Subaru Outback 2010 Review

I was prepared not to like Subaru's first attempt at a diesel.  The Japanese brand has lost my vote when it comes to the new Liberty/Outback styling direction - although the interior is well-equipped and roomier.

A drive in a couple of the new-look models from the Liberty/Outback range had shown better interior room and comfort but a dislike for exterior.  I have, however, regained some faith in the brand after some time in the new diesel.

Drivetrain and Price

Only the lack of an automatic transmission - like the 2.5-litre petrol models' continuously-variable transmission or a more conventional automatic - is an oversight.  The Outback 2.0D meets EuroV emissions standards with 160g/km.

The claimed combined fuel economy figure of 6.4 litres per 100km is frugal for a family-sized wagon and Subaru says local testing suggests an 1100km touring range of steady freeway driving.

We're in the entry-level Outback 2.0D model, priced at $40,490 - a $2500 price premium over the entry-level petrol model - but the 51kg-heavier oil-burner is a manual-only proposition. The new two-litre turbodiesel engine produces 110kW at 3600rpm and 350Nm of torque between 1800 and 2400 rpm, although there's a claimed 300Nm at 1600rpm.

Equipment

The base-model might not have all the bells and whistles but the base-model's sound system is good quality, flooding the comfortable and roomier interior with crisp and clear music.  All-wheel drive, stability control and dual front, side and curtain airbags - as well as an airbag for the driver's knees - are the safety feature highlights.

Driving

You wouldn’t know it's a diesel straight away - the engine isn't overly chuggy or rattly and noise suppression is good; Subaru also claims its new single-cradle engine bay design helps reduce noise.

It doesn't give the impression of a strong low end - the power delivery is linear and smooth for a turbodiesel powerplant, which might normally have a big low-down shove and then run out of puff at higher engine revolutions.  While the petrol 2.5-litre flat-four produces 123kW and 229Nm, the 110kW/350Nm two-litre turbodiesel offers more torque and a reduced thirst of around two litres per 100km.

Subaru says for 25,000km per year at $90 per 65-litre tankful, an Outback diesel owner could save approximately $2500 over 20 months on an equivalent petrol car.

The diesel is rated for up to 1700kg braked towing, a 200kg improvement above the petrol model.  But the lack of automatic will deter plenty in this market, as will the issues with the six-speed maual.

The gearbox itself is OK to use, the shift action is smooth, but the shifting into third gear can result in the driver's hand hitting the hazard light switch.  It's below par for Subaru, a company which normally gets things like that right.

SUBARU OUTBACK DIESEL

Price: from $40,490.
Engine: two-litre 16-valve DOHC common-rail direct-injection four-cylinder.
Transmission: six-speed manual, four-wheel drive using a centre differential with a viscous limited slip differential.
Power: 110kW @ 3600rpm.
Torque: 350Nm between 1800 & 2400rpm.
Performance: 0-100km/h 9.7 seconds.
Fuel consumption: 6.4 litres/100km, on test 7.8 litres/100km, tank 65 litres.
Emissions: 168 g/km.
Suspension: MacPherson strut (front); self-levelling double wishbone (rear).
Brakes: four-wheel discs, front ventilated, with anti-lock and stability control systems.
Dimensions: length 4790mm, width 1820mm, height 1615mm, wheelbase 2745mm, track fr/rr 1535/1530mm, cargo volume 490/1690 litres, weight 1551kg.
Wheels: 17in alloys.

RIVALS

Skoda Octavia Scout, from $39,990.
Suzuki Grand Vitara DDiS, from $35,990.
Nissan X-Trail, from $37,740.
VW Tiguan, from $36,690.