DIESEL power is coming to Australia's top-selling compact SUV, the Subaru Forester.
Subaru has confirmed two versions will be released in July, the 2.0D and the 2.0D Premium, both with manual transmission only.
They will be powered by the same turbo diesel engine that made its debut in the Outback late last year.
The engine has won praise for its smoothness and quietness and its willingness to rev.
It's a short-stroke design and drives more like a petrol engine, relying on revs rather than the low-speed pull characteristic of a longer stroke diesel.
Output is 110kW at 3600 rpm and 350Nm of torque between 1800 and 2400 rpm, or 120Nm more than the 2.5-litre petrol engine.
Pricing will be announced later, but Forester fanciers can expect to pay a $2500 premium for the diesel over similarly equipped petrol models.
The entry model 2.0D will cost about $37,000 and will have equipment similar to the current mid-spec petrol XS.
This will include cloth trim, 16-inch alloy wheels, climate control air conditioning, self-levelling rear suspension, leather gear shift, front fog lights and a flip-out rear tray.
The Premium model, at about $40,500, will add 17-inch alloy wheels, leather trim, power driver's seat, upgraded audio, HID headlights and a sunroof.
Combined fuel consumption should be similar to the Outback, at about 6.4 litres/100km, which compares favourably with rival diesels.
Emissions, too, will be low at about 160mg of carbon dioxide.
Subaru estimates the diesel will pay back its $2500 premium over the petrol in about 25,000km, based on diesel costing $1.38 a litre, or $90 for a 65-litre tankful.
