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Subaru Outback 2.0 diesel Premium 2015 review

2015 Subaru Outback
EXPERT RATING
8
Peter Barnwell road tests and reviews the Subaru Outback 2.0 Diesel Premium with specs, fuel consumption and verdict.

The difference between the previous Subaru Outback and the new, generation five model is positively huge.

You'd expect a new generation car to be better but in this case, it's chalk and cheese... the new one is light years ahead in every respect.

We have driven a couple of new Outbacks in the past few weeks; the 3.6R petrol six and the 2.0d diesel and frankly, the latter is the better vehicle on a number of scores not the least price and fuel efficiency. The 2.0d starts at $35,490 for the manual rising to $43,490 for the CVT Premium model driven. These prices represent a reduction on the previous model thanks in part to import duty changes.

The Outback 2.0d uses a mildly revised version of the previous boxer 2.0-litre turbo diesel with a choice of six speed manual or CVT auto.

You'd go for the Lineartronic CVT every day - it's the best transmission of its type going right now, and feels more like a dual-clutch automatic in operation.

Engine

The diesel engine is good for 110kW/350Nm - sufficient to push the weighty (about 1600kg) Outback along with plenty of purpose. Most of the engine's torque is available low in the rev range translating into strong throttle response and acceleration.

And it sips fuel at a claimed 6.3L/100km - we saw better on the highway and it's significantly less than the 3.6 petrol which is noticeably thirstier, and has about the same level of performance.

Design

Subaru heeded criticism over the cheap, hard interior in previous Outback giving the new model a more premium, soft touch feel and look. It's also stylish and functional inside - a good place to be.

The Outback rides as well as any car on the market for all-round applications

They also included plenty of new technology and more safety kit including a reverse camera, improved connectivity and tech features, a better audio system, electric park brake, better seats and rid/handling improvements to the stage where the Outback rides as well as any car on the market for all-round applications.

You get 17-inch or 18-inch alloys and the Premium model scores a powered tailgate (too slow) along with engine stop/start and LED low beam headlights. Highbeam is a dull yellow halogen glow in contrast.

Torque vectoring to the wheels with the most grip aids grip and drive feel, while a decent amount of driver assist stuff has found its way even onto the base model 2.0d.

Safety

It scores five stars in the ANCAP crash test and the diesel passes EU6 emissions regulations due to the particle filter in the exhaust and other efficiency technology inside the engine. X-Mode all wheel drive gives the Outback better off-road driving characteristics.

The EyeSight safety tech is currently not available in diesel variants, however Subaru has said it is being worked on.

The CVT transmission offers paddle shift and smooth quick 'shifts' between 'ratios'.

We'd have one without hesitation

It has a whole new look to the body which is infinitely more attractive than the previous generation Outback.

Verdict

Yes, we'd have one without hesitation, solid, safe, economical, practical and half decent to look at.

Pricing guides

$21,990
Based on 117 cars listed for sale in the last 6 months
Lowest Price
$10,800
Highest Price
$30,999

Range and Specs

VehicleSpecsPrice*
2.0D 2.0L, Diesel, CVT AUTO $19,030 – 24,090 2015 Subaru Outback 2015 2.0D Pricing and Specs
2.5i 2.5L, PULP, CVT AUTO $20,680 – 26,180 2015 Subaru Outback 2015 2.5i Pricing and Specs
2.0D Premium 2.0L, Diesel, 6 SP MAN $18,810 – 23,870 2015 Subaru Outback 2015 2.0D Premium Pricing and Specs
2.5i Premium 2.5L, PULP, CVT AUTO $22,660 – 27,940 2015 Subaru Outback 2015 2.5i Premium Pricing and Specs
EXPERT RATING
8
Peter Barnwell
https://www.carsguide.com.au/authors/peter-barnwell

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Pricing Guide

$10,800

Lowest price, based on 107 car listings in the last 6 months

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Disclaimer: The pricing information shown in the editorial content (Review Prices) is to be used as a guide only and is based on information provided to Carsguide Autotrader Media Solutions Pty Ltd (Carsguide) both by third party sources and the car manufacturer at the time of publication. The Review Prices were correct at the time of publication.  Carsguide does not warrant or represent that the information is accurate, reliable, complete, current or suitable for any particular purpose. You should not use or rely upon this information without conducting an independent assessment and valuation of the vehicle.