Easily managing 1,100kms from a single tank, this is the Outback you’ve been waiting for.
Model Tested:
- 2010 Subaru Outback Diesel Premium Sat-Nav; 2.0-litre, four-cylinder, turbo-diesel; six-speed manual; wagon – $47,392*
Gutsy turbo-diesel engine; excellent fuel economy; rear seat legroom; high-beam lamps
No automatic option; notchy gearshift feel; slightly heavy clutch; some wind noise
CarAdvice Rating: 
Words by Matt Brogan Photos by Brendan Nish
If the idea of a family wagon with enough room for the kids, the dog and all your gear has long been on the wish list, but soaring fuel prices have held you back, then this is the Outback you’ve been waiting for.
As Subaru’s first foray in to the diesel market, in Australia at least, the new Outback’s Boxer Diesel engine has clearly been worth the wait.
Proving just how far oil burning technology has come, the gutsy 2.0-litre unit offers quiet, smooth power delivery and gutsy pulling power that, coupled with Subaru’s symmetrical all-wheel drive system, is just as kind on the driver as it is on your wallet.
Spending a week with the Outback Diesel, I was quick to head for the winding country back roads of Victoria’s picturesque Yarra Valley to see just how well the 2.0-litre common rail turbo-diesel would deal with real world driving conditions.
The stop-start traffic heading out of the city didn’t seem to phase the new Boxer Diesel with more than enough pep seeing it keep with – or even ahead of – traffic. The turbo comes on strong from just over 1,800rpm, and when driven correctly, presents little in the way of lag.
Gear changes are a little on the notchy side, and some might find the clutch a little tightly sprung, but if you can live with this – and with no automatic option you’ll have to – then you’ll find the well matched six-speed gearbox does the engine a lot of justice, and keeps the revs down nice and low when cruising at highway speeds – perfect for screwing down that all-important fuel economy.
Once out in the hills the new Outback Diesel is quick to prove just how strong and capable it is. Torque is seamless, always ready, and impressively strong. Most hills are conquered without even considering a gear change, and when it comes to overtaking, the Outback Diesel is confident and effortless.
Cornering sees Outback Diesel make the most of it’s AWD grip and although there’s a little tyre howl at higher speeds, the big wagon remains stable, tenacious, and almost sporty in its dynamics – not bad considering its 213mm ride height.
The ride is comfortable, relaxed and cabin noise surprisingly quiet with next-to-no engine noise and just a hint of wind noise noticeable from the larger wing mirrors.
But perhaps the best indicator of the Outback Diesel’s achievements are to be found in the fuel economy gains achieved from this impressive engine. Without even trying to save fuel I managed an impressive 1,100 kilometres from the 65-litre fuel tank this week (or 5.90L/100km). It’s a considerable effort from a car weighing in at over 1,500 kilograms and running all wheel-drive, and given how strong the performance credentials are, you’ll not be left wanting in any department – even inside.
The spacious cabin is quiet and well equipped, especially on the Premium variant on test this week. The leather-clad seating is comfortable, though not altogether supportive, and is electrically adjustable (with two memory positions) in all the usual directions. An impressive feature list sees Outback Diesel Premium fitted with satellite navigation, cruise control, dual-zone climate control, six CD tuner, power windows and mirrors as well as dusk sensing headlamps and remote central locking.
For those wanting to use the Outback Diesel in its environmental namesake, powerful and brilliantly clear high beam vision will come as a welcome feature.
Ample storage abounds throughout with a decent centre console bin, large glovebox and deep door pockets all on hand to swallow your odds and ends. Rear seat legroom is also a strong point with enough room to comfortably seat two, maybe even three adults.
Up back the Outback Diesel offers 490-litres of cargo space (seats up, to window height) that can be expanded to a cavernous 1,690-litres all told. The rear seat also offering 60:40 split for added versatility. Should you need to haul a little extra, the Outback Diesel also has a 1,700 kilogram braked towing capacity – a weight I’d imagine would be no drama for this impressive engine.
