanding fuel economy.

According to Subaru, the Forester 2.0-litre diesel offers class-leading fuel economy and emissions for an SUV - 6.3L/100km and167g of CO2 per km respectively. Subaru has not revealed the economy figures for the smaller, lighter Impreza but they did reveal that the Impreza’s emissions are an even lower 157g of CO2 per km. The Boxer Diesel uses a new closed-type diesel particulate filter, no-doubt helping it achieve such a low CO2 figure.

As with all diesels, it is the torque output that impresses the most. The Forester diesel is rated at 108kW and 350Nm, while the Impreza benefits from a couple of extra kilowatts with 110kw and 350Nm. Both diesel models will use a new six-speed manual gearbox.

The new Forester Boxer Diesel goes on sale in the UK in late September and the Impreza Boxer Diesel in January 2009. Hopefully, Australian deliveries will follow in the not-too-distant future.