Subaru Vortex Reviews

Subaru has toughened up the look of its Outback SUV with rugged and aggressive styling cues that underline its all-wheel drive ability.The Outback offers genuine dirt road credentials and competent handling, combined with refined passenger car comfort, with the added insurance of a five-star occupant safety rating.Responding to demand for improved ruggedness, the MY14 Outback features unpainted plastic front and rear under body guard protectors, side sills and cladding, wheel arch guards and front mudflaps.“We’ve had a lot of customer feedback suggesting owners would like a slightly tougher-looking Outback with greater body protection, which is especially useful on rural roads,” Subaru Australia Managing Director Nick Senior says.The Outback’s new look is completed by roof rails with integrated cross bars, a dark grey front grille and alloys, and headlights with tinted surrounds. Subaru values the upgrades at $2500, but prices increase by just $500 for each variant.The styling upgrades are standard on all Outback models, however customers not wanting the full kit have the option to specify just roof rails, side sills, grille and alloys, or the headlights.A $1500 option pack remains available for the entry Outback 2.5i, which adds satnav, leather trim, rear aircon vents, powered driver’s seat, electroluminescent gauges and colour information display – all features that come standard on Premium models. The MY14 Outback update follows a number of technical refinements applied to Outback models earlier in 2013. PRICINGSubaru Outback 2.5i CVT auto - $38,990Subaru Outback 2.5i CVT auto option pack - $40,490Subaru Outback 2.5i Premium CVT auto - $43,490Subaru Outback 2.0D manual - $40,490   Subaru Outback 2.0D CVT auto - $42,990Subaru Outback 2.0D Premium manual - $43,490Subaru Outback 2.0D Premium CVT auto - $45,990   Subaru Outback 3.6R Premium auto - $57,990 

Subaru has revealed an upgraded version of its EyeSight camera-based vehicle monitoring system in preparation for the future arrival of autonomous driving. The Eyesight system is already designed to monitor the traffic ahead and avoid collisions. The revised version -- which will start rolling out on Subaru models next year -- takes that collision avoidance to the next level. A new stereo camera increases the accuracy of the Eyesight system's ability to recognise and differentiate objects, with a 40 per cent increase in viewing angle and distance covered -- coupled with improved colour recognition technology that lets it detect the activation of brake lights or red traffic lights. Subaru says linking the colour recognition to the system's Adaptive Cruise Control means the car can more deftly brake automatically if it detects the one in front doing so. Motor Authority says the system is also able to 'read' lane boundaries, some street signs, and nearby  vehicles, motorcycles, bicycles and pedestrians. New to the Eyesight system is a lane-keeping function that will tug on the steering automatically to keep the car in its lane, and lane-departure prevention that will adjust the steering more radically if it detects that you are in danger of leaving the road. Subaru says the upgrades are part of the preparation for future autonomous driving systems with further advanced features. This reporter is on Twitter: @KarlaPincott  

Eureka! We finally discovered how to disengage the active part of active cruise control in the Subaru Outback.

