Subaru slashes Outback pricing

Subaru has gone on the offensive to protect - and promote - its Outback's position as a pioneer of the crossover segment.

The all-wheel-drive Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) that arguably started the global crossover vehicle phenomenon in the mid 1990s, is into its fifth iteration bringing a mix of, well, more of the same, along with loads of improvements and smart technology in key areas.

Its ultra-sharp pricing will also attract plenty of attention from local shoppers, with large cuts of up to $10,000 for the new arrivals and the most affordable model, the diesel 2.0D manual, now just $35,490 (plus on-road costs).

It's part of an overall push by Subaru to counter the impact of the South Koreans and Europeans in the tough, expanding SUV segment.

In essence, with the new Outback, there's smart new styling touches inside and out. The new model is bigger and roomier, quieter and way more refined, better equipped, safer, and even a little more economical.

Good news comes with the more spacious cabin and classy soft-touch trim but it also builds on its safety credentials, joining the Liberty (the car built on the same platform) in achieving a five-star rating for occupant safety from the tough local ANCAP scorers, with a total of 35.99 out of a maximum possible 37.  A raft of subtle suspension changes is aimed at improving ride comfort in all conditions and the new infotainment system rectifies a once glaring weakness in the Outback's appeal.

Whilst the new Outback continues with the familiar horizontally opposed engine offerings – 2.5- and 3.6-litre petrol and 2.0-litre turbo diesel – all have been reworked and are more fuel efficient (and cleaner) with a 10 per cent improvement in aerodynamics contributing to the overall fuel economy. The biggest gain comes with the 2.5i, which gets a Stop/Start feature and is now 8.8 per cent thriftier in the combined cycle with emissions reduced by 9.7 per cent.  The 2.0D manual is 5.0 per cent more efficient in the combined cycle (3.1 per cent auto) while the 3.6R is 3.9 per cent more efficient in the combined cycle. The numbers are not earth shattering, but they are tiny savers of money and the planet.

Power and torque figures are unchanged in the 2.0D and 3.6R, with the 2.5i getting a small 2kW improvement over the superseded model.

A retuned version of Subaru's continuously variable transmission (CVT) called Lineartronic is obligatory with the two petrol-drinking variants, the 2.5i and 3.6R,  while the 2.0D gives buyers (a choice of the CVT or six-speed manual.

The cautious re-style has mercifully banished the deep, flat-sided appearance of the outgoing model which was aimed squarely at Americans tastes.  The newie is more international. Look closely and the changes are actually quite extensive, even involving moving forward the A-pillar base by 50mm, so putting more distance between driver and windscreen and helping eliminate a blind spot with the addition of a quarter window. 

The new Outback is a little longer and broader. Wider opening doors and high seat cushions make climbing aboard and exiting easier. The higher seating position also helps visibility.

 

The spacious five seater's interior furnishings now appear plusher to touch, notably around the arm rests and console. Occupants get more space around shoulders, elbows and hips, and head and rear legroom is now more generous and more versatile. 

Standard equipment extends to paddle gear shifting, dual-zone climate control with rear vents, electric park brake, multi-function steering wheel, rain-sensing wipers, hillholder, auto fold rear seats (60/40 split fold), and reversing camera.   

A new infotainment system introduces a wide array of new functions, plus speech recognition for important functions.  A storage area in front of the gear selector contains a 12V power outlet, USB port, and AUX port.

A vehicle information display gives the driver a record of fuel efficiency history.

Importantly, every new 2015 petrol-engined Outback gets a standard EyeSight driver assist system, which helps avoid crashes, or at least minimises the impact. Upgraded for 2015 with wider angle and distance range, colour recognition (it can now see and interpret brake lights), it also helps counter fatigue.

All Outbacks have dual front, side, curtain and driver's knee airbags plus a host of other passive and active safety features.

The range-topping variants - 2.5i Premium, 2.0D Premium and 3.6R - come standard with supple perforated leather seating trim, Pandora connectivity, and other premium features.

Interior choices are sporty black interior or a bright new ivory.

Cargo lugging and usability has improved.  The Outback has a 512 litre capacity (an increase of 22L), while the height from tonneau cover to cargo floor is up 20mm to 407mm. The floor surface is almost dead flat too, with a jack, tools and full-size alloy spare wheel located in the sub floor.  

The range-topping variants get a power-operated cargo door which has a strong hanger for towels and wet weather gear. A rear door-space step makes roof loading and unloading of the integrated roof crossbars much simpler. The roof bars take loads of up to 80kg.

The new X-Mode feature on CVT models provides superior off-road capability on steep hills and rough roads. It allows drivers to traverse surfaces that would stop many other vehicles.

The Outback's 213mm ground clearance is sufficient to allow the Outback to move into some demanding off-road situations.

New alloy wheel designs are designed to aid aerodynamics with an eye to fuel efficiency.  The Outback 2.0D has 17-inch wheels while all other variants have 18-inch. All spare wheels are full-sized alloys.

Like other new Subarus, the Outback is eligible for the Capped Price Servicing program, which applies throughout the vehicle's lifetime. It includes labour, genuine parts, factory specified oils and fluids, and even the environmental levy and supplies charge.

Subaru Australia is aiming at sales of around 400 Outbacks per month.

Its optimism is based on the Outback's greatly improved value, all-round refinement and its ongoing versatility – it is happy getting its tyres muddied but in other situations keeps its many desirable, car-like qualities.

Subaru Outback pricing (before dealer charges)

Outback 2.5i CVT $35,990 (a cut of $3000 compared to the outgoing model)

Outback 2.5i Premium CVT $41,490 (-$2000)

Outback 2.0D manual $35,490 (-$5000)

Outback 2.0D CVT ($37,490 (-$5500)

Outback 2.0D Premium manual $41,490 (-$2000)

Outback 2.0D Premium CVT $43,490 (-$2500)

Outback 3.6R  $47,990 (-$10,000)

NUTS AND BOLTS

SUBARU OUTBACK 2.0D/2.5i/3.6R

 

HOW MUCH? From $35,490 plus on road costs

ENGINE: 2.0-litre DOHC 4cyl turbo diesel/ 2.5 DOHC 4cyl petrol / 3.6 DOHC 6cyl petrol

TRANSMISSON: 6-sp manual or CVT (2.0D); CVT only (2.5i and 3.6R)

POWER: 110kW /129kW/191kW

TORQUE: 350Nm/235Nm/350Nm

WEIGHT: 1590kg/1557kg/1702kg

CONSUMPTION: 5.7-6.3/7.3/9.9   (L/100km)