(Wed 02 Sep 09)

Somewhat later than originally planned, Subaru has now formally launched a diesel version of the Impreza on the UK market.

The 148bhp two-litre engine is the same one already found in the Legacy, Outback and Forester, and it gives the Impreza a top speed of 127mph and a 0-62mph time of 9.0 seconds. There are two versions, of which the lesser is called 2.0D RC and costs £20,000, for which you get climate control air-conditioning, xenon headlights, a 6-CD autochanger, front foglights, heated door mirrors, heated front seats and cruise control.

The 2.0D RX has all of the above plus keyless entry, an electric sunroof, rear privacy glass, full leather upholstery and an electrically-adjustable driver's seat, and it costs £22,255.

These prices make the diesel slightly more expensive than the 2.5-litre petrol turbo WRX, which of course is much faster. But the diesel is much cheaper to run - its combined fuel economy of 47.9mpg and CO2 emissions of 155g/km are by far the best in the range, easily beating those of the entry-level 1.5 petrol Impreza.

Comment on this story on Facebook or Twitter.

Subaru Gallery
Subaru Road Tests

Previous: New Branding For Audi                                 Next: Porsche 911 Sport Classic