Subaru’s highly-acclaimed new Boxer Diesel engine will appear for the first time in both the new Forester and Impreza at the 2008 Paris Motor Show (October 4-19).

Meanwhile, other highlights include a Subaru Impreza WRX2008 replica plus the Subaru R1e and G4e electric cars. There will also be a 50th Anniversary Display showcasing the original Subaru 360 minicar.

Both the new Forester SUV and Impreza five-door will be unveiled featuring Subaru’s highly-acclaimed new 2.0 litre Boxer Diesel engine. The world’s first horizontally- opposed diesel engine for a passenger car has won widespread praise for its refinement, smoothness, sharp throttle-response and outstanding fuel economy. It first appeared in the Legacy and Outback earlier this year.

Both the Forester and Impreza Boxer Diesels feature new six-speed manual gearboxes while the engine itself benefits from a new closed-type diesel particulate filter. Such is the efficiency of the new engine that the Forester 2.0D boasts class-leading fuel economy and emissions.

Subaru says no other SUV can better the 44.8 mpg combined and 167 g/km of the Forester 2.0D X. The Forester 2.0D produces 147 horsepower and 258 lb ft torque and the Impreza 150 horsepower and 258 lb ft — both at 3,600 rpm and 1,800 rpm respectively.

The engine’s benefits include exceptional compactness, light weight and a low centre-of-gravity which benefits handling agility and makes best use of the standard all-wheel drive system.

The new Forester Boxer Diesel goes on sale in the UK this month and the Impreza Boxer Diesel in January 2009.