It took too long but finally Subaru has a powertrain to almost match it with other players in the large SUV segment - a diesel auto which is far and away the most popular set-up with buyers.
TECHNOLOGY
Still, Subaru seems to be holding something in reserve because their diesel auto is a 2.0-litre with a Constantly Variable Transmission (CVT), a one-speed auto for want of a better description. Many competitors have larger capacity diesels with more power and torque and mostly conventional six-speed automatics.
Explore the 2013 Subaru Outback range
Not to worry, the Sooby set-up is fine though it could do with more kilowatts for top end acceleration and the torque peak dropped to around 1200rpm instead of 1800rpm and widened to about 3000rpm so it will get going harder, earlier and longer.
As it stands, the horizontally opposed four pot diesel is good for 110kW at 3600rpm and 350Nm from 1800-2400rpm. Both engine and transmission are unique in the segment with the former being around for a few years in other Soobies and the transmission also in other models, albeit extensively reinforced for the diesel Outback.
It's called a ‘Lineartronic’ CVT with seven steps (quasi gears) and paddle shift and in this case with altered internal ratios, a larger torque converter and lock up clutch, reduced noise, a short pitch chain, larger all wheel drive clutch capacity, an oil cooler, special CVT oil and other tweaks.
They have equipped it with five mode adaptive control for more efficient uphill and downhill driving as well as cornering and braking control. Some local calibration was used for the steering, suspension and body reinforcements as well as more sound deadening materials such as “thinsulate” in behind the dash and roof liner.
RANGE AND PRICE
Two variants are available, the Outback 2.0d at $42,490 and the Premium model at $45,490. Both are value priced compared with similarly specced competitor vehicles. Both are identical under the skin and boast a five star crash rating. Fuel economy is a claimed 6.5-litres/100km.
FEATURES
The desirable "Eyesight" safety system on other Soobies that helps avoid frontal impacts and lane drifting isn't available on the Outback. Auto stop/start is also missing. Safety kit includes a reverse camera, brake assist, and seven airbags but driver assist features are thin on the ground.
Hopefully, Subaru and other Japanese manufacturers will catch up with the Europeans in this area soon.
Features on both models include Bluetooth phone and audio, dual zone climate control, electric parking brake, satnav with voice control, multi-media connectivity, leather wheel with multiple control buttons, multi-function trip computer, rear seat auto fold function, alloy wheels, a full size spare and self levelling rear suspension.
DRIVING
The drive feel is good. We chalked up a few hundred kays in both variants on sealed and gravel roads as well as some freeway driving. The Outback diesel auto strikes us as the ideal car for Aussie conditions.
It's a wagon, five seats, large load space and there's plenty of ground clearance (around 215mm). The ride is supple and comfortable. They've even been able to give the Outback diesel auto a sporty edge with nearly no body roll through corners and responsive steering.
It can fall into a power/torque hole though, quickly redeemable by the excellent paddle shift system on the wheel. We like the interior, like the size of it, don't like the exterior styling.
VERDICT
Is it really a large SUV? Don't think so, medium more like. The Outback diesel has impressive fuel economy, decent performance, excellent ride/handling and is affordable with plenty of kit. And it's a Subaru which means reliable and strong resale.