Safety comes compliments of the usual electronic helpers including ABS braking with electronic brake-force distribution, ESC and Traction Control. A full compliment of airbags are also included as standard, while the electronic park brake features a hill-start function, an especially handy, clutch-friendly addition when carrying a lot of weight.
All seating positions feature three-point inertia reel seatbelts with the front pews gaining pyrotechnic pretensioners and anti-whiplash headrests. The Subaru Outback Diesel holds a maximum possible five-star ANCAP safety rating.
Sure, the looks aren’t for everyone, but without offending our photographer, I hasten to add that this is one car that really does look a lot better in the third dimension.
If you’re up for a full-size wagon with light-hatch fuel economy then look no further. The Outback Diesel is a great drive, an impressive package, and starting from $40,490*, great value.
Pricing:
- Subaru Outback Diesel: $40,490*
- Subaru Outback Diesel Premium: $43,990*
- Subaru Outback Diesel Premium Sat-Nav: $46,490* (As Tested)
*Pricing is a guide as recommended to us by the manufacturer.
Ratings:
CarAdvice Overall Rating:
How does it Drive:
How does it Look: 
How does it Go:
Road Test the Rivals:
- Ford Falcon
- Holden Commodore Sportwagon
- Mazda 6
- Renault Laguna
- Skoda Octavia Scout
- Volkswagen Passat
Specifications:
- Engine: 1,998cc DOHC four-cylinder (16 valve)
- Power: 110kW @ 3,600rpm
- Torque: 350Nm @ 1,800 – 2,400rpm
- Induction: Common Rail & Turbocharged
- Transmission: Six-speed manual
- Driven Wheels: All
- Brakes: Discs with ABS & EBD
- Top Speed: Not Tested
- 0-100km/h: 9.7 seconds
- CO2 Emissions: 168g/km
- Fuel Consumption: 5.6L/100km (ADR)
- Fuel Consumption: 5.9L/100km (As Tested)
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 65L
- Fuel Type: Diesel
- ANCAP Rating: Five-star
- Airbags: Front, Side & Curtain
- Safety: ECS with Traction Control
- Spare Wheel: Steel 17 x 6.5-inch
- Suspension: Strut (F) / Wishbone (R)
- Ground Clearance: 213mm
- Cargo Capacity: 490/1,690L
- Tow Capacity: 1,700kg (Braked)
- Turning Circle: 11.0m
- Warranty: Three Year / 100,000 kilometre
- Weight: 1,571kg (Tare)
- Wheels: Alloy 17 x 7.0-inch
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How do you know the pricing for the new X1? There’s no info available, but given the pricing of the 1 series hatch, I’d say buckleys of getting one for under $40k
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Nankano.. you wouldnt happen to be a BMW car dealer by any chance?
If your product is good you wont need to advertise here
Well actually many people would prefer the Subaru. We don’t need to pay big $ just for the badge of a BMW. I’m sure it is a nice car but why pay all that extra money just because it is a BMW. Lots of good comments made already …
Gee BMW or Subaru
BMW reliability is poor,resale is poor and service costs are high.
Idiot
Bob, read article on this website from about a week ago. X1 pricing starting at $43,500. Even so, to compare the Outback with the X1 is – in my mind – a little silly. Agree the lack of an auto will hinder its appeal. As will the lack of a full size spare (my favourite gripe)
Err – no. The 2WD version of the X1 is in the low $40k, but if you want the all-wheel-drive then the cheapest is $52,700* (X1 xDrive20d, manual). The X1 is also way way smaller in size (and usefulness). Some people buy cars for practicality rather than the badge. If i wanted a BMW badge i’d just buy a key-ring.
I like the interior, not so much the outside, the front is nice. Still a nice car for the family
I’ve just sold my MY07 Outback this doesn’t compare! The last shape had soft plastics and didn’t look as awkward. As much as I wanted another Subaru I just can’t bring myself to love it. After test driving the GT then sitting in my Outback it felt like my interior was the new one. I can’t wait for my GTI to arrive next week, sorry Subaru it doesn’t matter how well you make your cars if they are ugly they lose their appeal!
