BY CHRIS HARRIS | 8th Sep 2006
Not surprisingly, the visual updates to the Outback mimic the Liberty with re-profiled headlights, new grilles, alloys and revised dashboard with improved interior trims.
Specification has been enhanced but prices have been reduced by up to 4.3 per cent on some models, with a modest one per cent rise in the 3.0R.
Among the improvements across the range is a reversible and washable cargo floor, while the cockpit includes a height- and reach-adjustable steering wheel and a six-stacker in-dash CD stereo. Also included are electronic brake assist, 17-inch alloy wheels and larger exterior mirrors with a refined design to reduce wind noise.
The 2.5i model has among its standard features dual front and side airbags, ABS, electric windows/mirrors, climate-control air-conditioning, cruise control, a leather steering wheel, trip computer, remote central locking, sports seats, an alloy-finish grille, roof rails, foglights and automatic headlights.
The 2.5i Premium adds curtain airbags, an eight-way electric driver’s seat, a sunroof, leather upholstery, self-levelling suspension and tinted rear windows.
Like the Liberty range, the Subaru Intelligent Drive system makes an appearance on 3.0-litre Outbacks. The 3.0R model misses out on the Outback 2.5i Premium’s curtain airbags, sunroof and electric driver’s seat, although it does gets alcantara trim, dual-zone air-conditioning with rear air vents, "Subaru Intelligent Drive", steering wheel paddle shifts and high-intensity discharge headlights. It also includes a 180kW/297Nm 3.0-litre six-cylinder engine mated to a five-speed automatic.
The 3.0R Premium has a sunroof, leather upholstery, electric driver’s seat with dual memory function, curtain airbags and vehicle dynamics control.
Satellite navigation is the main option – $2990 on the 2.5i Premium manual model variant, $3490 on the 2.5i Premium Sportshift (includes VDC) and $4490 on the 3.0R Premium (includes a high-grade McIntosh stereo).