Subaru Outback 2012 Review

The Outback has been around for a while but the technology is new. Safety conscious Subaru has lifted the bar again, with the addition of some active safety featyures usually found only in high end European cars. 

It is the first Japanese car maker to do so. We're talking about the new Eyesight system.

WHAT IT IS

EyeSight uses stereo camera technology to provide driver assistance in a variety of conditions. Among other things it features include Pre-Collision Braking that can stop the vehicle if it detects the risk of frontal collision. The two tiny cameras are located inside the cabin either side of the rear vision mirror at the top of the windscreen.

WHAT IT DOES

First off you get active cruise control. Set the speed and if the car detects another car in front of it travelling slower than your set speed it automatically slows the car to maintain a safe distance. 

If the car in front brakes suddenly and you're too busy playing with your iPhone, then the system will automatically apply the brakes on your behalf to prevent a nasty accident. That doesn't mean you're should be playing with your phone. 

You also get a reminder when the vehicle in front starts to move again. The system also warns you if you stray out of the line markings of your lane with a series of audible beeps.

DOES IT MAKE A DIFFERENCE?

Active cruise is great if you're travelling in a string of traffic that is speeding up and slowing down all the time. For example on long weekends when you're heading of the city and down the coast. You can adjust the distance between you and the car in front.

The minimum distance depends on the speed you're travelling. Unfortunately it's not small enough to prevent other drivers from cutting in which can be really, really annoying. They on the other hand probably think you're dawdling.

WORTH IT?

Eyesight is standard with the Outback 3.6R Premium automatic ($57,490) as well as the Liberty 3.6R Premium auto sedan ($53,490). We like everything about the Outback apart from the fact it's so visually challenged. It's safe, rides and handles well, with relatively good fuel economy for a biggish petrol engine (we were getting 9.8 litres/100km). Comes with plenty of kit including a huge touch screen satnav system. At the same time, strangely it misses out on an auto dimming rear view mirror. 

VERDICT

It's standard on our test Premium model. The thing is with safety features, people are reluctant to pay extra for them, but if they're part of the bundle that's okay. If your speed is less than 30 km/h, Subaru says the car may be brought to a complete stop prior to impact. Your insurance company will love you (Volvos with this system attract a discount).

Subaru Outback 3.6R Premium

Price: From $57,490
Engine: 3.6 Litre, 6 Cylinder
Outputs: 191kW/350Nm
Transmission: Five-speed Sports automatic.
Economy: 10.3/100km combined. CO2 Emissions: 242g/km
Crash rating: 5 stars ANCAP