I echo your sentiments. Last one was minimalist, stylish and even beautiful. This is just angular for no seeming reason, you loose the frameless doors and the rear pillar is no longer ‘floating’. Interior looks hideously Toyota… not a good thing.
Diesel looks good on paper and I imagine smoother than the I4 competition, but the Audi 2.0TDi still has the edge in specs. Not really a fair comparison, but I’d spend a bit extra and take a Q5.
Also, this is a fullsize wagon? Is that supposed to be like a Mondeo is a full size wagon or what? Because at under 1800 litres of storage, it isn’t.
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I think the new ugly Subaru designs is best executed in this Outback. The Liberty sedan is still hideous!
In its price range, it will sell well considering it is in higher spec Rav 4 and CRV territory, the availability of a diesel and more loading space will win it brownie points.
I find it really funny when lack of Auto is a problem. Why don’t Australians just learn to drive properly, might have a lot less accidents? I drive an Auto as a daily driver and a manual at the weekend and I am hankering to change my daily driver for a manual car. Driving a manual makes you much more aware of engine speed v road speed, right gear for cornering etc. Driving an auto is mind numbingly boring and dumbs down driving skills.
Are you serious???? Try driving a manual car on the M1 (or any other freeway in Melbourne or Sydney) from 6.30am to 9.00am or 4.00pm to 6.00pm on any given weekday in a manual and you soon loose the will to keep living. You drive a manual on the weekend like me (my toy is a 69 Camaro with a worked 350 and Muncie) and love driving it. But driving a manual in traffic like in Melbourne at peak hour nooooooooo way!
I have driven the M25 around London and the M6 north of Birmingham in the UK (Busiest motorway in Europe) and not had an issue – not anything which made me rush out to buy an Auto anyway. I do occasionally drive the weekender in Melbourne and never wished I was in the auto. Having a good clutch and gearchange does help a lot though I must admit.
I completely agree with MisterTwo. I have this exact model on order and can’t wait to change gears. I have owned both autos and manuals and find manuals a much better drive. I live in the middle of Melbourne and changing gears does not bother me at all. The car does look a lot better in the flesh and having tested a Mazda6, CRV, Mondeo and lots of others the Outback wins easily. The actual fuel economy is rated at 6.4 (combined) not 5.6 (city), so returning 5.9 excellent.
agreed, anyone who can not drive a manual in traffic doesnt deserve a licence!
it you always drive a manual then you dont even notice it being hard work,
it just becomes second nature and normal, plus you always have and feel in total control of the car, as ive said before to many people these days are just lazy in not driving manuals!!!
Oh well we are all different. I drive the manual on weekends and love it. But driving in stop start traffic in a manual, Yuck. And 95% of Australians agree. Also now the cost of replacing clutches in modern cars is so expensive. In some Korean and Japanesse cars the clutch thrust bearing support casting on the manual gearbox input shaft is cast into the gearbox housing. Once its worn, its a throwaway job. We have had some here at work and have had to advice the owners that they need a new gearbox housing. A clutch replacement cost $1’600? Crazy. We have tried to machine them and shrink fit a new bearing carrier but its just too hard. We have not seen any VW ones yet but have been told its a similar situation.
I think manual trany helps keep a driver more focused on the task at hand and i have a car with 560000kilometres on it and still runs great. the old car is 2000 golf tdi just replaced with a 2010 golf wagon tdi with dsgbox cant wait to put another half million on it but the dsg is a really good tranny considering there is no clutch and its a little peppy car so its pretty fun 2 drive considerin its a commuter car. I wish we got the diesel subaru it north america they would sell a boat load of them cuz the only diesel 4×4 vw toureg, q7, ML, GL, bmw x5 and only 6cyl turbo diesels
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what’s height got to do with it ?
bio-mechanics. its a lot more work for a much longer leg. if you were tall, you’d know.
Also the relationship between reaching the gearshift, clutch, steering wheel whilst having the seat in the full rearward position.
+1
MT outback for 10years a great drive.
Just test drove the diesel …. great
LEARN TO DRIVE PROPERLY? everything you just said is utter rubbish! how about better control as two hands can be used on the wheel at all times. bad drivers can drive auto’s or manuals, and you are a spanker
Looks a great car from an interior and mechanical perspective, but the exterior styling still makes me hesitate to seriously consider buying one.
