Imagine you could combine the ability of a 4×4 with the practicality of an estate vehicle, while retaining the driving simplicity of a small passenger vehicle. A vehicle which truly ticks all the boxes is quite a rare find, and I reckon Subaru could have pulled off the unthinkable.
The Outback has been around for many years and Subaru is always tweaking its range in terms of specification level to ensure its customers get better value for money. 2013 sees the Outback receive a mild facelift, and thats what Ive been driving.
Outback practicality and off-road ability
As far as dimensions go, the Outback is a large car. It may not look big, but dont be fooled. Clamber inside and youll be blown away by the interior space. Rear legroom is very generous and you get the sensation of being on a business class flight. The rear seats can be reclined as well as folded forward to increase the boot capacity. It was already pretty decent, but with the rear seats down, huge loads can now be transported with ease.
It may look and drive like a car, but Subaru has given the Outback the usual offroad treatment. It has 213mm worth of ground clearance useful for most off-the-tarmac excursions and with the legendary all-wheel drive setup, its going to take an awful lot to stop an Outback. You may think its an out-and-out offroader, but inside the Outback has the fittings of a semi-luxury premium sedan.
Standard Subaru specification
Theres a rear-facing camera, sunroof, leather seats (which include eight-way setting adjustment for the driver), dual-zone climate control, multi-function steering wheel, cruise control, electronic handbrake and a BlueTooth/Mp3/USB audio system with six speakers. As far as standard specification generosity goes, Subaru will always score highly.
Safety features
Subaru is a repeat offender when it comes to safety awards and the Outback was the recipient of the 5-Star ANCAP rating and the vehicle has been comprehensively kitted out. There are seven airbags, ISOFIX child seat anchor points, anti-lock brakes, traction control, stability control as well as a limited slip differential, which all help keep the Outback stuck to the road, regardless of conditions.
Engine and gearbox
I was in the 2.5i-S derivative which has the well-known 2.5-litre four-cylinder horizontally-opposed Boxer engine. It has 123kW and 229Nm, and the power is sent to all four wheels by means of Subarus Lineartronic CVT gearbox. While most motoring writers lambaste these transmissions for being lacklustre and noisy, I find Subaru is one of the few manufacturers which has got things right. The engine struggles with the 1.5 ton mass of the Outback and while Im prepared to admit my test unit was barely run-in and the motor was tight, I stand by my recommendation of the diesel motor as the engine of choice. The diesel will offer better fuel consumption figures too.
Subaru Outback price in South Africa
Price for the Subaru Outback in South Africa starts from R409 000
Subaru Outback 2.5i review conclusion
Look, lets be honest here. R400 000 is a lot of money in anyones books and yes youre getting an okay package, but I just feel that this car should be a little cheaper. That said, the overall result and comparison to German rivals favours Subaru, as the Audi AllRoad quattro retails around the R430,000 mark yet doesnt offer as much off-road ability, practicality or standard features.
BMW doesnt have an answer to this vehicle locally either, as theres no four-wheel 3-Series station wagon available. Perhaps the strongest opposition to the Outback comes from within Subaru itself. The Forester has been proven to be a capable workhorse and when compared with similar powerplants, comes in substantially cheaper than its sibling.
- Why you should: Immensely practical, generous specification, well-executed family vehicle which does so much.
- Why you shouldnt: Not built for speed, looks utilitarian
- It would be better if: that petrol engine had a bit more shove, pricing slipped under the R400 000 bracket
- Competitors worth checking out: Audi AllRoad, BMW 3-Series, Honda Accord, Mazda6, Volkswagen Passat.
Subaru Outback 2.5i gallery
