The Subaru Outback has been around for many years, although it has, surprisingly to us, at least, never really taken off. Now refreshed with a more prominent and aggressive look, and a bunch of new tech, it again takes pride of place as one of our big crossover favourites, writes BERNIE HELLBERG JR.
Say the name Subaru, and the first model to pop up is going to be the Impreza, or perhaps more accurately, people will immediately think of the WRX performance sedan. Some might have the Forester medium-sized SUV as their top-of-mind choice, and another group even the XV compact SUV.
But few people, and in our opinion, only the real Subaru fans, will think of the Outback, or perhaps its sedan sibling, the Legacy.
It’s a pity really, since the Outback is one of the most popular Subarus globally, and there’s good reason for that; it is one of the toughest, most reliable, and most consistent vehicles of its kind. It has a smart all-wheel-drive system and an elegant interior that accommodates adults comfortably, even in the rear.
Yet, in an SUV-enamoured world, the Outback is still considered too much of an estate car, which may be the reason for it not being as popular as similarly priced competitors.
THE WHAT?
All Subarus are driven by all four wheels, there are no (current) exceptions. But this attribute is more than just a Subaru trademark. The Subaru all-wheel-drive system is, when combined with the uniquely-Subaru engine style and position – boxer, horizontally opposed – the veritable soul, and heart, of every Subaru.
The 3.6-RS ES is equipped with the most powerful (191 kW) engine Subaru has to offer. It provides about 50% more power than the 2.5-litre version in most driving conditions, with the obvious downside that fuel consumption increases quite substantially – from a claimed 9.0 l/100 km to a whopping 14.4 l/100 km.
OUTBACK INTERIOR COMFORT
The Outback has an inviting and cleanly presented cabin with great headroom up front, while the driving position also has a wide spectrum of adjustment options. The touchscreen is easy to navigate, with additional buttons and control knobs that help on the ergonomic front. Steering wheel controls are logically laid out and even the electronic park brake button is elegant – and its operation is intuitive, in so far as it mimics a traditional handbrake: up for on, and down for off.
Visibility is good from the cabin too, while the seats are broad and supple, with enough lateral support to hold you in place when cornering.
Because it is based on a passenger car, the Outback is less bulky than most large SUVs. That works well around the suburbs, where it is easy to manoeuver and park. Light steering makes light work of parking areas, and in general driving conditions, it works well with the flexible suspension system to provide an agile and compliant ride.
The suspension is noticeably firm at slow speeds, which detracts slightly from the otherwise comfortable – and quiet – driving experience. The Outback is excellent at negotiating potholes and rough roads, which should make it an obvious choice in South Africa.
The Premium also has smart key entry, leather seats, with the front seats heated and power-adjusted, and an 8” infotainment screen with satellite navigation, a sunroof, and a power-raised tailgate.
ALL ABOUT SAFETY
Besides a proliferation of airbags throughout the Outback’s cabin, the EyeSight active safety system that comes as standard on both Outback models is the centrepiece of Subaru’s next-generation safety technology.
It offers a sophisticated auto emergency braking system that works in unison with a computer that both publish and monitor images from two cameras mounted above the windscreen. When an obstacle is detected – typically another car that has slowed suddenly – it will warn the driver and, if he does not respond within an acceptable time, the car will brake for you. The system works at all speeds below 145 km/h, although how much it can slow you down will depend on your speed and the prevailing conditions.
EyeSight also warns when the car is drifting out of its lane (a sign of fatigue) and will steer itself within lane markings. A lead vehicle start alert tells you that the vehicle ahead of you in a queue has moved on.
The adaptive cruise control recognises brake lights and detects vehicles from longer distances and wider angles, making it even safer on multi-lane roads or when vehicles cut across your lane.
Our test Scooby monitored our blind spots, and even warned us with reversing alerts when crossing vehicles approached in a parking lot.
A reversing camera is standard, as are automatic windscreen wipers and headlamps that add to the safety package, reducing demands on the driver’s attention and, in the latter case, responding reliably to poor visibility.
LAST WORD
There is plenty to like about the way the Outback drives, and if you enjoy twisting country roads, you will enjoy the fact that the Outback is not as tall as some big SUVs, which means that there is a lot less body roll. This is also helped by the low centre of gravity that the horizontally-opposed Boxer engine brings to the table.
Combined with the brutish power of the 3.6-litre powerplant with SI-Drive modes, in particular, Sport Sharp, which makes the accelerator – and the transmission – even more sensitive to pressure from your right foot, the big Scooby is great on a twisty road where you want to get down and sporty.
Report by BERNIE HELLBERG JR | Images © SUBARU SOUTH AFRICA