Outback safer than before

SUBARU has added to the Outback H6's list of safety features as part of the 2002 model year update.

The most significant upgrade is the addition of dual side airbags designed to protect front-seat occupants in side impacts.

All Outbacks also gain a weight-saving aluminium bonnet, clear lens headlights and a chrome grille surround.

Interior upgrades in the Outback H6 include the addition of grey leather trim and staged illumination on the instrument panel - with rings, needles and numbers lighting in sequence. It also gets a rear centre armrest.

All Outbacks gain adjustable rear centre headrests and buyers are also supplied with two remote central locking keys.

Mechanically, a new dual-mass flywheel in Outback and Outback Limited manual transmission models is claimed to absorb naturally occurring engine harmonics, resulting in reduced noise, vibration and harshness, and smoother clutch engagement.

Oil pump friction has been reduced on all four-cylinder Outbacks by altering rotor dimensions. Together with reduced friction oil rings, this is said to improve engine efficiency.

Suspension on all Outbacks has been enhanced to produce even greater stability. Supports have been added to the rear suspension sub frame, increasing strength, stability and manoeuvrability, according to Subaru.

To improve low speed driving from standstill on heavy snow, ice or mud, a Vehicle Dynamics Control Off switch is fitted on the dashboard of the Outback H6.

This is for optional use in heavy snow, ice or mud, below 60km/h, when some degree of wheel spin may be required to engage traction.

Under normal circumstances VDC overrides the ability of the wheels to slip on thick ice, deep snow or mud and possibly make engagement of drive more difficult. VDC is only fitted to the range-topping Outback H6. Pricing Outback manual $38,180 Outback automatic $40,170 Outback Limited manual $42,480 Outback Limited automatic $44,470 Outback H6* $51,990 *Available with automatic transmission only