DIESELS are supposed to be the cleaner option but Subaru's sensational oil burner is about to get dirty by making its debut in an SUV.
The highly efficient diesel boxer engine is being fitted to the latest Forester 4x4, priced from £20,295.
It gives the latest Forester average fuel consumption in the mid-40s and emissions of 167g/km - but it's a hefty premium to pay over the petrol engined model which is available from £17,995.
However, that version is some ten miles per gallon thirstier and well up the emissions scale at 198g/km.
Subaru is hoping to cash in on the growing market for diesel SUVs and expects the new Forester to become its best selling model.
The two-litre diesel - Subaru's first - was introduced in April in the Legacy range.
Like Subaru's petrol engines, the diesel has a flat four boxer layout enabling a low centre of gravity to enhance handling.
Developing 145bhp it gives the Forester a fair turn of speed - 0 to 60mph takes ten seconds which is marginally quicker than the petrol engined version.
As SUVs go it's quite lively and cruises at motorway speed capably. There is also plenty of mid-range punch for overtaking.
Unlike the previous Forester, which was more of a four-wheel-drive estate, the new version is in the vein of modern SUVs such as Honda's CR-V and the Toyota RAV4.
Although it is well kitted out it is by no means the bargain of the year. The top range XSn Forester comes with a full colour touchscreen sat nav system and leather upholstery but will set you back £25,495.
The layout of the dash is also fairly primitive. There is a lot of shiny metal-effect plastic in the facia and if you can live without the gadgets and leather, the cheaper Foresters are the better bet.
All versions have automatic four wheel drive, self levelling suspension and stability controls making it good on-road and adequate off.
It is probably not in the same mud-plugging league as its predecessor but it will tow up to two tons making and is much more family-oriented.
Climate control, an onboard computer, heated front seats and heated door mirrors and wipers for wintry conditions are fitted to every model, as is cruise control.
Yet there are foibles. It's a five seater but the middle seat in the back houses some foldaway cup holders and it is incredibly hard on your bottom. The back rest doubles as a fold down armrest and that's not pleasant either.
As a four seat activity vehicle the Forester hits the mark with a 450 litre boot extending to a 1,660 litre maximum.
It can carry a lot but the all weather protective liners and the like which were fitted on the last model are no longer a feature.
On the road the Forester diesel is very much a driver's car. Underneath it is based on the Subaru Impreza and as such it is very agile, especially for a vehicle of such proportions.
The Forester diesel is available only with a six speed manual gearbox which uses a cable change which may reduce vibration but can make operation clunky.
Subaru has a loyal following which has been impressed by the arrival of the new diesel engines. They are also a breed which tends to use all aspects of their vehicles.
Certainly the new Forester is a fine diesel - whether it picks up from where the old one left off remains to be seen.