Subaru's Latest Crossover Wagon Gain Refinement & Space
Maybe Subaru needs to change the name of its crossover wagon because the latest Outback isn't rugged and harsh - it exudes refinement, quality and even more interior space.
It's the last point which is significant because if you talk to Outback owners, interior space is their only criticism.
'Tah-Dah!'…Subaru has responded with an all-new Outback offering extra interior space plus a new six-cylinder petrol engine and an optional diesel. Just as impressive is the pricing with both entry-level 2.5i ($37,990) and range-topping Premium ($55,990) unchanged.
What You Get
Bigger, safer, greener, more powerful and better equipped, Subaru has left no stone unturned with the new Outback's development. Car Showroom secured a 3.6R model (the new V6 engine) for our weeklong test.
As well as the new styling and extra interior space, we were impressed by the engineering changes which have made the new Outback a much better drive.
Oh, and that 3.6-litre horizontally opposed six cylinder engine - driving all four wheels via Subaru's Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system - is an absolute pearler.
Under The Hood
Entry to the Outback lineup remains the 2.5-litre SOHC four-cylinder engine, but the headline act of the new lineup is undoubtedly the all-new horizontally opposed six-cylinder available in either 3.6R or 3.6R Premium models.
The largest capacity engine Subaru has produced, the 3.6-litre six is compact (same dimensions as the superseded 3.0-litre) but is good for 191kW of power at 5,600rpm and peak torque of 350Nm at 4,400rpm.
Combined cycle fuel economy is actually less than the superseded 3.0-litre - down to 10.3l/100kms and the new engine is also cleaner with CO2 emissions of 242g/km.
The Interior
Inside is where current Outback owners will notice big changes with the new model. Space issues have been cured thanks to all-round more interior room for both front and second-row passengers and a 19mm wider cargo area with an extra 31 litres of capacity.
Seats are new with the fronts cleverly done so they provide extra foot room for the rear seat passengers and Subaru has even provided extra knee space for the driver.
Versatility and ease-of-operation remain strong points for the Outback - the rear seat splits 60/40 and there is now a remote seat-folding lever located in the cargo area.
Our 3.6R model came with electronic adjustment for the front seats which combined with the tilt/telescopic adjustment of the steering wheel to provide a good driving position. Subaru's conservative instrument layout is well done and easy-to-read.
Mounted on the center console of our 3.6 R model was the large push-button selector for Subaru Intelligent Drive (SI-Drive) which regulates engine, transmission and throttle controls with three modes - Intelligent, Sport or Sport#. The Sport mode is the default setting and Subaru says this is best for normal day-to-day driving.
Our 3.6R model also featured nice wood grain highlights for the dashboard and door trims, smart key access, auto headlights and rain-sensing wipers amongst the extras.
The Kenwood six-disc audio system is MP3 and WMA compatible but Bluetooth is an option included in the Premium models which also gain SatNav.
Exterior & Styling
New Outback's extra size is evident: 65mm longer overall, the wheelbase is 75mm longer, width has grown by 50mm and the height is up by 70mm.
The flared wheel arches give a more muscular appearance and the HID headlights fitted to our 3.6R model enhanced the purposeful look of the front end with its 'Subaru-style' chrome grille and sharply curved extremities.
Subaru's decision to jettison the customary frameless side windows has paid dividends with the framed sash windows affording extra glass area and reduced wind noise.
We were very impressed by the changed rear end styling which gives the Outback a thoroughly integrated wagon appearance.
On The Road
Having read overseas reports our expectations for the six cylinder engine were high and it didn't let us down. Quiet, refined and powerful, our 3.6R Outback delivered lusty performance and impressive refinement.
Driving through Subaru's five-speed automatic transmission, response was excellent and we easily overtook some slow moving traffic on the climb up our mountain test route.
Outback rides on a McPherson strut front suspension and, for the new model, a self-leveling function has been added to the double wishbone rear suspension. Over secondary roads and Melbourne's tram and train track crossing noise isolation and refinement levels were impressive
Challenges
Some hard-core Outback enthusiasts were disappointed the new model dispensed with the dual-range 4WD selector. We don't agree 100 per cent as ultimately the on-road tyres of the Outback and most rival crossovers will limit off-road action.
On-road we reckon the Outback displays a tad too much body roll, especially when compared to direct rivals like the Mitsubishi Outlander and Honda CR-V.
And we would have liked the reversing camera included in the Premium package incorporated across the range - a real safety gain.
Verdict
You should expect nothing less than a thoroughly competent vehicle from Subaru and again the Outback delivers.
With the new model range, Subaru has addressed the space concerns expressed by some, tossed in significant extra kit, very nice styling changes and kept it all very sharply priced.
The Competition
Outback is very sharply priced from $37,990 and it needs to be as a global 'who's-who' is lining up for a slice of the compact SUV segment.
Mitsubishi's facelifted Outlander is sharply priced from $32,990 but doesn't match the Outback for on-road refinement.
Kia's just-launched Sorento should definitely be considered - very sharply priced, spacious and competent, the new model is nicely styled and drives well.
Honda's CRV is popular for good reasons - stylish and well built, it's priced from $32,990 (but no six cylinder).
Speaking of no six cylinder, the Renault Koleos should still be on the shopping list because of its price (from $30,990), extensive standard equipment, quality and European style.
Likes
Spacious interior; well-built; value
Dislikes
Suspension a little soft
