Subaru Outback: tougher look, price rise for 2014

Refreshing the Outback are dark-tinted headlights, a set of dark grey alloy wheels and matching front grille trim.

The side sills and cladding, wheel arch guards, front mud flaps and roof rails (with integrated cross bars) are finished in black, contrasting with lighter front and rear underbody guard protectors.

Subaru says the exterior enhancements offset the $500 price rise, claiming that they add more than $2500 value to the 2014 Outback.

Subaru Australia managing director Nick Senior says the Outback’s revised exterior design is a result of the brand listening to the requests of its customers.

“We’ve had a lot of customer feedback suggesting owners would like a slightly tougher-looking Outback with greater body protection, which is especially useful on rural roads where this wagon rates highly,” Senior said.

The updates come just eight months after Subaru launched the 2013 model year Outback, which brought with it price cuts, a revised petrol engine and upgraded standard equipment levels.

The CVT-equipped Outback diesel joined the range two months later in March.

Subaru has sold 2750 Outbacks in Australia so far this year, down 15 per cent compared with the same period in 2012. Its share of the large SUV segment has slipped from 4.6 to 3.9 per cent as rivals like the Holden Captiva 7, Hyundai Santa Fe and the Jeep Grand Cherokee have gained ground.

2014 Subaru Outback manufacturer’s list prices: