Subaru Outback 2009 review: road test

Resale value is often overlooked by customers, but it should be considered as part of the whole value of a vehicle. Subaru's Outback has been particularly good on resale for a number of reasons: It is a good value, sensible and practical vehicle with looks that don't age and excellent reliability.

Appearance

However, the new model is fatter and plumper and it also simply doesn't look like the slender and svelte Outback it used to be. Instead it looks more like all the other compact SUVs in the market. When a new model comes along that is so different from the previous models, it immediately makes those older models look ancient, thus depreciating their resale value.

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Owners of Outbacks won't be too happy about the new model. However, if Subaru stays with this look as long as they have in the past, this new model should hold its value. The larger proportions also make it look a bit dumpy which isn't helped by the abundance of dowdy exterior colours made for retirees. Of more interest to buyers might be the fact that prices remain unchanged.

Drivetrain

The fourth-generation Outback is powered by a revised 2.5-litre horizontally opposed four-cylinder engine, and a new 3.6-litre six from the larger Tribeca replaces the 3.0R.  A new 2.0-litre turbo-diesel is scheduled to arrive in November.

Our test car was the 2.5 with six-speed manual. It's very quiet and refined, although a bit doughy. You need to work gears for the best results. Unfortunately, the gearshift feels graunchy, it is difficult to find reverse and hard to tell whether it is in third or fifth, or fourth or sixth. At least the clutch was nice and light.

Build, fit-out and equipment

Build quality is still Subaru-superb. Doors close with a solid thump and no dust enters the doors or tailgate. The cabin is comfortable with plenty of legroom even in the back and a quality sound system that takes MP3 connection.

I like the recess in the lid of the centre armrest which prevents your MP3 power and audio cables being snapped in half. However, it would be better to have included a USB connection and power socket in the console with complete iPod interface so you don't need to expose any cables at all. If Hyundai can do it, why can't Subaru?

Its Outback credentials are aided by the high-profile tyres which provide a comfortable rural ride with less puncturing potential. However, its country credentials are hampered by the temporary spare tyre. I'm also not a fan of the electric handbrake. Why? Did anyone actually ask for it? The key is also a bit old-fashioned. It needs to be a fold-away fob like most other cars in its segment. But take it camping in the great outdoors and you won't be disappointed.

Driving

Improved clearance and tyres make the Outback perfect for a back-roads camping trip. I also found the gearshift so close to the airconditioning controls I kept hitting the ‘AC off’ button or the hazard switch with my thumb when moving into third or fifth. Gears and engine aside, it has pleasant driving dynamics that would suit the bigger engine and perhaps the new Lineartronic continuously variable transmission from the Liberty.

Steering is very light, precise, crisp and with good sensitivity, feeling and feedback. It is on of the best tillers on the market with an excellent turning circle that makes city driving and parking an absolute delight.

City driving? In an Outback! Don't be too concerned, because the higher stance of the vehicle means clearance has been improved for the real Outback driving. We took the Outback camping and on to some rough roads to test it out. Here it feels very comfortable, bopping along the bumps with ease and not translating any of the discomforts into the better-appointed cabin. It straddles those humps between the wheel tracks better, too, with 13mm extra clearance. There is also an enormous flat space in the flat-floored fold-down cargo area to take all your bulky camping gear. And it has a huge rear tailgate which is wide and low for easy loading.

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