But hey, the other one I was consdiering was the CX7 diesel, but Mazda don’t offer the Diesel Sports model with a sunroof – but this does. Go figure.
This is a lot more expensive though…
Subaru have done nothing to bring down the age of its drivers with this car .I drive past the yard here most days and it isn’t growing on me one bit. Given that their drivers are typically 45+ I don’t see the appeal of the manual.
I am 27 and when I was 25 I went in to Subaru at Mt Gravatt (when it was there) to buy a new Outback 3.0R with my wife, I left with a new Forester XT Turbo…
Why? The Forester had the manual option with the 169kw motor, the 3.0R was auto only with the 180kw motor.
That and the $10K price difference…
Now though, I am thinking of upgrading and the new XT is nice, but I have a child on the way and I am thinking Outback diesel is looking pretty attractive.
The proof will be if it can tow my camper trailer down the beach as well as the Forester XT can. I’m thinking it will… just.
there is a dealer at Mt Gravatt, ZUPPS subaru Mt gravatt, next to holden and mitsubishi on Logan road!!, its been there for at least 3-4 years now!!.
I should probably clarify that both of our vehicles are manuals. However the manual gearbox is slowly becoming an endangered species. Autos these days are superb and there is little reason to buy a manual other than a “very slight” saving in fuel.
Next time you drive past a new Subaru liberty (this model) check the age of the driver. I’ll take money that most will be over 40 and I can see this vehicle having a future as a van tower for retired couples for two reasons. a) it is very economical and b) in its diesel form it has become a desirable vehicle to tow with whislt offering superior comfort to the Patrol/ Landcruiser type vehicles they currently purchase through lack of real choice.
The one STOPPER will be that manual gearbox. Retirees would flock to this car with a six speed auto in it. Meantime an auto 4×4 is a better option for towing that van.
I used to own an outback and most drivers were older than I was.
Could not agree more with everything you say. Many of the good auto/DSG boxes use the same and some times less fuel than manuals anyway.
Why do Subaru have to use such busy grilles, I think a simple black grille with the badge in the centre would improve the look of the car somewhat, from the front at least. Too busy.
This is spot on. Subaru get panned a lot for their looks these days. I think the basic designs are ok, only to be let down by too much chrome and busy grilles, etc (giving them a very American friendly appearance) Look at the wrx and the wrx STi. The STi looks a lot better due to the flared guards, bigger alloys, less chrome, and sportier grille.
My local Subaru dealer has a top of the range Liberty GT premium with factory bodykit and sports mesh grille – and the thing looks awesome. My point is, although the looks are not perfect – they are further let down by silly chrome bits and ugly grilles.
Yep, you are exactly right. I saw a new WRX Impreza the other day with the black mesh grille, and it looked quite good.
The new boxer diesel sounds impressive, and the Outback looks like the pick of the new, rather homely, Liberty range.
Pity it looses the frameless windows which while noisy, were pretty cool to look at.
Likewise it appears from the pics that the manual now misses out on the dual range gearbox.
Just in case you can’t put 2 and 2 together, the dual range box is only made available to the engines without much torque. Hence why the NA 4cyl motors are the only motors that require it, the auto NA 4 cyls use the torque multiplying effect the torque converter to compensate.
The turbo and 6cyl models make ALOT more torque and don’t need the dual range.
The dual range is only 1.2:1 reduction, hence a slight torque improvement, its not a ‘low’ range working gear like a larger 4WD would have which would reduce the gearing by half at least. Some Range Rovers and hiluxes have a 2.5:1 reduction which is HUGE!
Subaru’s don’t need it. esp the diesel.
Still can’t get past the looks, and parts of the inside seem a backwards step from the previous model, think lack of auto/dsg will hurt it in its target market, i.e the over 40′s… Fuel economy seems pretty impressive some other reviews have said that the engine lacks torque and is not as refined as some of the Euro diesels. Red actually seems to improve the looks over some other colours.
no rear park sensors std, seems criminal at this price, and you can only get the reverse camera with sat nav? no auto wipers either?
