Subaru Drops Diesel Engines From UK Market

Diesels are far from gone, as they still account for a good chunk of sales in Europe and other markets across the globe.

Nonetheless, with the stricter WLTP emissions regulations coming next month, more and more automakers are being forced to drop them completely from their lineups.

The latest company to do so is Subaru, although it’s only in the United Kingdom – for now. Autocar discovered that Subarus cannot be ordered with an oil burner in Britain anymore, a decision that’s said to be tied to the WLTP regulations, as the 2.0-liter diesel engine probably didn’t meet the new standards.

Thus, those who were looking to purchase a new Forester and Outback powered by a diesel engine are better off checking dealer lots across the nation, as the brand’s website has ditched them completely.

Also Read: VW Group Car Owners In Germany Risk Having Their Diesel Vehicles De-Registered

The Forester can only be had with the turbocharged or naturally aspirated 2.0-liter boxer petrol engine, whereas the Outback comes solely with a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter petrol unit and a CVT.

Diesel engines aren’t the only ones affected by the WLTP requirements, as some petrol mills needed an update in order to become friendlier to the environment.

A good example is that of the facelifted Volkswagen Golf R, whose turbo’d 2.0-liter is now 10 PS (10 hp / 7 kW) less powerful than when it first hit the market a couple of years ago.

The German hot hatch followed in the footsteps of the SEAT Leon Cupra, which also witnessed a drop in output for the same reason.