What is it?
Is this the car to save Subaru in the UK? After a disastrous performance in 2020 in which its sales dived 68%, the Japanese firm is clearly looking towards the sixth-generation Subaru Outback to steady its operations and provide it with some renewed momentum here.
With the adoption of Subaru’s all-new Global Platform (as used by the Subaru Forester SUV, making it marginally longer and wider), the changing of every exterior panel and a newly designed interior featuring more contemporary digital functions, Subaru is quietly confident that the new raised estate will provide it with the impetus to at least get it back on a level footing.
At the heart of the new Outback is a heavily reworked version of its predecessor’s naturally aspirated 2.5-litre four-cylinder boxer petrol engine, making 167bhp and 186lb ft. It’s mated to a standard CVT and, as tradition dictates, a permanent four-wheel drive system.
The interior is more spacious than before and has received a marginal increase in load capacity, while an 11.6in portrait-oriented infotainment touchscreen heads a long list of technology updates. It’s clearly an improvement on the old Outback, particularly in terms of material quality and overall fit and finish. However, the analogue instruments and switchgear look dated next to some crossover rivals’.
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Horses for courses but £34k for a car that takes more than 10 seconds to get to 62, would be acceptable if it wasn't for the dire fuel economy. It's going to struggle in the UK
Sadly the reviewer,as is the case in Australia is "bland".I have been a Subaru owner since2003 with an Outback H6,200K KMs without any problem and since 2016 an Outback 2.5 Premium.These cars have an overall subtle ability to provide safe and economical travel for years.Both my vehicles have run off 1600KMs on trips in two days with sure footedness,no matter what the weather,quite cabin,due to a change of tyres,the H6 with Michelins and the 2015 with Geolanders,soon to be replaced with Michelins.My spanner man recommends 40 PSI in the front and 35 in the rear.I have safely had 60K KMS from the tyres.As to the CVT, it is an aquired taste but once mastered, it is a smooth efficent system.In cruise control the only gripe is that it increases revs on inclines which if you aren't using this, the revs are lower but same speed achieved.Given the upgraded package,especially the Napa Valley leather it provides a super car,which I agree it's an aquired taste,much like anything in this life.Live with it and adjust you won't be dissapointed.