After reading a lot of reviews,I get the impression that some drivers are incapable of turning on the windscreen wipers with their hands.
And last week watching an american show,I noticed in back-ground that the owner presses a button on keyring and the boot lid closes automatically, the way things are going for LAZY ppl,they will invent a drivers seat that you won’t have to stop at toilets, just crap in the luxury of your own car.
What wonderful inventions of past
Turn key…….up pops aerial
bad light……auto lights on
bit of rain………auto wipers on
bit of mud on headlights…..auto wipers on glass
plus washers
Can’t wait for voice activated blowing horn or
a slave in every boot who would clean car overnight whilst you are sleeping.
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I want to love it, it makes sense but I can’t bring myself to buy the new model, it’s like taking medicine Why?
1. Ugly and awkward styling inside and out (looks like it was designed for the Nth America)
2. Where have the soft touch plastics gone from the interior? It’s all hard plastic now… WTF?
3. Where is the CVT auto? In an auto market like Australia this omission is a joke.
4. Sheet metal on this car is like tin foil, dents far too easily.
5. Why the 6th monthly service interval? Plus the servicing requirements look at home in a car from the 1980s… leg warmers anyone?
Now, if Subaru can address the issues above I’d really want one thanks. Meanwhile when my Liberty comes off lease next year I wan’t be going back for seconds.
1. Agree
2. Agree
3. Subaru are working on it. Don’t forget this was primarily designed for the Europeans who prefer manual.
4. All the Japanese cars are like this – high strength, light weight steel
5. Again, seems to be the common trait among all Japanese cars. It’s not a bad idea to service a diesel car every 6 months anyway.
I think Toyota is purposely trying to destroy Subaru. Since They alligned their quality and reliabiliy went from 5th in JD Power to 25th in JD Power. However, many Subbie owners are hardcore diehards who wont let even major reliability troubles hold them back. Toyotahow realizes this, that’s why they have been hit with the ugly stick.
The Imprezza Hatch is controversial I know, however Im in the I love with the stylng camp. Its a Buttaface. Shes sexy all over but her face
Getting used to the external styling, still though it is no where nearly as nice as the Mazda6, Volkswagen Passat or Peugeot 407 Touring! Internal styling is yet to be done properly. Finally more Japanese brands are seriously thinking about frugal family AWD transport. Agreed, it definitely should have an auto option, manuals are for sporty cars, not good for people who have sore knees and ankles in the winter time.
The last outback/ liberty in black with Chrome was a very good looking car. What a major step backwards. They should tell toyota to sod off. Since they got involved Subaru have suffered in the styling dpartment. But then you only have to look at toyotas recent offerings to see why.
Those wheel arches really look ridiculous.
anyoen driven a new impreza base model auto lately, they feel cheap tinny and nasty, I’d rather an i30.
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Despite my distaste for the styling ,this vehicle would no doubt be superb on wet and/or icy roads. This is where Subarus excel. I too like the Mazda 6 but it simply cannot match this car for grip.
This is why Subaru have so many ‘fanboys’. Once you experience the handling and the stability of a subaru AWD – you can never go back to FWD. So while the Mazda 6 might be one of the sexiest wagons available – I personally could not buy one, knowing there is an AWD alternative out there – albeit an ugly one! And no you don’t need a ‘real 4WD’, because I am not talking about going off road. The Suabru AWD is a lifesaver on normal aussie roads, especially in the wet.
I am at a loss when grown men equate sexy with a car.
Fellows, blokes,mateeeeeeesss, its a lump of metal to transverse from A to B.
Whats with this sexiest wagons available, do you screw it while driving?
Sexy to me,is a woman dressing provocatively,just showing enough flesh to imagine whats on the other side,a stripper before a show, kylie minogue in hot pants
how on earth you blokes out there can call a slab of metal sexy is beyond me,and whats with the ugly jibes, again,its a piece of coloured metal that for all practical purposes drives on roads-albeit-an ugly one.
