First drive: Subaru Outback packs more

SUBARU’S original modern crossover has scored the same physical, technical, efficiency, safety and refinement gains as the Mk5 Liberty range that begat it.

Out now, and priced from an unchanged $37,990, the fourth-generation Outback uses the revised 2.5-litre horizontally opposed four-cylinder ‘boxer’ engine as its sister car, as well as the 3.6-litre boxer six-cylinder unit from the larger Tribeca SUV series in place of the 3.0R.

Employing the new Lineartronic CVT gearbox in lieu of the old four-speed automatic, the 2.5i registers an 11.6 per cent carbon dioxide emissions improvement on top of better fuel economy results, while the Outback 3.6R emits 8.7 per cent less.

Subaru says it did extensive local testing to ensure that the Outback handled our particular conditions better than before.

Besides a higher (now 213mm) ride height, the Outback differs from its Liberty stablemate with its self-levelling rear suspension system.

“The range will be completed in November with the introduction of Subaru Australia’s first diesel model, the turbocharged Outback 2.0D,” says Subaru Australia managing director Nick Senior.

Subaru Outback range pricing:
2.5i	$37,990
2.5i CVT (a)	$40,490
2.5i Premium	$41,490
2.5i Premium CVT (a)	$43,990
2.5i Premium with SatNav	$43,990
2.5i Premium with SatNav CVT (a)	$46,490
3.6R (a)	$48,490
3.6R with SatNav (a)	$55,990