That might sound like a silly answer to a serious question, but it's the best solution for optimum shopping in the back end of 2013. You see, Korea now makes better Japanese cars than the Japanese. And that's a fact.There are some exceptions, and some categories where the Koreans are still getting a foothold, but a Hyundai i30 or a Kia Cerato is a far better choice than a Mitsubishi Lancer, a Kia Sportage makes more sense than a Honda CR-V, and a Hyundai Santa Fe is much better buying than a Toyota Kluger.This Korean tide has been rising for a while, but it's now filled showrooms with quality cars that are backed by industry-leading five-year warranties with capped-price servicing costs. The two Korean juggernauts are also serious about tuning their cars for Australian drivers and roads, which is becoming a serious selling point and also a battlefield for bragging rights between Hyundai and Kia.Even Daewoo, which was absorbed into the Holden empire to provide cut-price cars such as the Barina and Captiva, is now doing a better job as the engineering and design expertise from Fishermans Bend is absorbed deeply into the Korean content on the cars. And don't forget that the Aussie-made Cruze compact, despite its local tweaking and assembly in Adelaide, began its life at the GM Daewoo division in Korea.Without getting into a history lesson, the seismic shift between Japan and Korea comes down to three things. First is the deep-seated rivalry between the two countries, second is the well-lit path to success blazed by Japanese makers including Honda and Toyota, and third is the Global Financial Crisis. How's that?Well, nothing makes a Korean businessman happier than beating a Japanese rival, even though the Japanese were the first Asian companies to achieve success in motoring thanks to cars like the Toyota Corolla, Honda Civic and the classy machines that followed. These days, the Nissan GT-R is a legend and the Toyota LandCruiser is an icon.So the Koreans assimilated the Japanese business model for cheap, reliable and sensible cars - think of the Hyundai Elantra and Kia Rio - and then found a way to build them with similar quality at a lower price. There was a time when the cabins of Korean cars stank - because of the 'release agent' applied to plastic parts - and the assembly was slipshod and downmarket, but not today. They also have aircon with Japanese efficiency, always a pointer to intelligent engineering in Australian weather.But it's the GFC which has made the biggest difference. While the Japanese brands panicked, cutting costs and stretching the lifetimes of their cars, the Koreans accelerated their development plans, brought new models, and invested in their dealerships in Australia.The results are obvious now as many Japanese cars - we're talking about the Honda Civic and Subaru Impreza - have lost their previous edge, while others - think Mitsubishi Pajero and Subaru WRX - are way overdue for a remake.In the meantime, Hyundai is now plotting a move upmarket with its luxury Genesis models and Kia is setting a global standard for quality styling thanks to its recruiting of design genius Peter Schreyer. Best of all, when you're buying, it's the driveaway pricing that's been a Korean signature since Hyundai blazed that trail in the 1990s to get nervous shoppers over the line.This reporter is on Twitter: @paulwardgover 

It's one thing writing about new technology. It's another thing all together when you see it in action, especially when it saves your bacon. That's what happened as we were in the midst of test driving the latest Subaru Liberty wagon.EYESIGHT TECHNOLOGYLike its name suggests, Subaru's Eyesight provides a second pair of eyes, to keep an eye on things when you're attention might wander. The system is now standard on the four cylinder 2.5-litre Premium model that we were driving. Two small cameras, located near the rear vision mirror mount, monitor the road ahead.When it detects a hazard a number of things happen, not the least of which is the car braking automatically if it thinks there's a risk of collision. It can also brake a lot harder and quicker than any human, which means you have a better chance of avoiding an accident.THE CAROur test vehicle was the four cylinder 2.5i Premium wagon with a CVT auto priced from $41,490. The petrol 2.5-litre four cylinder boxer engine produces slightly more power and torque than before at 127kW and 235Nm, with fuel consumption rated at 8.0 litres/100km (we were getting 8.4).We were supposed to have been driving the entry level model, that does not include Eyesight, but someone pranged it. The gods, it seems, must have been looking out for us?The Liberty gets a full five stars for safety, regardless of Eyesight or not. But the technology takes things to the next level, "actively" seeking out hazards instead of waiting passively to react to them.Along with the addition of Eyesight, the engine and automatic transmission have been upgraded in this latest model. The car comes with leather trim and factory-fitted satellite navigation with a new colour information display.DRIVINGThe Liberty is a very competent car. You can punt it hard without worrying about it letting go, not that most people would do so. It is well engineered and very good dynamically, with high levels of mid corner grip. It does however lack some punch when it comes to pulling out and overtaking. Not that that was the cause of the problem in this case. We were travelling on the inside lane of a two-lane roundabout, distracted momentarily by an elderly relative who needed assistance.Just as we started to leave the roundabout at the second exit, a car travelling in the outside lane decided to continue all the way around, cutting straight across our bow to use some nautical terminology. Quicker than we could react the Liberty braked heavily, scaring the hell out of me because I wasn't expecting it but saving us from certain collision. It happened so fast there wasn't even time to give the offending driver a friendly wave. The Liberty is still not the prettiest car on the road, but it's certainly one of the safest with technology that really works. And it gets you a 20 per cent reduction on your insurance premium. You've got to like that too.VERDICTAny day that technology helps avoid an accident and possible injury or death has got to be a good day.Subaru Liberty Premium wagonPrice: from $41,490Warranty: 3 years, unlimited kmWeight: 1501kgEngine: 2.5-litre 4-cylinder boxer, 127kW/235NmTransmission: CVT auto, AWDThirst: 8.0L/100Km, 185g/km CO2

