Diesel Legacy and Outback arrive

Subaru has expanded its All Wheel Drive Legacy and Outback model ranges with the launch of a diesel model of both cars to complement the 2010 new generation Legacy and Outback petrol models launched last month.

The two cars share the larger new generation Legacy and Outback chassis and body platform. They follow an initial launch of Legacy and Outback diesels late last year.

"The launch of our first ever Boxer Diesel models last year was a toe in the water exercise," said Graeme Woodlands, the Managing Director of Subaru of New Zealand.

"We were pleasantly surprised how well they were accepted by the market with sales from the two models about 15% of our sales over that period."

The cars come with officially measured overall fuel consumptions of between 5.9 and 6.4-litres per 100kms and meet Euro4 emission levels. Drivers can keep an eye on their progress with an economy gauge and the fuel consumption read out.

The Outback Boxer Diesel is one of the most economical 4WD SUVs available in New Zealand with fuel economy of just 6.4-litres per 100km. And the Legacy Boxer Diesel is one of the most economical medium sized diesel cars available locally with the Legacy 2.0D Sedan rated at 5.9 l/100km and the Legacy 2.0D Wagon rated at 6.1 l/100km.

The Outback 2.5i CVT petrol model recently launched last month was the most efficient petrol-powered Medium SUV in New Zealand. The Outback 2.0D Boxer Diesel model is now the most efficient diesel-powered Medium SUV in New Zealand according to official fuel economy figures. These results substantiate Outback as the leader for fuel economy in the Medium SUV class.

In fact, out of all the SUV's available in New Zealand the large and spacious Outback Boxer Diesel is only bettered by the Compact SUV-class Subaru Forester Boxer Diesel and Toyota's RAV-4 Diesel for fuel economy, both of which are substantially smaller vehicles.

All comparison figures above are taken from either the manufacturer's website or Fuelsaver.co.nz.

Boxer Diesel Engine Enhancements

Since the original diesel engine models were introduced last year, changes have been made to the 2.0-litre motor to further reduce emissions, weight and NVH and improve fuel efficiency. The engine is still rated at 110 kWs at 3600 rpm, with 350 Nm of the all-important torque available from a lowly 1800 rpm.

The shape of the piston crowns have been changed and improvements to the gas flow within the combustion chamber. Ceramic glow plugs provide a better start up at cold temperatures.

Plastic is now used for the intake manifold to save weight and the common rail system has improved injectors and ECU.

A lift sensor has been added to the turbocharger to refine operation of the variable nozzle for more accurate control to improve emissions.

A single muffler exhaust system saves weight.

The exhaust oxidizing catalyst has been improved and a closed particulate filter reduces particulate matter in the exhaust gas for cleaner emissions.

Nitrous oxide gases have been reduced with the use of a larger exhaust gas recirculation cooler.

The charging capacity of the alternator has been increased to improve fuel efficiency.

All-new six-speed manual transmission

For the first time, a lightweight and efficient six-speed manual is mated to the 2.0-litre turbocharged Boxer Diesel engine. The same gearbox is fitted to both cars - Legacy and Outback.

It aids optimum fuel efficiency, improved drivability and a quieter ride at higher speeds, due to wider ratio coverage.

Use of a shift cable greatly improves feel and noise levels, while friction loss is reduced by optimising lubrication paths, leading to improved fuel efficiency.

Shift feel and noise levels are improved when selecting reverse due to gear structure changes, adopting constant-mesh synchromesh. A dual mass flywheel limits noise and reduces vibrations at low speed.

All-new look, size and comfort

The new Boxer Diesel Legacy and Outback have the same sleek new look as the new generation petrol engined models and offer outstanding handling, superb safety and greater space.

The unique Subaru All Wheel Drive system along with the low-slung Boxer engine, symmetrical drive train, new chassis and suspension, provides outstanding handling and control in all-weather all-road conditions.

The significantly larger, quieter cabin offers greater comfort, with better shoulder, head and legroom. The sedan boot in the Legacy has more luggage space and the wagon also has a greater capacity, with a wider opening.

Framed door windows provide greater noise suppression, more strength and security, while the new electronic park brake system allows a clean and sophisticated interior look. And wider opening doors provide easier access, particularly to the back seat.

The new single-cradle engine bay design reduces noise enhances safety and refines ride and stability.

Automatic on/off dusk-sensing headlights that respond to specific driving conditions and automatic rain-sensing windscreen wipers are standard on the diesel models.

Other nice touches include heated front seats, integrated Bluetooth, a 10-way power adjustable driver's seat with dual memory, and dual zone climate controlled air conditioning.

Outback has a quite substantial 213mm ground clearance - greater than many of its medium-SUV sized competitors. It also enhances its adventure credentials with long travel suspension and 17-inch wheels with Yokohama 225/60/R17 tyres.

Safety is not optional at Subaru. That's clearly demonstrated by the inclusion of dual front, dual front-side, and curtain SRS airbags, energy-absorbing engine cradle, ring-shaped reinforcement frame body and strategic strengthening of the body using high tensile steel and the Subaru tailored blank welding process.

That's all in addition to standard Electronic Stability Control and ABS brakes with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution and Brake Assist, anti-whiplash front seats, plus a raft of other detailed safety features that shows Subaru isn't resting on its laurels, despite being a leader in this field.

A 5-star Euro NCAP safety rating applies to both Legacy and Outback 2.0D Euro Boxer Diesels.

New generation Legacy and Outback have now achieved a global "Triple Crown" for safety, earning coveted 5-star ANCAP, 5-star Euro NCAP and Top Safety Pick in US NHTSA safety testing.

DataDot security is standard on all Subaru models. Over 8,000 microscopic dots with the vehicles unique VIN number are sprayed over all the major components of the vehicle. DataDot technology has proven highly effective in deterring criminals from stealing New Zealand new Subaru vehicles over the past five years since they were introduced. In fact, over that time, NZ new vehicles fitted with DataDots represent a tiny 0.34% of Subaru vehicle thefts - less than half of one percent. The overwhelming majority of Subaru thefts being Japanese used imports without the advanced immobiliser technology and DataDot security fitted to the New Zealand new cars.

The new generation Legacy Boxer Diesel is available in sedan and wagon for $48,990 and $50,490 respectively. The Outback diesel is tagged at $52,990.