By DEREK OGDEN
Subaru’s new generation Outback has set off at a gallop, with sales breaking an all-time record for the second consecutive month, according to official Vfacts figures.
The all-wheel-drive sports utility vehicle notched 1180 sales in March, topping the new mark of 890 set the previous month, and is 410.8 per cent ahead of the same month last year.
Nick Senior, the managing director of Subaru Australia, said: “We have had a fantastic response with year-to-date sales up 386 per cent.
“Outback sales are testament to Subaru’s made-in-Japan quality.”
The new Outback comes with the choice of three engines – a 2.5-litre four-cylinder and 3.6-litre six-cylinder engine, and a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged diesel, all with horizontally-opposed Boxer configuration and either a six-speed manual or continuously variable automatic transmission.
Standard and Premium specification levels apply to the four-cylinder variants. On test was an Outback 2.0D Premium CVT.
New technology, exterior design and a premium feel to the interior with soft-touch trim sets it apart from rivals.
There’s also a new infotainment system which introduces a wide array of new functions, including speech recognition, all this coming with price cuts of up to 17.2 per cent over superseded models.
The Outback opens its petrol-powered account with the 2.5i, mated with the continuously variable automatic transmission, coming in at $35,990, plus on-road costs, with the 2.0D diesel manual undercutting that by $500. The extensive range is topped off by the 3.6R at $47,990.
Like every new Subaru, the Outback qualifies for capped price servicing throughout the vehicle’s lifetime, not just the three-year warranty period.
Pulling up behind an early-model Outback, it was plain to see just how much the wagon had grown – a roomy benefit for legs in the rear.
Also out back, an electric cargo door aids loading and unloading convenience, made easier by a stop position memory function for use in parking spaces with low clearance, or carrying long objects on the roof.
With A-pillars moved forward and lower rear roofline, a heightened shoulder line add to a solid yet smooth, flowing look.
Rear lights have increased wrap-around and are flat for a wider feel. Not all is limited to good looks.
A large rear spoiler is far from being just an ornament, improving the Outback’s aerodynamic performance.
Lighter 17-inch wheels also contribute, as do an increased windscreen slope, smoother shaped front and rear bumper corners and wheel air flaps, and enlarging and reshaping the body under cover.
With a seven-inch screen, factory-fitted satellite navigation and audio, a six-speaker system with distinct acoustic settings ensuring optimum playback, can be touch operated a la smart phone (flick, pinch and double tap), while Pandora internet connectivity is on tap.
Also, the display and control systems of the air-conditioner panel have been redesigned for high visibility and easy use.
Speech recognition works across a wide range of functions including factory-fitted sat nav, phone, audio and air-conditioning.
In navigation mode, the destination can be set by continuously stating information, from house number to state name; hands-free phoning is through verbal command of numbers or contacts; while in audio, after song selection from an iPod using its title, the user can choose a different album by the same artist.
The latest 2.0-litre Boxer four-cylinder turbocharged unit produces 110 kW of power at 3600 rpm and 350 Nm of torque from 1600 to 2800 rpm.
Hooked up to CVT, transmission control, based on pedal input, between step-less and stepped gearing, improves drivability.
The new Outback, along with the latest Liberty, is the safest Subaru, earning a five-star rating for occupant safety from the independent Australasian New Car Assessment Program, with a total score of 35.99 out of a maximum possible 37.
A comprehensive suite of airbags, including full length curtain, driver’s knee airbag, dual front airbags and dual front side airbags is complemented by active safety features such as ABS with electronic brake-force distribution, brake assist and traction control.
Reversing has been made safer with inclusion of a 160-degree rear-view camera giving an improved field of vision.
The camera is positioned within 60 mm of the vehicle’s centre, producing an accurate monitor display.
Every new Outback is equipped with Subaru’s award-winning EyeSight driver assist system that uses forward mounted cameras to help avoid crashes or reduce impact if one still occurs.
On official numbers the diesel automatic is more fuel efficient than the car it replaces – 3.1 per cent better – with 4.1 per cent improvement in carbon dioxide emissions, that’s in the combined urban / highway cycle.
The test vehicle managed 8.4 litres per 100 km in city strolling and a best of 5.2 litres per 100 km cruising the motorway.
There was a faint diesel engine clatter inside the cabin in either set of driving conditions and only a tad more noise on the outside.
There is little urgency about getting going, which was not unexpected with a zero-to-100 km/h time of close to 10 seconds.
The Subaru symmetrical all-wheel drive system always imbues an extra level of driving confidence, especially on twisty country roads, while sharp stopping once or twice on test was never less than accomplished.
Using steering wheel-mounted paddles the driver can become more involved in how the SUV performs by selecting a preferred gear.
In the D-range a temporary manual mode is activated.
When the transmission detects that speed has become constant, it automatically returns to the D-range.
Also starting from rest in second gear is activated, reducing wheel spin on snow or other slippery surfaces.
The Outback was fitted with X-Mode, activated via a switch on the centre console, which takes the all-wheel drive system to a higher level of operation, including hill descent control, giving the driver added confidence on steep hills and rough roads.
This was only reinforced by Outback’s ride height offering commanding views and a sense of safety, especially off road with good ground clearance.
Sales figures tell the story: the new Outback has taken its SUV segment by storm.
After a stint in diesel version with the works it’s easy to see the appeal.
Inquire at Subaru Fountain Gate, 1 Prestige Place, Narre Warren. Phone 9771 4500.
Model range
Outback 2.5i: $35,990 (CVT)
Outback 2.5i Premium: $41,490 (CVT)
Outback 2.0D: $35,490 (manual), $37,490 (CVT)
Outback 2.0D Premium: $41,490 (manual), $43,490 (CVT)
Outback 3.6R: $47,990 (CVT)