I think I'm in love. I've been singing the praises of Subaru's CVT auto together with its turbocharged petrol engine for a few weeks. Then along comes the Outback diesel with the same CVT transmission and by golly it's a cracker too.PRICE AND FEATURESPrices for Outback start at $39,990 ($42,490 for the 2.0D with CVT) rising to $45,490 for the top of the line Premium (the subject of our test).  The CVT adds $2500 to the price.The entry-level CVT model includes satnav while the 2.0D Premium with CVT adds a variety of features including leather, power adjust driver's seat, an electric sunroof and ‘electroluminescent’ gauges with colour information display.But it's a shame the Outback misses out on a couple of things found in the donor Liberty. For instance the Eyesight safety system is missing and so are heated front seats for those frosty winter mornings.ENGINE AND TRANSMISSIONThe CVT has been a while in gestation but the extra time spent in development seems to have paid dividends. The diesel uses a high-torque version of Subaru's Lineartronic CVT, strengthened to suit the high torque output of the diesel. It's designed to compensate for the narrow power band that typifies diesels that would otherwise see drivers changing gears constantly. The turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder Boxer diesel delivers 110kW of power at 3600 revs and 350Nm of torque between 1800 and 2400 revs.SAFETYFive stars of course even though it misses out on Subaru's acclaimed Eyesight emergency braking system which is yet to be calibrated to work with the diesel engine.DRIVINGThe Outback offers a comfortable cabin, with a high driving position favoured by many drivers and chews through the kilometres with little fuss. We've already notched up quite a few kilometres in this car, travelling up and down the coast some of them with the rear seat down and a load in the back.The Outback takes it all in its stride, with fuel consumption rising perhaps a couple of percentage points to account for the extra weight in the back. The clever thing about this transmission is that it automatically slips into manual or stepped gear mode when you put the boot in, so it feels more like a traditional auto.The rest of the time it's as smooth as silk with no discernible change points, characterised by an engine that turns over at a constant number or revs despite the fact you might be going uphill. It's freaky, but that's the way CVTs work. Fuel consumption is rated at an impressive 6.5L/100km and carbon dioxide emissions at 172 grams/km. We've been getting just under this at 6.4.

We’ve been spying prototypes for Subaru’s next-generation WRX for months -- and also got a close look at the Subaru WRX Concept when it visited Australia recently --  but soon the wraps will be coming off the production version in its global reveal. That debut will reportedly take place at the 2013 Los Angeles Auto Show in November, where Subaru is confirmed to make a world premiere. According to Automotive News, we’ll see simultaneous debuts of the new WRX and its more extreme STI variant in LA. Both cars will then go on sale in the first half of next year, as 2015 models. It’s likely we’ll also see the cars at the 2013 Tokyo Motor Show, as this year's press days for the shows in LA and the Japanese capital take place on the same date: November 20. Though Subaru previewed its 2015 WRX with an aggressively styled concept at this year’s New York Auto Show, the production version will be considerably tamer, as confirmed by our spy shots. We hear the hatchback body will also be dropped. Look for the 2015 WRX to come with a conventional sedan body with a taller roof and narrower fenders than those found on the concept. The lower air intakes and rear diffuser will also be much smaller than those on the concept. Thankfully, the WRX’s signature hood scoop will remain. Power in the 2015 WRX is expected to come from a 2.0-litre boxer four-cylinder engine. The engine is closely related to the unit in the BRZ but will come with Subaru’s own direct-injection system and a turbocharger to match or surpass the output of the outgoing model’s 198 kilowatts and 330 Newton Metres of torque. The 2015 WRX STI will feature the same engine but with output dialed up to 227 kilowatss or more. While power levels aren’t expected to deviate much from current levels, performance of the new cars will be improved thanks to a lighter curb weight, improved suspension tuning and a more aerodynamic body. www.motorauthority.com  

