The Outback - Born for the road, designed to provide confidence
Like Alsatian wine, this crossover, which is both an estate car and an SUV, has improved over the years. 26 years after its launch, the Outback has become the Japanese brand’s top seller, with more than 300,000 units sold in Europe. From a stylistic point of view, this new model gives the impression of being more assertive thanks to its wider fenders.
True to its reputation, the Japanese manufacturer has once again selected quality materials to create a comfortable, user-friendly interior. The boot is enormous, with 522 litres of capacity behind the rear seats.
The sixth generation has been redesigned from the ground up with a clear focus on passenger safety. Electronic assistance is omnipresent in the driving experience. In addition to the driver’s facial recognition technology – which you may or may not like – Subaru’s EyeSight system is making progress. Cameras can be found virtually everywhere. Not only is the slightest sign of driver distraction scrutinised (and punished with a reminder to “please watch the road”), but every element of the car is monitored. The Outback even comes with automatic reverse braking as standard to prevent impact while backing up, and at the very least to reduce damage in the event of impact.
And what about driving pleasure? It’s still there. The 2.5 litre boxer engine generates 175 hp. Subaru claims that the Outback can tow up to 2000 kg, thanks in part to a tried and tested all-wheel drive system.
Special mention should be made of the new “Lineartronic CVT” automatic transmission, which now behaves like an 8-speed automatic transmission. More game-oriented drivers might even enjoy playing with the steering wheel paddle shifters.
Finally, even the most technology-averse customers will agree that the adaptive cruise control provides real added value in terms of road safety. The system engages the brakes when the traffic in front of you increases in density, in order to maintain a safe distance that the driver has set beforehand. As soon as the road is clear, the car then accelerates at the selected driving pace (economy, comfort, normal or dynamic) until it reaches cruising speed. Very nice.
Technical data sheets:
Power/torque/gearbox |
175 ph / 235 Nm / automatic |
Consumption |
7.2 - 11.9 / 100 km |
Engine |
2.5 L / 4cyl. / 16 s |
Transmission |
Full-time AWD |
Acceleration 0-100 km/h |
0 - 100 km / h in 10.2 s |
Maximum speed |
198 km/h |
Weight |
1592 kg |
Base price |
€38,675 |
Image source: © YS