Comments on: Subaru Outback Diesel Review & Road Test

By: Garrett

Garrett — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 11:04:31 +0000

Just picked up my MY12 diesel this morning, and have managed 100km on the first day. Very happy. As a bonus it seems the MY12′s come with standard reversing camera and full size spare. Certainly they weren’t on the original agreement, and I haven’t paid extra for them. So pretty happy with that. Looking forward to getting on the highway and screwing the economy down.

By: Hookey

Hookey — Tue, 13 Sep 2011 08:29:15 +0000

Able, did you actually buy the Skoda over the Outback or are you just a fanboy getting all hot and sweaty over another eurotrash release in your latest Motor or Wheels mag? Probably don’t even have a licence, and if you did, it’d be an auto one, as you find manuals too hard compared to your limited X-Box driving experience. Well I actually drove both and chose the Subaru (ie, actually bought one…, mostly for the room, drivetrain and quality but also because the Subi while no beauty doesn’t look so dated as the Skoda, which is an old design, and actually reminds me of an early 90s Daihatsu.

By: Hookey

Hookey — Tue, 13 Sep 2011 08:16:26 +0000

I have owned the MY11 Diesel Outback Premium for about a month now, and chose this over both a Mazda6 Diesel (too cramped back seat, Mazda CX7 Diesel (big outside, smallish inside)as well as the Skoda Scout diesel (too small inside), after having owned various Mazdas and Toyotas over the last two decades. I agree with some of the criticism over gearing, electric park brake, etc, but you get used to these after a while. Looks, while not a pretty car, not fugly either (for ‘plain’, see under Skoda)- looks purposeful, much better in the metal than pics. First fill was 7.6, second 6.8, now averages around 6.2 l/100kms normal suburban commuting, so the economy is fantastic for basically a large family car. I am 188cms (6′ 2″) so I find the cabin easily accomodating and roomy, even with 3 lanky teenagers to fill the back seat. I am also one of these old-school weirdos who actually prefers a manual (tried a DSG – yuk!) every day. The 2.0L Diesel donk pulls like a train from 1500-3500RPM, will sit on 110 in 6th all day relaxed as ever. Also, love the AWD in the wet in the hills where home is. My first Subi – they just did not have the right one at the right time in the past, but I hope won’t be the last.

By: Nicole

Nicole — Mon, 04 Jul 2011 07:38:50 +0000

Looked at the Tribeca Subaru, unless you are a below knee amputee there is no leg space for the back passengers. May as well have a two door converible. The ix35 is very comfortable both in the front and back. Heaps more features than the Tribeca and clearly Subaru makes a good profit margin.

By: Golden Grove

Golden Grove — Wed, 29 Jun 2011 10:10:01 +0000

I have now had the Outback 2.5i for a year. Some insights into the car – I can live with the nose, and side-on the car looks fine. The interior is a very comfortable and roomy space., with all the toys you need. My 2 teenagers and a dog fit confortably in the back. The seats are big, the view is good and the electronic brake and hill holder are excellent (although having to turn it on again after every restart is something Subaru should fix). I have driven Sydney-Rockhampton return without missing a beat, and it responds brilliantly to a bit of shove. My major gripe is with the CVT. Too often it seems to selcect the wrong ratio – very high revs going down a hill at average speed. I have learnt to use the paddle shifters to go up 2-3 gears when this happens, and it happens most days. Take off can also be quite unresponsive. If you only drove it around the ‘burbs you wouldn’t realise how much grunt is has when flattened.
My last 2 cars were a Futura and then an Aurion – so I miss the 6 cylinders, but the cabin (lounge room on wheels)of the Outback is better than either.

By: Evo

Evo — Sat, 11 Jun 2011 02:09:40 +0000

Well I’ve been driving the Outback Turbo Diesel now for just over two months, and I just love this car. I love the look, the feel and the sound. If I have one criticism its the length of the gearing. From 3rd gear up its terrific, first gear for me could be taller as with second, but the slick smooth gear changing is really nice. I recently returned from Europe and everyone there drives Manual Diesel cars, I don’t mind it in traffic, it actually helps me concentrate and out on the country roads, its just fantastic

By: TonyG

TonyG — Mon, 02 May 2011 04:27:30 +0000

I can get 5.4l/100k from my outback thats on a trip form Newcastle to Bathurst ovr the Blue Mountains through Katoomba

By: Evo

Evo — Tue, 22 Mar 2011 09:57:41 +0000

Actually I don’t find the Subaru ugly at all, I find it quite classical and stylish. That is, in five years time it will still look good not like some of the plastic cars that seem to go for “pop” looks that look dated so quickly, as in “oh yes that a 70′s 80′s 90′s look” etc .
As for ride, I tested many and the Subaru eats them all for comfort and ride. I have the MY11 Turbo D2.0 and just love it

By: Boney Maroney

Boney Maroney — Mon, 24 Jan 2011 06:13:59 +0000

I tested a lot of diesel wagons and despite the looks, settled on the Outback.I suspect the look is hurting the sales as I cut a sensational deal with the local Subbie guy that not even the Sydney dealers would better. I have never been real successful with smashing subbie dealers to a pulp with a deal, and usually find them not willing to budge on price, so this was a surprise.

Anyway I find the diesel engine smooth, and revs comfortably to 3500 which is when the kws peak, torque is short and sweat, but is a nice shove from about 1600rpm, maxing at 1800-2400/2500. Dash is a lot smaller depth wise than other wagons, so the hard plastics are not a worry. Want to see chintzy, sit in the Mazda 6 wagon – deep dash, hardish platics and acres of them. Engine was a bit more free reving in the Mazda though it has more power but i couldnt really tell the diff in the outback.

IX35, just as ugly as the subbie, rubbish ride, even on the MY11, thought that Hyundai had this sorted for MY11. IX35, mazda 6 diesel Wagon didnt seem as solid feeling on the road either. Happy with the Outback despite it’s ugly nose!

By: leith

leith — Fri, 24 Dec 2010 06:37:39 +0000

I’m 6’5″ and i dont have any trouble reaching the clutch and gear stick etc.