Review & Photos by Rob McSorley
What is it?
The Outback is Subaru's roughftie toughtie Legacy-based estate that offers buyers genuine off-road ability as it’s fitted with a permanent symmetrical four-wheel-drive system. 200 mm of ground clearance and beefy body mouldings ensure that rough terrain can be tackled with minimal fuss.
2013 sees a raft of revisions that go a lot deeper than the new headlights, bumpers and attractive gunmetal alloys that certainly give a much more appealing look to an otherwise average-looking estate car. As do the now body coloured cladding which are standard on the new SX trim level seen here.
Under the skin the biggest difference is the combination of Subaru's 148 bhp, 2.0 litre boxer diesel engine which for the first time is available with a Lineartronic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) due to strong customer demand. Subaru say that the new pairing will account for up to 75% of Outback sales which is good news as the Outback is a very strong seller for Subaru globally.
Modifications to the suspension have also taken place which Subaru say provide a more stable ride, increased comfort and enhanced handling characteristics.
