Subaru takes Outback higher • Exhaust Notes Australia

SUBARU is significantly elevating the specification list across its entire new generation Outback range, which will appear in showrooms from March 2021. A simplified three-variant range will kick off with the considerably ‘up-specced’ Outback All-Wheel Drive.

The new base model will feature a 90 per cent new direct injection 2.5-litre Boxer motor, pushing out 138kW of power and 245Nm of torque, along with a best ever towing capacity of 2,000kg.

A refined lineartronic continuously variable transmission with paddle shifters also features, offering better driving, improved take-off acceleration and fuel efficiency, and an 8-speed manual mode, across the range.

Dual function X-MODE adds peace of mind on unsealed roads by offering set-and-forget throttle control in mud, snow and steep surfaces, for added off road fun.

Inside, a high definition 11.6-inch infotainment system offers centralised, simpler controls, with its new vertical orientation allowing for intuitive operation similar to a smartphone or tablet.

The latest generation EyeSight driver assistance system adds lane centring, autonomous emergency steering, emergency lane keep assist, speed sign recognition with intelligent speed limiter, and lane departure warning with steering wheel vibration.

Buyers will also find lane departure prevention, and a pre-collision braking system with expanded support for collision avoidance at intersections. Subaru’s Vision Assist features blind spot monitor and lane change assist.

It also provides rear cross traffic alert, reverse automatic braking and an EyeSight assist monitor. A range of other safety features, including a passenger seat cushion airbag and a driver focus, driver monitoring system, have also been included.

Built on Subaru’s global platform, the new Outback offers improved occupant protection from all directions, plus significant dynamic safety and efficiency gains, underpinning a formidable suite of new Subaru technologies.

It features the largest Outback cabin to date, and is the first Subaru specifically designed to withstand collision impacts under new mobile progressive deformable barrier testing. Auto stop start with change of mind control, has also been added to the new model.

“Based on customer feedback, we’ve made a conscious decision to take Outback considerably up market, confirming its status as the flagship in the Subaru range,” Subaru Australia GM Blair Read said.

“The aggressive rugged design, along with the suite of luxury features, technology, infotainment and safety inherent in every Outback will only add to its rock-solid reputation for value and whole-of-life costs.”

The range kicks off with the simply named Outback AWD, priced from $39,990 plus on-roads, with the Sport model adding water repellent sports seat trim, heated front seats, heated rear outboard seats, and a front and side view monitor.

It also scores exclusive black exterior highlights, handsfree powered tailgate with memory height function, roof rails with green highlights, satellite navigation and a dark metallic finish for its alloy wheels.

Priced from $44,490 plus on-roads, it sits below the range-topping Outback AWD Touring, which adds a premium Harman/Kardon sound system with 9-speakers, a subwoofer and amplifier, and a hidden CD player.

Nappa leather accented seat trim, an electric sunroof, heated steering wheel, silver roof rails with integrated stowable cross bars and gloss finish alloy wheels are also included. It’s priced from $47,790 plus on-roads.