If you are looking for a nice, reliable and affordable family car then you should consider this new version of Subaru Outback. OK, so it’s not a very good-looking crossover when you compare it to the other cars in this segment, but quite a few of them are as capable and tough as this hard working Japanese brute!
The fourth generation Outback is larger and has flared wheel arches, standard-fit 17-inch alloys, and a chrome-framed glass-house to become more interesting. It also comes with a newly designed interior with main features, spaciousness and quality, intact. There’s several improvements as well, such as increased seat adjustability, softer cushioning and reductions in NVH levels, the Outback’s cabin is an even more luxurious and cosseting place in which to travel.
Subaru promises the new model also handles and rides better, thanks to the re-engineered suspension and a new all-steel unitary structure. Meanwhile the Japanese firm’s highly acclaimed AWD system will also reassure buyers that it is sure-footed in all weather conditions.
The Outback’s 1,998cc boxer diesel engine though, with 150 PS and 350 Nm of torque – mated to a six-speed manual gearbox, is not very good if we’re honest! It’s economical, but awful in terms of performance.
Exterior
Body-coloured bumpers
Body-coloured door mirrors housings
Body-coloured door handles
Electric folding, heated door mirrors with LED repeaters
HID head lamps with power washers and automatic self-leveling
Front fog lights
UV protected front, side and rear glass
Intermittent rear wash/wipe
Roof spoiler
17-inch alloy wheels with 225/60 R17 tyres
Powered glass tilt-and-slide sunroof with interior sunshade
Interior
Welcome lights front and rear
Leather upholstery and trim
10-way electrically adjustable driver’s seat with memory
Tilt and telescopic steering wheel adjustment
Steering wheel mounted audio and cruise controls
Leather-wrapped steering and gear selector
Adjustable lumbar support
Driver’s seatback storage pocket
Heated front seats
Driver and passenger illuminated vanity mirrors
Front map reading lights and cascade lighting
Electric windows front and rear
Adjustable dashboard illumination
Multi Information Display
Multi-function centre console with 12v power outlet
Front and rear cup-holders
60/40 spilt rear seat with centre armrest
Retractable luggage cover
Comfort and Convenience
Automatic dusk-sensing head lamps
Automatic rain-sensing wipers
Dual-zone automatic air-conditioning
Cruise control
Bluetooth connectivity
Eco driving ‘change-up’ indicator
Gear-in-use indicator
Six-CD tuner with RDS and six speakers
Speed-adjusting automatic volume control
AUX input socket in centre console
Audible headlights on reminder
Remote fuel flap release
Front passenger seatback storage pocket
Safety
Front, front side and curtain air bags
Vehicle Dynamics Control stability system
Self levelling rear suspension
Traction Control
ABS, EBD and EBA braking systems
AWD full-time Symmetrical All-Wheel drive system
Electronic push/pull handbrake
Hill start assist linked to VDC system
Security
Remote central locking with deadlocks
High security integrated audio system
Rolling code ECU immobiliser
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
New Subaru Outback
Engines
2.0-litre / 150 PS Diesel
Name Boxer Diesel
Type DOHC, horizontally opposed ‘flat four’, with VGT
Capacity 2.0-litres, 1,998 cc
Bore & Stroke 86.0 x 86.0 mm
Compression ratio 16.0:1
Max power 150 PS (110 kW) @ 3,600 rpm
Max torque 350 Nm (258.2 lbf.ft) @ 1,800-2.400 rpm
Valves 16 (4-per-cylinder)
Fuel system CRDi, common-rail, high pressure, direct injection
Turbo system Variable geometry turbocharger (VGT)
Construction Aluminium cylinder block and heads
Emissions class Euro Stage 5
Transmission
2.0D
Manual 6-sp
Gear Ratios
2.0D MT
1 3.454
2 1.750
3 1.062
4 0.785
5 0.634
6 0.557
Reverse 3.636
Final Drive 1 4.444
Drivetrain
2.0D AWD with centre differential coupled to viscous LSD
Suspension and Damping
Front Fully independent by subframe-mounted MacPherson struts, with coil springs and gas-filled shock absorbers. Anti-roll stabiliser bar.
Rear Fully independent by subframe-mounted Double Wishbones, coil springs and gas-filled shock absorbers, with self-levelling system.
Steering
Type Electric power-assisted rack & pinion
Wheel 375 mm leather wrapped
Gearing 3.1 turns lock-to-lock
Turning circle 11.0 metres
Brakes 2.0D
Power 229
Front 294×24
Rear 286×10
ABS 4-Channel anti-lock system with EBD
BAS Boosts braking power to maximum during emergency stops
Wheels and Tyres
Standard Alloy 17 in x 7.0J 225/60 R17 tyres
Spare Tyre mobility kit
Dimensions (mm)
Exterior
Overall length 4775 Overall width* 1820 / 2052
Overall height 1605** Wheelbase 2745
Front track 1540 Rear track 1540
Front overhang 960 Rear overhang 1070
Ground clearance 200
Approach angle 18.6 deg Departure angle 23.0 deg
*excluding / including door mirrors
**including roof rails
Interior
Front Rear
Headroom 1024 951
Legroom 1091 960
Shoulder room 1430 1426
Hip room 1384 1370
Capacities (all models)
Fuel tank 65 litres
Luggage (VDA) 526 litres behind 2nd row seats
1677 litres behind 1st row seats
Weights (kg)
2.0D MT
Curb weight 1573
Gross weight 2085
Towing (max) kg* 750
kg** 1700
*unbraked trailer / ** braked trailer
Performance
2.0D MT
Top speed / Kph 201
0-to-100 Kph / sec 9.6
Fuel Economy (mpg)
2.0D MT
Combined cycle 6.1 Lit/100Km
CO2 g/km 167