More and more people are downsizing vehicles and that means even SUVs are getting smaller and more urban focused. The original tiddler, the Suzuki Jimny, is now ridiculously outdated and silly costly at $20,490, but the newly arrived Holden Trax and a run of others are providing good driving at prices close to the small cars that are providing their basics. They're all about the city and suburbs, which means front-wheel drive mostly instead of the all-wheel drive needed for Outback work.The current sales leader is the Hyundai ix35, based on deliveries of 11,021 cars in Australia through July, but things are changing on both size and refinement. We're also looking at a class where the Trax slides in below Holden's family-focused Captiva couple, the 5 and 7, and is more likely to be shopped against a Subaru XV or a Mitsubishi ASX or a Nissan Dualis. Even the ix35 is bigger and more adult than most compact shoppers want, and fits more easily into the bigger family class with its Kia Sportage clone, the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4.But back to the Trax, which looks good and has a funky name that will resonate with 20-something shoppers, as well as the Holden badge that works for security and that ‘Aussie’ tick. It's priced from $23,490 and makes the grade with everything from five-star safety to a reversing camera across the line, a 1.8-litre engine and an infotainment system with a seven-inch touch screen and imbedded Pandora, Tune-In Radio and the potential at extra cost for a navigation app called BringGo.If you're wondering about the basics of the Trax, they are shared with the Barina hatch, but the SUV twist means its similar in size to a Nissan Dualis and there has been plenty of local testing and development work to ensure it drives like a Holden.It's the Dualis that usually gets the Carsguide tick for people who want a small SUV that's really just a high-riding hatchback, although the Subaru XV looks best and would do much better if it had a worthwhile boot and a CVT transmission that did a better job with its 2-litre engine. As for the ASX, it's not as refined as its rivals and let's leave it at that.We also like the new Ford Kuga, particularly as a drive, although it's also rated in the bigger class where the Mazda CX-5 sets the pace on class and sales, with 11,731 deliveries to the end of July. There is plenty of upside in the Trax and Holden is predicting big things as it finally gets the baby SUV it has needed in recent years. Now we, and they, are just waiting for the full-sized family hauler that will eventually roll in above the Captiva.Holden Trax Price: from $23,490Output: 1.8-litre four, 103kW/175Nm; 5-spd manual/6-speed auto, front-wheel driveThirst: 7.0-7.6/100kmA funky new SUV contender that's going to do well in Australia, especially as it's a fun drive and reflects the improving quality of Holden's cars from Korea.Nissan Dualis Price: from $24,990Output: 2-litre four, 102kW/198Nm; 6-speed manual, CVT auto, front/all-wheel driveThirst: 8.1-8.4L/100kmA smart family choice and practical, with a Dualis+ for people who need more cabin space. Not as trendy as some, but solid, sensible and a nice ride.Subaru XVPrice: from $28,490Output: 2-litre four, 110kW/196Nm; 6-spd manual, CVT auto, front-wheel driveThirst: 7.3L/100kmA good looker with an impressive badge, but getting well up in price. Hurt worst by a tiny boot and a fiddly CVT auto that dulls the performanceMitsubishi ASXPrice: from $24,990Output: 2-litre four, 110kW/197Nm; 5/6 speed manual, CVT auto, front/all-wheel driveThirst: 5.8-7.9L/100kmTime has left the ASX well behind, despite chunky looks that appeal to some and an available diesel engine. It's just too rough and ready, especially as a city runabout.