What has ugliness or sexiness got to do with reviewing a vehicle that is built for a specific purpose?
Are you so shallow, low esteemed to be an owner of a vehicle that serves your purpose.
I drove a 6WD International tractor towing a 105mm howitzer,it was a petrol driven heap of crap, but it served a purpose, it was my battle-wagon,and only let u down on very hot days when the petrol evaporated in the fuel lines which arched over the engine.
Very unusual to keep a jerry-can of water inside of cab to cool fuel lines.
Spoken like a city person. Us country folks have good use for the AWD Subaru, trust me. A Mazda 6 would see me bogged when it rains (which it does a fair bit around here), whereas Outback will get me out of trouble every time. And what about that rugged steep beach track? No problem the Subaru says and keeps going. We don’t want a full 4WD, just a more capable family wagon with genuine AWD and at this point the Subie Outback is the winner. Test drove the diesel and it’s a very nice drive indeed. We also looked at the CX7 diesel and it can’t compete in any other regard than slightly more attractive styling. It’s more cramped, has less cargo capacity and the part time 4WD system is disappointing.
One of the most amazing things about the CX-7 is the lack of cargo space. From the outside the car is MASSIVE. You look inside and the boot space is not much bigger than most hatchbacks!!! Its not as if it has heaps of legroom either. So what did the Mazda engineers do with all the space – coz from the outside its a Behemoth!!
Non AWD owners don’t understand the benefits of Subaru’s AWD system. Until you’ve owned one you can’t understand – that’s why I will never by FWD ever again – even if Subaru’s offerings are ugly.
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Subaru have a sporty offroader – Forester Turbo 169kw 350Nm of torque. Same engine as WRX. But I agree, Subaru’s of today aren’t as good as the old ones. But I will also say having driven a 6 and a 3 – that Mazda’s aren’t as good as theyre made out to be. The way the media lavish praise on all the mazda offerings is out of sync with reality. They’re good but not THAT GOOD.
When is the facelifted model due Subaru? The earlier the better, how about next week.
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Strong sales of the Outback range would disagree with you. Although it could be worse if it were a Skoda Octavia Scout which is a total abortion job, with it’s dated side profiles/rear end and no street cred down under.
Once again, just because the sheep follow their heart instead of their head, doesnt make a good car. Popularity is not proportional to quality.
Toyota is proof enough of that.
good luck with ur hyundai!!
I’ll help you when you break down hahaha
I drove the IX35 on Saturday, and bought a Subaru Outback on monday
The IX 35 is awfull, it has terrible blind spots, and drives like a tin can.
I was hanging out to test drive it before i made a decision, and with the IX35 priced @ 38k its not a cheap car anymore.
I think the Subaru is great, and driving it it has plenty of power and handles heaps better then the hyundai did.
If Subaru hadn’t designed the new Liberty and Outback with high arches on the headlights it would look a lot better. What is with this sudden desire to make a car look American?
I have just selected an Outback diesel with the Premium package and Sat nav as my new company vehicle. Out of all the SUV’s/Softroaders I drove this was the only one that had a quality interior build in this price range and a good highway performance. The manualtransmission was smooth in comparison to the Mazda and the cabin was well layed out. The CX7 Diesel Sport was horrible, to a point that I almost stopped on the freeway and left it there. engine and road noise from the tyres was appalling. The Mitsubishi Outlander was light in the front end steering and had a sloppy build quality on the interior hardware. The VW Tiguan was a nice ride but like so many other European builds, everything was an extra. The Captiva and Territory were rubbish and the Korean contenders were too pokey for a 6 foot plus tall driver.
The Skoda Octavia Scout is a better option! It’s a new version of the old Outback, that you can still buy new. The car doesn’t look absolutely awful (despite what Jojo says, but no-one looks at/takes in to her constant negativity), it’s interior plastics are firmly (or not…) soft! It’s also not the size of a whale, meaning it drives very well and it isn’t sluggish off the line!
The servicing is twice as often, the pricing is lower and quality even better. It’s just better! Oh and did I mention that you don’t have to look at the Outback everyday if you own a Scout? That would be my main reason for buying one…