Subaru Impreza diesel delayed (UK)

The anticipated launch of the diesel Subaru Impreza has been delayed indefinitely due to the Yen exchange rate, which hit its highest level in 13 years last week.

Sources inside International Motors, Subaru’s official UK importer, admitted that the company had no choice but to delay the vital diesel model until the Yen rate drops.

“At the current rate we would have to charge vastly more than we can justify for the diesel Impreza if we were to make a profit. As a result we can’t guarantee when the car will go on sale as we can’t predict when the economy will change.”

Subaru is not the only company suffering as a result of the poor exchange rate. Takeo Fukui, Honda’s chief executive, called on the Japanese government to ‘move a bit more swiftly’ to stabilise the Yen after the company announced that it could make a second-half loss. Toyota has also posted its first operating loss since 1941.

Though the Japanese government has intervened in its currency rates in the past, there is no guarantee as yet that any action will be taken in the current crisis.

2010 Subaru Legacy

Subaru has released details of the 2010 Legacy ahead of its public debut at the 2009 New York International motorshow. A concept car was previewed at the 2009 North American International motorshow in Detroit. This is the 5th generation Legacy and it features technologies not seen in mid-sized sedans before.

But some of the familiar stuff includes boxer engines and Subaru's symmetrical AWD. For the U.S market, in which introduces the Legacy arrives in dealerships after the show, 3 engines will be available.

The first is a naturally-aspirated 2.5i. It produces 170bhp and 170 lb-ft with 230Nm of torque. Transmission options are a 6 speed manual and the new Subaru Lineartronic CVT. Next is a 2.5 GT turbo with 26b5hp and 258 lb-ft with 350Nm of torque. Only the 6 speed manual is available on the GT. Subaru says this transmission is 25kg lighter than the previous one. Lastly, the 3.6R with a 5 speed automatic replaces the old 3.0 litre. It makes 256bhp and 247 lb-ft with 335Nm maximum torque.

The new Legacy is 35mm longer, 90mm wider and 80mm higher than the outgoing car, bring the overall vehicle size to 4,735mm, 1,820mm and 1,505 mm (length/width/height). Wheelbase measures at 2,750mm. A MacPherson-type strut suspension is used at the front and a new double-wishbone suspension is mounted to the rear. The 2.5i receives 16" alloy wheels while the 2.5GT makes do with 18" alloy wheels.

Some of the interior features available are an electronic parking brake, 10 way driver's seat and a new 3 spoke steering wheel. Safety features installed include ABS with EBD, hill assist and Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC). Further U.S specifications include auto headlamps and front windscreen wipers and 60/40 split folding rear seats with integrated cupholder in rear armrest. Options include a Harman-Kardon audio system and a power sunroof.

The Legacy lands in Europe in October 2009. Today's Legacy uses the 2.0 litre petrol and diesel units which will be used in the 2010 model.

Subaru UK has been struggling with exchange rate woes, which have forced it to axe the Impreza diesel here. 'We're hoping to bring it in this autumn,' said a spokeswoman. 'But we've been struggling to make the numbers add up.'

Subaru Legacy concept at the Chicago Auto Show

Don't let the concept tag fool you because the Legacy concept that Subaru introduced at the Detroit Auto Show News is basically what the 2010 Legacy will look like when it goes on sale this summer with the exception of minor tweaks.