The 4th generation Outback XUV has moved decidedly upmarket with refined exterior styling and sleek interior layout.
Subaru Outback
Engineered with passion
By Tony Day
The 4th generation Outback XUV cross-over utility has moved decidedly upmarket with refined exterior styling and sleek interior layout rivalling that of more expensive cars.
The Outback offers a unique combination of good looks, SUV ground clearance and mid-size car handling.
On the road the 2.5-litre DOHC Boxer engine, rated at 123kW with 229Nm of torque, with six speed manual transmission connected to Subaru’s Symmetrical All Wheel Drive System, doesn’t give the impression that while cornering hard you are going to end up in the ‘hlathini’, thanks to the sure-footed grip on all four wheels. This all adds up to sharp steering control and easily managed body rolls.
I experienced some extreme pea-soup driving conditions with the roads being completely awash, but had no problem with the Outback when it came to the confidence factor. As with all cars stemming from the Subaru stable you are blessed with complete assurance that it will go where you point it, with safety being a prime factor.
A while back I spent some time with my son in Switzerland where conditions can become very dicey and I noticed just how many Subarus there were on the road.
My wife’s sister and her husband, who also live in the mountains in Switzerland, swear by their Subarus – they each own one.
The latest Outback has larger dimensions than before, both in overall width and height with an increased wheelbase, although front and rear overhang have been reduced.
Body coded protective mouldings guard the wheel arches while the sills are protected by purposeful black cladding. Full-length roof rails are neatly integrated.
Subaru point out the fact that the engine cradle (as opposed to the sub-frame) reduces noise, enhances safety and assists ride and stability. Engine vibrations are deadened by it being moved to the front via four liquid filled pitted rubber mounts.
This innovation also acts as a pick-up point for the front suspension control arms and steering rack, thus reducing harshness and unwelcome feedback without compromising handling.
Subaru also tell us that the Outback is roomier than before with the distance between front and rear hip point growing by 68mm, and with its wide seats at the rear there is definitely enough space for three large adults, and if you don’t have the body dimensions of Bakkies Botha you will find the rear legroom adequate.
The dashboard is very ‘Subaru’ with its four main gauges, but the engine coolant temperature is now displayed by warning lights with a secondary gauge indicating how economically you are driving the car. The driving computer displays average or instant consumption in the display near the top of the dashboard.
A fresh looking steering wheel features satellite controls for the Kenwood Sound Meister tuner/six CD changer (playing through six speakers) and cruise control.
Space in the front seats provide place for the electric parking brake and gearshift lever. There is also a dual console with side-by-side cup holders, with space for compact discs.
The storage area includes an AUX point with 12 volt power outlet. Ducting at the base of the transmission tunnel links a pair of climate control outlets with simplified button controls which include dual function for left and right temperature settings.
There is no doubt that Subaru models are one of the safest around when one considers that they are equipped with seven airbags, a driver’s knee-bag, child seat anchor belts, ABS, EBD, BAS, Vehicle Dynamics Control, Hill Start Assist and the cherry on the top of the icing, Symmetrical All Wheel Drive.
Packard used to have a slogan, “Ask the man who owns one” and I reckon that applies to Subaru.
Priced at R345,000 the Outback 2.5i Premium 6 speed manual comes with a 3-year/100,000km warranty and a 3-year/63,000km maintenance plan.
