The engine is a 2-liter version of Subaru's trademark Boxer configuration flat-four motor. It's mated to a continuously variable transmission that Subaru calls Lineartronic.

The engine and gearbox are mounted 10mm lower in the chassis to further improve the low centre of gravity the flat-four configuration brings.

The four basic cylinder arrangements of a diesel or gas-burning engine are: cylinder-in-line; V-arrangement; Flat, and radial.