For the first time since the nameplate was launched in South Africa, the Subaru Outback comes in two grade specifications with the all-new version claimed as the safest car in Subaru’s history.

Outback is offered in two trim levels, the Field and Touring models giving customers more choice to suit specific lifestyles. The Outback also debuts a number of new technologies such as Hands Free Tailgate function, DriverFocus Distraction Mitigation System and a new 11,6-inch portrait-oriented touchscreen interface.

“The all-new Outback is the representation of everything for which Subaru strives to achieve – unmatched safety, capability, practicality and especially in this case, a premium driving experience on any terrain,” says Nteo Nkoli, Marketing Lead at Subaru SA.

The new Outback is 50 mm longer and 30 mm wider than its predecessor. The silhouette is more dynamic thanks to larger volume body panels and less pronounced press lines. The bumper and chrome fog light surrounds are panelled in black cladding trim that is carried throughout the sides and rear of the vehicle. The LED headlight units are slimmer and now adopt the C-shaped lights for both the Daytime Running Lights as well as the turn signals.

The Field derivative is differentiated by its lean towards adventure where the Touring model adopts a more urban approach in design. Field models are treated to the use of more black and green trim treatment. The Field model is fitted with 18-inch black metallic alloy wheels, black silica painted underguard, black roof rails with green accents, black door mirror caps, black Outback lettering on the rear and green Outback lettering on the side guards.

The Touring model sports silver trim in these areas as well as 18-inch aluminium finished alloy wheels.

Built on the new Subaru Global Platform, the new Outback was created with a new Inner Collapsible Body Structure, a first for any Subaru. The result of this is a body shell that is 70% more rigid than before and achieves 100% more energy absorption in a collision.

The Outback is fitted with Subaru Vehicle Dynamics Control, a suite of electronic safety aids that assist in situation where a loss of traction is evident. These includes anti-lock braking, EBD, ESC as well as Active Torque Vectoring.

The seatbelt safety has been improved through the incorporation of an adaptive tensioner that reads the body type of the seat occupant to work out the energy absorption load. In addition to that, the seatbelt mechanism has been further improved to better hold the occupant’s waist in position during a collision.

It has eight crasdh bags within the cabin, including a new and first ever passenger seat-cushion bag. This is located under the passenger seat and deploys in a collision to suppress the leg movement of the passenger and ensure an optimum body position for the seatbelts to work most effectively.

Another new feature is the Post Collision Braking that will decelerate the vehicle after a collision and flash the hazard lamps too. 

Subaru’s EyeSight Driver Assistance system is standard on both new Outback grades. Key improvements have been made to the software as well as the angle of view which is now wider than before. The pre-collision warning system now incorporates a steering vibration instead of the audible beep of previous generation systems.

EyeSight is a system that makes use of dual camera-based technology and integrates features and assistance systems such Adaptive Cruise Control, Automatic Pre-Collision Braking, Lane Departure, Sway Warning, Lane Keep Assist and Lead Vehicle Start Alert.

Both have the 2,5-litre direct injection Boxer Engine. Power is 138 kW at 5 800 r/min and maximum torque is 245 Nm from 3 400 r/min to 4 600 r/min. The engine is mated to a lightweight Lineartronic CVT transmission that weighs less than before and the ratio has been enhanced to improve take-off responsiveness yet settle to a lower engine speed while cruising for better fuel economy.

It also now features an 8-speed manual mode as well that is operable via paddle shifts behind the steering wheel.

These drivetrain improvements have lowered fuel consumption figures to a claimed 7,3 l/100 km on the combined cycle, 9,2 l/100 km on the urban cycle and 6,2 l/100 km on the extra-urban cycle.

With the increase in vehicle size, the cargo area floor has been made wider and longer by 23,9 mm on both sides. Overall boot volume is 522-litres with the rear seats in place and 1 267-litres with the seats folded flat.

Pricing

Subaru Outback 2.5i-Field ES                                                    R699 000

Subaru Outback 2.5i-Touring ES                                                R729 000

Each Subaru Outback model is sold with a 3-year/75 000 km Maintenance Plan as well as a 5-year/150 000 km Warranty.