2010 Subaru Forester 2.0D On Sale In Australia

Subaru Australia has announced availability today of the 2010 Subaru Forester 2.0D diesel and 2.0D Premium models, priced from $35,990 (Manufacturer's List Price).

Both Forester 2.0D models are equipped with the same turbo-diesel engine as the Outback 2.0D, producing 108kW of power at 3600rpm and 350Nm of torque between 1800 and 2400rpm.

Fuel economy is listed at 6.4 l/100km on the combined cycle, and 7.5 l/100km around town.

The 2.0 litre diesel engine offers greater towing, with a braked towing capacity of 1600kg - 200kg more than the petrol model. Unbraked towing capacity is 750kg.

All variants will have a six-speed manual transmission only. Responding to feedback from customers and TMR readers last year, Subaru Australia's David Rowley acknowledged that there has been strong interest in an automatic transmission for the brand's diesel-powered models.

"There is interest in an auto, that's certainly fair to say, but it's simply not available to us at the moment," he said.

"The manual continues to be the only option for the current model year, and we're giving our customer feedback to FHI [Fuji Heavy Industries, Subaru's parent company]. At this stage, though, the manual is the only option worldwide".

Subaru has stated in the past that its Lineartronic CVT automatic transmission will appear in future diesel models, but the company is working to ensure the new system can handle the diesel engine's higher torque.

For now, Forester buyers seeking an automatic transmission must look to the petrol model, available with the four-speed automatic that first appeared in 1997.

See TMR's review of the four-speed automatic-equipped 2009 Forester XT.

The Forester 2.0D will feature cloth trim, 16-inch alloy wheels, leather gear shift, front fog lights, climate control air conditioning, self-levelling rear suspension, a flip-out rear tray and colour-coordinated door handles.

The Forester 2.0D Premium adds 17-inch alloy wheels, leather trim, power driver’s seat, upgraded audio, HID headlights and a sunroof.

All Foresters have a 5-Star ANCAP crash safety rating, and feature standard dual front, side and curtain airbags and Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC).

Other safety features include ABS, Electronic Brakeforce Distribution and Brake Assist, all linked to the VDC system.

All Forester 2.0Ds have Hill Start Assist, which prevents the car rolling backwards on a hill while first gear is engaged and the clutch depressed, or forwards when reverse is engaged and the clutch depressed.

Pricing and Availability

The diesel Forester is available in Subaru showrooms across Australia now.

Forester 2.0D manual - $35,990
Forester 2.0D Premium manual - $39,990

Note: prices are Manufacturer's List Prices only, and do not include dealer delivery or on-road costs.