Review: Subaru Outback
What is it?
Ask someone who lives in a city to name a 4x4, and they’ll probably say Range Rover, G-Wagen or something equally Chelsea tractor-esque. Ask the same question to country folk, and you’ll probably get a much more varied answer with Subaru being high on the list. In fact, did you know that Subaru have sold more 4x4s globally than any other motor manufacturer, and the average Subaru will have travelled 8 times around the world in its lifetime? Thought not.
The Outback has come a long way since the first incarnation which showed its face back in 1994. The first model was based on the second generation Legacy, and was quite a hit. With this current model, Subaru have looked to build on the Outback’s reputation as a vehicle that can go anywhere and do anything. So, how did it fare?
On the road
During the week we covered 700+ miles. The Outback proved itself as a great tourer during interminable motorways journeys, and because it isn’t as tall as the average SUV it put a smile on my face whilst ‘bombing’ along Wales’ super fun twisty roads. It’s quiet, smooth and the 173bhp flat four 2.5ltr naturally aspirated petrol engine coupled to Subaru’s Lineortronic gearbox felt perfectly matched.
Off road
Simply put, it’s a Subaru, therefore it has legendary off-road ability and will constantly surprise you when you venture off the beaten track, as this write up of a Subaru off-road press day shows.
The Outback features Subaru’s much-loved symmetrical all-wheel-drive system, meaning its off-road ability can embarrass far more expensive and stylish 4x4s. This AWD system, along with a 200mm ride height and under-body protection panels, means the Outback is one of the more rugged options in a sector that’s mostly aimed at the lifestyle market.
Interior
The Outback's interior has come under fire as 'slightly dated' from other reviewers, personally I rather liked it. The top of the dashboard is covered in soft-touch plastic, but like most cars these days, the lower down you go, fittings are harder and feel cheap, which is fair enough in my book.
You’re never going to be short of space in an Outback, whether you’re a front seat passenger, rear passenger or item of luggage thrown in the back.
Just like its internal space, the Outback’s standard kit list seems never ending - cruise control, reversing camera, heated leather seats, keyless go, sat-nav and Bluetooth.
With the central touchscreen controlling many of the functions, the basic layout of the Outback’s centre console is clean and tidy.
There are two trim levels on offer – SE models come with automatic LED headlamps, cruise control, Active Torque Vectoring, 17-inch alloy wheels, heated front seats, electrically-adjustable driver’s seat and tinted windows, as well as a seven-inch touchscreen.
SE Premium models add a sunroof, keyless entry and push-button start, 18-inch alloy wheels, leather seats and a powered rear tailgate.
It passed the Mud Life's rear leg room test with aplomb - that's me, sat in the rear with the driver's seat in my normal position, whilst eating lunch and doing a bit of work on the laptop. There's lashings of leg room and space for rear passengers.
A special mention has to go to Subaru’s EyeSight, which is their driver assistance system that acts as a ‘second pair of eyes’ for drivers. While systems from other manufacturers use various sensor technologies such as camera and radar or microwaves, EyeSight functions optically, by employing stereo-camera technology.
One camera is mounted each side of the rear view mirror to monitor the road and traffic ahead for potential hazards up to 110 metres up the road. Up to a speed of 28mph accidents can be completely avoided and the severity significantly reduced at higher speeds.
EyeSight features six technologies to maximise safety: Pre-Collision Braking, Pre-Collision Throttle Management, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Departure & Sway Warning, Pre-Collision Steering Assist, and Lead Vehicle Start Alert.
ADAC, the German Automobile Club recently tested emergency brake assistance systems, and EyeSight was the only system in their test (which included four premium brands), to achieve full points in the three categories tested - pedestrian, cyclist and night driving.
In 2015, Subaru released data from a survey of traffic accidents involving Subaru vehicles in Japan from 2010 to 2014. The data revealed a 61% reduction in crashes for vehicles equipped with EyeSight, compared to those without.
Engine 'n' transmissions
There are two engine choices – a 2.5ltr petrol and a 2.0ltr turbodiesel which are both four-cylinder ‘boxer’ units. The petrol comes with the Lineartronic gearbox and the diesel has the option of the 6-speed manual ‘box.
The petrol does around 40.4mpg combined, and the diesel does 46.3mpg, or if you go for the manual version, 50.4mpg.
Top speeds and 0-60 times are all within a hares breath of each other at between 119 - 124mph and 9.7 - 10.2 seconds.
Conclusion
The Outback is an easy car to drive, it's very likeable. The only thing I'm not not keen on is the styling - it isn't a pretty car, nor is it a car that I'd look back on in a crowded car park and think ‘phwoar!’ But it's under the skin where the Subaru shines, and boy does it shine.
Drive one for a week and you’ll understand why Subaru are revered by so many - farmers, doctors, vets and everyone else who live in the sticks. They're dependable, agile and comfortable cars.
Yes, many other manufactures now have AWD systems fitted to their range, but remember, Subaru got there first, and that's all they do. Subaru are quite rightly proud of the statistic that 99.3% of Subaru's are still on the road after 10 years and that over the last 49 or so years, they made 15 million Symetrical AWD systems.