Fuji Heavy Industries, the Japanese maker of Subaru-branded Outbacks and Foresters, has a problem any carmaker would love to have.Subaru sales in the US are up 27 per cent in the first seven months of this year, more than three times the market overall. The niche carmaker is on track for a sixth straight year of sales gains, a period that includes the 2009 financial crisis that bankrupted two of Detroit's big three.But the sales boom has taken Subaru by surprise, and the company faces shortages of its newest models. That is forcing Japan's smallest carmaker to ask some thorny questions about how much risk it can stomach if it wants to expand. Subaru plans to increase its Japanese production capacity by 15 per cent by the end of this month compared with the same time last year.Subaru also is investing about $US400 million ($440m) to increase output at its US factory in Indiana, by 76 per cent to 300,000 vehicles by 2016. The US sales surge and a weaker yen helped make Fuji Heavy Japan's most profitable car company between April and June with an operating profit margin of 12.7 per cent, above Toyota's 10.6 per cent.Subaru's two main Japanese plants are already running at full capacity, and manager Masahiro Kasai said the company would probably add more capacity soon. But Subaru's conservative approach was nearing its limit, said Mr Kasai. "It's like when the tube of toothpaste has run out and you try to squeeze out the last little bit from the bottom again," he said.A Fuji Heavy executive said the company would finance a big expansion if it saw an opportunity for long-term growth. Right now, Subaru's parent believes the strong demand for the redesigned Forester will run out at some point. The way that Subaru was blindsided by its own US success has been a cause of embarrassment for Subaru of America chairman Takeshi Tachimori.He said the company's sales projections were so conservative that he found himself apologising instead of complaining to production officials for the shortages. This missed opportunity has caused Mr Tachimori to push other executives to soften its play-it-safe approach."It is something we haven't really done much of before. We know how to study worst-case scenarios, but we've never examined a best-case scenario," Mr Tachimori said. "It will be more problematic if we miss out on an important opportunity so we should examine these kinds of best-case scenarios as well." 

Subaru's BRZ has been a huge hit with enthusiast drivers who no doubt revel in the classic front engine/rear wheel drive layout, razor sharp dynamics and stunning style.They've chalked up 1000 sales of BRZ in the 18 months since it arrived probably the entire Aussie allocation. But to give more sizzle to the sporty Soob and keep the BRZ front of mind with the right people, Subaru has introduced a Sports Pack priced at $7995 for the manual BRZ, less for the auto, that adds a swag of goodies to enhance the cars looks and feel. Not the performance though.DESIGNYou get trick STi branded black alloys, black body aero spoilers all the way around and a rear diffuser, lowered springs, quicker gear change mechanism on the manual, push button start and a strut bar. It makes a stand out car stand out even more but thankfully is not over the top. Everything else about BRZ remains the same.ENGINE AND TRANSMISSIONThere's a reasonable amount of go from the 2.0-litre naturally aspirated boxer four,  rated at 147kW/205Nm - for general traffic driving under about 4000rpm but nothing to really light you up anywhere else. Rev it out to the 7000rpm plus redline and it goes OK, makes more noise but...Where's the turbo?DRIVINGThe point we would make right now is that it needs more herbs from under the bonnet. The car doesn't have the performance required, nay, commanded by its looks. Any half decent hatchback would stay on the BRZ's tail in a straight line. Not around the corners though.We would spend the eight grand on a decent turbo installation and leave the car stock. It's already well ahead of the pack dynamically in standard spec'. We had a good old drive of the beast, commuting, highway cruising and corner carving. Needless to say, everything gels during the latter except for the fact that you have to keep the right foot planted and the engine percolating about five grand plus to make it sing.It has the same kilowatt output as the old Nissan 200SX but less torque and is slower. An 200SX would give the Soob a really hard time on the straights and around the corners, even an old one and especially if it had a helical limited slip diff'. But the Soob is flavour of the month together with Toyota's equivalent 86.The Sport's suspension is pretty hard for everyday use too though that could be because we are getting soft in old age. There's no lumbar support adjustment that causes curvature of the spine on a longish drive. The engine/exhaust note is a mere wuffle. The front apron hangs up easily on driveways or parking buffers. And we would point a finger at the lack of satnav in a sports coupe costing $45,150. There … we are ready for the hate mail, but it's all true.VERDICTThey look the ‘biz’ and we reckon the Sooby goes a bit better because they pick all the 00 tolerances from the components department. They do after all make both cars.Subaru BRZ S 2.0-litre two-door coupePrice: from $45,145 (manual), $46,925 (automatic)Engine: 2.0 litre four cylinder, 147kW/205NmTransmission: 6-speed manual or automatic, RWDKerb weight: 1256 kg (manual), 1278 kg (automatic)Turning circle: 10.8 m kerb to kerbFuel tank capacity: 50 litres0-100 km/h: 7.6 seconds (manual) 8.2 seconds (automatic)Thirst: 7.8L/100km CO2 181g/km (manual), 7.1L/100km 164g/km (automatic)Wheels: 17-inch alloys