The new, sixth-generation Subaru Subaru Outback SUV will land in UK dealerships later this month, promising "driving fun, all-around safety and above-average resilience".
Priced from £33,995 and available in a choice of three trim levels, the Outback will go on sale from 27 May with a substantially overhauled version of the previous car's 2.4-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder boxer engine, producing 180bhp. In the US, range-topping cars get a more powerful 2.4-litre turbocharged unit with 256bhp, but that's not yet confirmed to be offered here.
The starting price represents a premium of only around £200 over the previous-generation car.
Both engines will be powered through an eight-speed CVT gearbox, which has been retuned to give performance comparable to a conventional eight-speed automatic, and uses lower-viscosity oil and new hydraulics to give 22% less power loss than the previous car's gearbox.
The new version of the durable off-roader comes with Subaru’s four-wheel drive system as standard, along with systems such as active torque vectoring and hill descent control. It also features improved ground clearance over the previous generation.
The Outback is built on the latest version of the Subaru Global Platform, which the firm claims has been optimised to make the model 70% stiffer in torsional and front suspension rigidity than the previous generation. Body roll has been reduced by 50% as a result, and Subaru promises both improved straight-line stability and quicker, more responsive steering.
The firm also claims it offers improved crash protection, with a number of new safety features, while off-road ability has been enhanced with an increased ground clearance of 213mm and a new 'X-Mode' that contains pre-congifured driving settings for snow and mud.
The interior has been reworked, with certain trim levels gaining seats covered in a water-repelling material. There is also a revamped infotainment system, with a tablet-style 11.6in screen on all but the entry-level trim. There is a claimed 2143 litres of storage with the rear seats folded down.
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Just curious why isn't their a mild hybrid version of the Outback? at least Subaru UK haven't jacked up the entry price that much,don't get me wrong I really like Subaru but the price hikes and the removal of the manual option were steps too far for me. I do fear for the long time future of Subaru in the UK unless drastic action is taken to reverse the decline in sales,the marque will depart our shores
Last chance, already on the red alert due to cvt only option
I just don't "get" current Subarus.
Ugly, old-fashioned, thirsty and expensive.
Once upon a time they were extremely unusual in offering 4WD so I could see the appeal to countryfolk. But now everyone offers this...