Subaru Outback 2015 South Africa
New bumper, lights, grille?
The fifth-generation Subaru Outback has been enhanced across three models and is currently available in Subaru dealerships. The plan with the 2015 Subaru Outback was to make it more upmarket while retaining that versatile package. Subaru have altered the grille, fitted some bigger alloys and by moving the windscreen forward and widening its stance, the Subaru Outback is roomier in all areas and offers 20-litre more luggage space.
What’s significant?
Better handling and reduced noise and vibration. Steering is quicker, new dampers control stiffness and the CVT gearbox is believed to provide more smoothness across six virtual (meaningless) ratios. That said, Subaru already make the best CVT in the business so this should be really special. The 2.5-litre (129kW/235Nm) uses a lower claimed fuel figure of 7.7l/100km while the 2.0-litre turbodiesel (110kW/350Nm) takes that figure down to 6.3l/100km. Probably least popular will be the brawny 3.6-litre unit with 191kW and 350Nm and a claimed 9.9l/100km.
Seats are more comfy than before and Subaru add more value with a sunroof, parking sensors, dual-zone climate, USB spots and a 12-speaker audio system. Most functions now operate through a 6.2inch touch screen which Subaru liken to that of a tablet. Active Torque Vectoring makes its debut on the Subaru Outback.
Early Verdict
A perennial favourite the Subaru Outback should continue to do tarmac and (insert other terrain here) better than many crossover vehicles. With Subaru delivering high levels of customer satisfaction and loyalty, it should easily carry the momentum generated by the last model.
Pricing: Subaru Outback 2015
2.5-litre petrol: R479 000
2.0-litre turbo diesel: R529 000
