Fuelled by regular gas, this engine transfers its power to the all-wheel drive system by way of a 4-speed automatic transmission with manual SportShift (Subaru doesn't offer a manual transmission on the PZEV). Nothing new so far.
This eco-friendly car's distinguishing features are rather subtle. Here are four of the most important ones. First of all, the exhaust system is equipped with a more efficient catalytic converter. It breaks down toxic substances contained in the exhaust fumes more effectively, so much so, in fact, that in normal conditions only carbon dioxide (CO2) and steam are released into the air.
The engine's injectors have also been modified in order to minimize fuel leaks when the engine has just been turned off, among other things.
A bit of oil also evaporates from a regular engine's air filter. To solve this problem, a charcoal filter has been added behind the air filter to catch the oil and fuel vapours that would otherwise escape into the atmosphere.
Finally, the ignition timing of the PZEV engine has been delayed. The combustion occurs later, which allows the catalytic converter to reach its optimal temperature much faster, thus increasing its efficiency.
A grumpy engine?
Because of the delayed ignition timing, the engine gets a bit grumpy in cold weather, but it perks up right away. So in the winter, during the first few seconds of a cold start, you can tell the PZEV apart from a standard Legacy by ear! According to the brand's mechanical specialists, the slight knocking is perfectly normal. And anyways, it's for a good cause!
Purists will be more put out by the fact that the automatic transmission boasts only 4 speeds at a time when 5-speed transmissions are increasingly popular. But at the end of our tests, not one of our drivers or passengers had been bothered by the transmission. On the contrary, the SportShift transmission proved flexible and discrete. What's more, it helps limit fuel consumption to 9.5 litres per 100 kilometres.
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| During the first few seconds of a cold start, it seems like the PZEV engine is coughing. That's normal! |
This eco-friendly car's distinguishing features are rather subtle. Here are four of the most important ones. First of all, the exhaust system is equipped with a more efficient catalytic converter. It breaks down toxic substances contained in the exhaust fumes more effectively, so much so, in fact, that in normal conditions only carbon dioxide (CO2) and steam are released into the air.
The engine's injectors have also been modified in order to minimize fuel leaks when the engine has just been turned off, among other things.
A bit of oil also evaporates from a regular engine's air filter. To solve this problem, a charcoal filter has been added behind the air filter to catch the oil and fuel vapours that would otherwise escape into the atmosphere.
Finally, the ignition timing of the PZEV engine has been delayed. The combustion occurs later, which allows the catalytic converter to reach its optimal temperature much faster, thus increasing its efficiency.
A grumpy engine?
Because of the delayed ignition timing, the engine gets a bit grumpy in cold weather, but it perks up right away. So in the winter, during the first few seconds of a cold start, you can tell the PZEV apart from a standard Legacy by ear! According to the brand's mechanical specialists, the slight knocking is perfectly normal. And anyways, it's for a good cause!
Purists will be more put out by the fact that the automatic transmission boasts only 4 speeds at a time when 5-speed transmissions are increasingly popular. But at the end of our tests, not one of our drivers or passengers had been bothered by the transmission. On the contrary, the SportShift transmission proved flexible and discrete. What's more, it helps limit fuel consumption to 9.5 litres per 100 kilometres.
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| The Legacy PZEV automatically comes with an automatic transmission featuring the SportShift system. |