Subaru Will Axe Outback And Forester 2.0L Diesels To Focus On EV Development

It’s been reported, Subaru Corporation will stop selling diesel cars by 2020 to focus on electric vehicle development. Subaru sells diesel versions of its Outback wagon and Forester SUV in both Australia and Europe. The Nikkei Asian Review said today the Japanese automaker will stop selling its popular Outback diesel and Forester diesel models in both global locations.

The diesel variants have been popular in Australia and the 2017 Outback 2.0-liter turbo diesel beat an impressive field to win OzRoamer’s AWD SUV award earlier this year. Australia’s Outback 2.0D is more fuel-efficient than the standard gas model. Subaru AU says you can go 1000km (621 miles) on a single tank (60L) of fuel. The diesel engine also has more torque than the gasoline model, making it ideal for pulling a small boat or motorcycle trailer, and getting into the wild outback regions down under.

The report says Subaru sells about 15,000 2.0-liter turbo diesel Outbacks and Foresters annually, accounting for roughly 1.5 percent of its total global sales. Subaru Corporation will now begin to focus more attention on developing a plug-in hybrid for the U.S. market in 2018, and an all-electric vehicle in 2021 or 2022.

Subaru’s rival Mazda has formed a partnered with Toyota and Mitsubishi has Nissan to help develop their EVs, but Subaru will travel the electric vehicle route alone. Subaru Corporation will be busy with electrification across its lineup, albeit without an assist from a larger benefactor.

Subaru never sold their 2.0-liter turbo diesel Outback wagon and Forester SUV models in the U.S., even though enthusiasts wanted the more powerful and fuel-efficient models. Now they will be axed in Australia and Europe by 2020 as Subaru puts more focus on their electric vehicle development. Stay tuned.

Photo credit: Subaru UK