May 1999 Volume 80 Number 6
"serving the protectors"
| May 1999 Volume 80 Number 6 "serving the protectors" |
|
| The Outback Experience | |
| By Jim
Barnett |
Subaru’s new stylish Outback wagon will take a family of five to places like Innamincka, most parts of the Flinders Ranges or the Victorian Alps safely and in comfort. It won’t climb Ayers Rock or ford the Murray River, but then it was never designed for such things.
On the highway, the two comprehensively equipped Outback models are smooth and quiet. Outback provides ample power, high-level safety and long-distance cruising comfort. The large, ABS equipped, 4-wheel disc brakes, well sorted out suspension and constant, all-wheel drive system, inspire driver confidence on all surfaces. Precise cornering and steering have the car remaining flat and predictable.
On loose gravel roads - found abundantly throughout Australia - Outback really shines. Its symmetrical drive-train layout, sophisticated all-wheel drive system and low centre of gravity make it one of the safest cars available for these conditions. It is clearly safer on dirt than two-wheel-drive cars, and has the advantage over larger 4WD vehicles of a lower centre of gravity and reduced weight.
Subaru claims Outback is one of few vehicles in the world to be purpose built as a wagon and not a derivative of a sedan.
This second generation Outback is again based on the Liberty platform, but with increased ground clearance and longer travel suspension. Although it has full-time, all-wheel drive and a reasonable 200mm of ground clearance, it lacks any serious underbody protection. It is best suited for loose surfaces such as gravel, ice, mud, snow and sand, however, with a great deal of care it could be driven in quite difficult terrain.
As standard features, both Outback models are equipped with:
- Climate control air-conditioning.
- Power windows.
- Cruise control.
- ABS brakes.
- Dual airbags.
- Alloy wheels.
- Large fog lamps.
The Limited model features:
- Full leather trim.
- Six-stack CD player.
- Dual sunroofs.
- Self-levelling rear suspension.
All seating - including the driver’s multi-adjustable seat - is very comfortable. The 60-40, split-fold design of the rear seat incorporates a headrest and lap-sash seat belt in all three seat positions. These large rear headrests, however, restrict the driver’s rear view when using the internal mirror.
The cargo area is accessed by a single lift-up tailgate which exposes a wide, flat floor. A cargo blind allows valuables to be concealed in the large luggage space.
At its heart is a new 2.5-litre, horizontally-opposed, 4-cylinder ‘Boxer’ engine, developing 115kW at 5600rpm and 223Nm of torque at 3600rpm. It offers smooth, quiet and economical operation, and used fuel at the rate of 10.7litres per 100km on test. The engine is free-revving and will easily reach red line in lower gears. Best acceleration is in the mid-range making the car an ideal highway cruiser with good overtaking ability.
Upgrading of the standard 5-speed manual transmission has improved shift quality; it’s a delight to use. The manual features an easy-to-use low-range which controls the vehicle on moderate slopes. It doesn’t match the low-range capabilities of some heavy-duty 4x4s, but it is useful. The manual also features Subaru’s "hill-holder" system, which prevents the vehicle rolling backwards while the clutch is depressed.
The optional 4-speed electronic automatic transmission is completely new. It is 7kg lighter and 33mm shorter than the previous unit. It’s been designed and purpose-built for the Liberty and Outback range and features a gate-design gear selector similar to that found on Mercedes Benz vehicles. The dual-range feature is not offered with the automatic transmission.
The new Subaru wagon is priced at $37,490 (Outback) and $41,940 (Limited). Automatic transmission is a further $1900.
Test vehicle from Subaru Australia through United Motors Adelaide.
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