Torqueing the talk

A trip from Cape Town to Barrydale on the celebrated R62, a distance of 610 km on a single tank of diesel's finest in the latest Subaru Outback (first Scoobie to be fuelled by diesel) ... that's no misprint ... did I mention there was still a third of a tank left on my return?

It’s been a long-time coming has a diesel-powered Subaru … but wasn’t it worth the wait. Choosing the Boxer turbodiesel in the Outback as the first vehicle to benefit from their newfound prowess does make sense.

Subaru is arguably the last big car manufacturer to bring a diesel vehicle to market and the reasons are varied, citing the lousy diesel fuel quality generally available countrywide as the main gripe. Still, most garages countrywide in SA now carry reasonable quality 50 ppm diesel fuel, while aforesaid diesel pumps are not simply hidden away in a damp, slippery corner of the forecourt anymore …  

Diesel technology in the U.S. has benefited lately from the American government’s wakeup call to the mixture by calling their fuel companies to book and demanding that 3 000 parts per million just isn’t good enough … in two short years most offer the American motorist 10ppm! Now that’s surely an eye-opener for our own refinery(ies) to get their act together once and for all.

The newly-introduced 2,0 turbodiesel motor may be the smallest in cubic capacity fitted to an Outback, but what a motor it is: 110kW of power coupled with 350Nm of torque — and economy figures of around 6,5 litres per 100 km thrown in for free.

This particular Euro4 turbodiesel mill apparently only necessitated just a longer stroke over standard and a reduced bore size to allow it to accept “the golden stuff”. Happily the all-aluminium engine block was already considered inherently strong enough to allow diesel to be pumped through it. Tried and tested common-rail injection is utilised, while the injectors are, I’m led to believe, a Subaru secret recipe …

A variable nozzle turbocharger is used, along with an intercooler, thus reducing the air temperature prior to it entering the engine. Again, there’s an “active” particulate filter in situ which should last the life of the vehicle: the caveat, warns Subaru, is to be sure to use 50ppm fuel or better if you can find some.

The latest Subaru Outback range available in South Africa is generation four … a vehicle that really does come with pedigree. Naturally it has asymmetrical all-wheel drive, while the only transmission offering right now is a six-speed manual ’box. An automatic version could well reach our shores in 2011 though.

There’s a whole raft of standard “extras” to be found on the 2,0D Outback including 17-inch alloy wheels, a power sliding, tilt-adjustable glass sunroof, keyless smart access, multi information display and a premium audio system with 6 CD changer and 6 speakers, plus cruise control for those longer journeys — and that’s just for starters.

The rear passenger seats are of the 60:40 folding/reclining type, and there’s now a multi-function steering wheel fitted to the Outback. Leather upholstery is standard fitment. Advanced safety features include front airbags, side airbags and a driver’s kneebag, Isofix child seat securing points, and a four-sensor/four channel ABS system with electronic brakeforce distribution.  

Prices of the 2,0D Subaru Outback work out at R399 000 (each) which includes emission tax and a three-year maintenance plan. (CO2 emission: 168 g/km.)