Considering how emotionally void the new Impreza is, you might think that Subaru is drinking too much of Toyota's corporate Kool-aid. Thankfully, that isn't the case with Subaru's engineering department, which has developed the world's first diesel boxer engine, a 2.0-liter four-cylinder.
Destined for the European market with no plans for U.S. sales, the 150-hp oil burner will first be seen in the Legacy. Since the engine produces some 150 grams of CO2 per kilometer, Subaru will have its work cut out for it for the powertrain to pass stricter European Union pollution controls and to win over buyers who would be subject to higher pollution taxes.
Still, the horizontally opposed engine has all the usual advantages, chiefly a lower center of gravity for better weight distribution. Could the diesel boxer make its way to American shores? Don't bet on it anytime soon.