Overview
SUBARU’S stalwart Outback stays a favorite for a cause. As a lot wagon as it’s SUV, the family-friendly five-seater is a confirmed and succesful performer that feels extra at residence on a mixture of metropolis and nation roads than many, MANY others in its section.
Which says loads about not solely the engineering and design work undertaken to make the Outback “work” in Aussie circumstances, but in addition of the shopping for habits of Australians. Regardless of the myriad decisions within the section, many return to the Outback time and time once more, realizing how effectively the automobile is suited to each work and play.
However for the reason that current(ish) departure of the gutsy 3.6R six-cylinder Outback, efficiency from Subaru’s largest Aussie mannequin has been, let’s say, lacklustre. Fill the boot with tenting gear, load within the youngsters and hitch up a trailer and that 138kW/245Nm 2.5-litre ‘4’ merely wasn’t as much as the duty. A extra strong engine was wanted, stat.
Happily, Subaru Australia’s “pull” with HQ resulted within the turbocharged 2.4-litre supplied in left-hand drive markets being made accessible Down Beneath – and the outcomes are spectacular. Not solely does the force-fed 4 make extra energy and torque than its naturally aspirated sibling, additionally it is simply as economical, having to work much less to attain extra.
What we’ve got consequently is a 183kW/350Nm mill that’s paired to a smooth-shifting repeatedly variable transmission driving all 4 wheels, on a regular basis. It accelerates 22 per cent quicker and delivers considerably higher braked towing capability (up 400kg to 2400kg), partly by way of the discount of a decrease remaining drive ratio (down to three.90:1 from 4.11:1).
Topping the Outback line-up, the XT is obtainable in mid-tier Sport and flagship Touring grades with comparative gear to that present in ‘common’ Outback variants. The turbocharged engine provides a $5000 premium to the worth and is visually differentiated solely by twin exhaust shops and model-specific alloy wheel designs.
The Outback XT Sport is obtainable from $52,190 plus on-road prices with the XT Touring pegged from $55,990 +ORCs.
Driving Impressions
Subaru says one in 5 Aussies are anticipated to go for the turbocharged Outback, and albeit, we will see why. The easy energy and simply accessible torque accessible from the short-stroke 2.4-litre mill – particularly with Sport mode activated – is a much better match for the cumbersome wagon than the aspirated 2.5, hustling it from suburban to freeway speeds with little or no fuss.
The graceful and cooperative operation of the repeatedly variable transmission maximises the engine’s (2000-4800rpm) torque band to offer efficient hill climbing and overtaking efficiency, and all with out shuffling ratios to the identical extent as we noticed from the atmo engine (we sampled the turbocharged XT and ‘common’ 2.5 Outback back-to-back).
Gas consumption remained regular at near the 8.4-litre mark all through the mortgage interval, a time we spent within the minimize and thrust of metropolis site visitors and in undulating rural roads in equal measure.
It is usually apparent that the revised entrance spring and damping of the Outback XT – that are tailored partly to compensate for the extra 70kg carried – supplies an altogether higher trip and dealing with association than the usual variant. Physique management is noticeably tidier, whereas the trip lives up effectively to the Touring moniker stamped on the tailgate.
If Subaru may higher deal with the extent of tyre noise current, this could nearly be the proper wagon for sub-par Aussie backroads – particularly contemplating the beneficiant 213mm of floor clearance on supply.
The Outback XT steers and stops in addition to it rides, and although we didn’t observe any variance in pedal development or steering help between the two.5 and a couple of.4 (turbo), we do really feel that the dealing with of the latter leads to improved front-end suggestions translated to a greater, extra engaged really feel on the wheel that’s in the end extra suited to the stronger and versatile character of the turbocharged mannequin.
On the grade examined – the XT Touring – we discovered the LED headlights to be about common for his or her kind however welcomed the cornering perform in traversing tight spots at nighttime. The local weather management operated flawlessly, and supplied arduous buttons along with touchscreen controls, which is nice whenever you’re attempting to regulate the temperature with out taking your eyes off the street forward.
Cabin amenity ranges are enough for the grade with seating lodging that’s appropriate for 5 adults. Whereas we’re not a fan of the roof mounted rear centre seatbelt, the inclusion of (three) top-tether and (two) ISOFIX little one seat fixings is welcomed, as is the decrease window top that provides superb outward visibility for youthful kids (much better than your common SUV). We additionally appreciated the USB shops and air vents within the second row of seats.
Certain, the cabin’s copious quantities of black plastic is slightly on the tougher, extra sturdy aspect, nevertheless it type of matches the adventurous angle Outback house owners are stated to have. In our opinion, Subaru ought to supply a lighter colored trim, as is obtainable within the Sport grade, within the top-spec’ Touring, simply to offer it, you realize, slightly extra pizazz.
Like most patrons, we appreciated the capacious cargo bay (522 litres with the rear seats in place) and the powered tailgate. College luggage, groceries, even the canine match comfortably right here, and for the shorter amongst us with out the necessity to stand on tip toes to succeed in issues additional in.
All Outback variants are coated by a five-year/unlimited-kilometre guarantee however, oddly, the turbocharged mannequin is cheaper to service. The XT provides 12-month/15,000km service intervals over the atmo variations 12-month/12,500km association, that means the five-year capped-price service plan offers house owners 75,000km of complete protection, not 62,500km.
The general value of servicing throughout that interval is $2579 for XT (turbo) variants and $2675 for the non-turbo.
100 Sound Phrases – with Richard Eycken
Our resident audiophile lends an ear to the Outback XT’s nine-speaker audio system
The harman/kardon system focuses most of its sound towards the higher dashboard. The entrance door drivers are first rate however lose out to these larger up. The shortage of rear speaker output additional contributes to a lack of immersion.
Treble is crisp, if considerably one-dimensional, however seems to struggle in opposition to a hole but overwhelming mid-range and flat bottom-end – mid-range bass is missing whereas low-end bass is dominant.
The interface is easy however wants extra customisation, particularly for these whose tastes prolong past bass-heavy pop and electronica.
That stated, I really feel the system will fulfill most listeners’ necessities. Six out of ten.