Subaru Outback 2.0D Blends Style, Refinement, Space & Safety
What You Get
The Subaru Outback is a genuine niche vehicle and in its fourth generation offers broader appeal, thanks to more interior space and now, the availability of a diesel engine. In typical Subaru style, this is a unique unit. Indeed, here is the world's first ever horizontally opposed diesel engine in a passenger car application. All Subarus have had 'boxer' engines and, since the arrival of the Forester GT in 1998, all have been equipped with all-wheel drive.
Every Subaru sold in Australia now has a five-star ANCAP safety rating. The radical boxer turbodiesel, which carries a premium of $2500 when compared with the 2.5-litre petrol unit, is offered exclusively in the Outback at present but expect to see it beneath the bonnet of the Forester in due course. Sales potential of the diesel will be hampered by the lack of an automatic transmission option, a six-speed manual being the sole available gearbox.
Under The Hood
Subaru's 2.0D develops 110 kW of power at 3600 rpm and 350 Nm of torque throughout the 1800-2400 rpm range. Its official overall fuel consumption is rated at 6.4 litres per 100 kilometres with carbon dioxide emissions of 160 g/km. A zero to 100 km/h time of 9.7 seconds is claimed, just 0.1 second slower than the 2.5-litre petrol manual version.
This is a beautifully refined engine which is smoother, quieter, and more willing to rev past 4500 rpm than most conventional diesel units. Call it the driver's diesel! Outside there is a touch of clatter but occupants will struggle to pick this from a petrol engine. In the tall sixth gear, the Outback 2.0D really does need upwards of 1800 rpm to pull strongly but keen drivers won't mind. With 2500-3000 rpm dialed up, it is impressively strong, but it does lack that urgent low-rpm torque found in most contemporary turbodiesels.
The Interior
Subaru interiors have received some criticism over the years but this one combines generous space with pleasing aesthetics, especially in the Premium versions which have plush leather upholstery. The dashboard has an integrated and tasteful appearance.
The additional interior width is welcome and the disappearance of the conventional handbrake lever in favour of an electronically operated one frees up the area between the front seats. With Hill start assist, the lever should not be missed. All-round vision is good. There is now room to carry three adults comfortably in the rear.
Exterior & Styling
The Outback's chunky styling is entirely in keeping with its character. The additional width of the body gives the fourth generation Outback a more purposeful stance and the frontal appearance in particular is assertive in a distinctively Subaru fashion with that familiar logo on centre stage.
The 17-inch alloy wheels with their 225/60R Yokohama Geolander tyres fill the flared guards nicely and combine with the elevated ride height to declare the Outback's offroad credentials.
On The Road
The Outback is a sheer joy to drive, regardless of the road conditions. Its raised ride height delivers outstanding suspension travel and a most compliant ride. But at the same time, the handling is poised and there is remarkably little understeer. The steering is well weighted and the brakes are strong. Noise levels are low.
Although the performance is hardly remarkable, the way the Outback goes about its business, whether in traffic, or negotiating a rough dirt road, is remarkable. The six-speed gearbox has well-spaced ratios and a pleasant, sporty shift. It will satisfy enthusiast drivers in a way most vehicles of this general type may not.
Challenges
Some prospective customers might be daunted by the manual gearbox, but they would be well advised to take some driving lessons. A little more lowdown torque would be welcome.
Verdict
Subaru has done an outstanding job with this fourth generation Outback and the unique turbodiesel engine merely enhances the vehicle's great character. It should be possible in the real world to achieve fuel economy of around 5.0 litres per 100 kilometres on a well-paced interstate trip with a range of 1100 kilometres between fills. Pricing is keen, especially for the Premium variant when equipped with SatNav at $46,490.
The Competition
Ford Australia's starting point for the Ford Territory was the first generation Subaru Outback. The combination of all-wheel drive and great driving dynamics in a spacious wagon has great appeal. But the Territory still lacks a diesel engine option. In one sense, the Outback's greatest rival is another Subaru, the Forester. Others include the Holden Captiva. Only the Ford offers a similar level of driver satisfaction to the Outback, which, in diesel form, has no direct competitor.
