The Subaru Outback more enjoyable than a SUV

Photo courtesy Subaru
Over the years, for many drivers, the Subaru Outback has become the inevitable alternative to the SEEN traditional.

Jacques Welcome

Sunday, 3 December 2017 19:38

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Sunday, 3 December 2017 19:38

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For several years, the Subaru Outback takes on the role of alternative to utility vehicles traditional. Less bulky and less energy, it also reveals practical and much more pleasant to drive, especially in town.

For nearly a quarter of a century, the japanese manufacturer Subaru is standing up to american brands and asian, and their utilities of medium size with a vehicle that is not quite a utility. After all, the Outback, which has managed to compete only so far with models like the Ford Explorer and the Toyota Highlander, is indeed a family.

When she made her debut on our continent, the Outback 1995 was openly presented as a variant of the station wagon Subaru Legacy. It was a model who enjoys, among other things, a ground clearance raised, and an endowment enhanced. It should also be remembered that at the time, the family were not stigmatized by an mode whatsoever, as they are today.

Anyway, the concept has rained and it has lasted. Some manufacturers have naturally tried to replicate the recipe, such as Ford with the Freestyle 2005 (renamed the Taurus X briefly before disappearing), but always without much success. So as of today, the Outback still remains unique in its kind and constitutes, with the Crosstrek, the Forester and the Impreza, one of the four pillars of the commercial success of its japanese manufacturer on our continent.

A SIMPLE CONCEPT

The concept behind this car (or this utility, if you prefer) is rather simple and it has not changed since 1995. You are taking a family Legacy, a model that disappeared from the north american market in 2009 to leave the field free to the Outback, and you increase its ground clearance. In the case of the Outback current, it is 220 mm compared to 150 mm for a Legacy 2018. This high ground clearance (for the Highlander, it is 203 mm) should allow this Subaru to effectively confront the obstacles of a path less hospitable, either in a field or a forest.

We will decorate then the car body with a front shield prominent, with large fog lamps, without forgetting the mouldings protect the bottom of the desk to look rugged, all this to give the illusion that the vehicle will be able to confront the worst road conditions. At bottom, this is the recipe used for just about all SUV that respect.

Photo courtesy Subaru

The spacious interior of the Outback can comfortably accommodate four adults.

A FEW COSMETIC CHANGES

Last April, at the auto Show in New York, Subaru introduced the Outback 2018. It is a version slightly revised model of the 5th generation, who had made his debut at the same venue in April 2014. It is still a car a five-seater, very spacious, considering its dimensions are less bulky than those of the SEEN traditional. An attribute that makes the Outback fun to drive in traffic and easy to park in the parking lots urban cramped.

Version 2018 is distinguished from its predecessor mainly by slight cosmetic changes made to the grille and to the bumpers front and rear. In addition, spotlights, directional LED, which follow the movement of the power steering, are now part of the standard specification of the Limited versions and the First of the Outback 2.5 i and 3.6 R, the most luxurious of the range.

As before, Limited versions, and First have alloy wheels 18-inch aluminum, while the two versions, base and Touring models have 17-inch wheels (steel, in the case of the base model).

The manufacturer has taken the opportunity to make a few changes to the dashboard, in addition to providing the interior materials of higher quality and seek to enhance the soundproofing.

The audio channels and benefit from new multimedia features, including connectivity with the system CarPlay from Apple and Android Auto, voice recognition technology from Nuance. The touch screens also have larger dimensions. For the base model, the screen is 6.5 ” rather than the 6.2, while that of the versions, Touring, Limited, and First from 7 to 8 inches. The infotainment system of Limited and First includes also a system for guidance by satellite.

In addition, Subaru still offers a whole of devices and driver assistance and safety systems in passive called EyeSight. This option to a value of $ 1500 is offered for all versions except the Outback 2.5 i and the Outback 3.6 R Touring.

Photo courtesy Subaru

The useful volume of the trunk flexible in the Outback is considerable, which makes a car very convenient.

ENGINES UNCHANGED

The two powertrains offered up here remain unchanged. The Outback 2.5 i (base, Touring, Limited, and First) are animated by a 4-cylinder flat (or ” boxer “) of 2.5 L, which develops 175 hp and 174 lb-ft of torque. The front grille with active shutters of these cars helps to reduce their energy consumption, for a reduction of wind resistance. The Outback 3.6 R, for their part, use a 6-cylinder flat 3.6-litre delivering 256 hp and 247 lb-ft of torque. This engine produces, moreover, 90 % of its torque between 2000 and 6000 rpm, which gives it great flexibility.

These two engines are matched to automatic transmissions, continuously variable Lineartronic (the one on the 3.6 L is designed for a high torque) with a manual mode with paddles for gear shifts attached to the steering wheel.

Despite the improved sound of the vehicle, these engines remain loud to the effort, a phenomenon that can enhance the boxes with a continuous variation. In addition, the suspension settings are obviously the priority on ride comfort, which explains that in certain conditions it is rather soft.

The Outback features an all-wheel-drive constant, which is combined with a system of active orientation of the couple used to optimise traction, whatever the road and weather conditions. For all versions, the torque distribution is managed by an electronic system as a function of the acceleration, deceleration and traction level.

In addition, when the road conditions are difficult, the driver can engage the X-Mode. It optimizes the power of the engine and the transmission ratio of the automatic transmission by engaging a programming more pointed to further reduce the wheel slip. This mode also activates a speed limiter downhill, the engine brake and the mechanical brakes to maintain a constant speed even in steep slopes. The effect is as efficient as typing. The Outback also has a system of hill start assist are standard.

In short, without a Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, the Outback may, however, face roads with no hospital, whether it’s a forest trail or a boulevard dotted with potholes !

Ascent 2019 : bigger than the Outback

Photo courtesy Subaru

Subaru Ascent 2019

If the useful volume of the trunk of the Outback, its five-seat or its towing capacity is not sufficient to meet your needs, there is now a utility Subaru of larger size : the Ascent 2019. Unveiled at the auto Show in Los Angeles, which opened its doors last week, this vehicle is the largest model of the series of the history of Subaru. Its dimensions are comparable to those, for example, a Toyota Highlander or a Ford Explorer. With three rows of seats, it can carry 7 or 8 people, selonsi one chooses a version with bucket seats or a bench seat in the second row. The Ascent 2019 is equipped with a new engine “boxer” turbo. This 4-cylinder 2.4 L is powered by regular fuel and it produces 260 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque. In addition, it is paired with an automatic transmission Lineartronic continuously variable. With the all-wheel-drive constant-Subaru, this utility can tow up to 2270 kg (5000 lb). Assembly at the factory Subaru of Indiana Automotive, in the United States, the Ascent of 2019 will be on sale in the summer of 2018.

Subaru Outback

Base price

29 295 $ (2.5 i) ; 32 795 $ (2.5 i Touring) ; 36 795 $ (2.5 i Limited) ; 39 to $ 195 (2.5 i, First) ; 35 795 $ (For 3.6 R Touring) ; 39 795 $ (3.6 R Limited) ; 42 195 $ (A 3.6 R First).

Transport and preparation

1725 $

Powertrain

(2.5 i) H4 DOHC, 1.6 L, 109 hp at 6000 rpm, 107 lb-ft at 4,700 rpm ; (3,6 R) H4 DOHC, 1.6 L, 109 hp at 6000 rpm, 107 lb-ft at 4,700 rpm. Automatic gearbox with continuous variation. All-wheel drive.

Features

Four-wheel independent Suspension. Disc brakes to all four wheels. Anti-lock braking system series. Tires : 225/65R17 (base and Touring) ; 225/60R18 (Limited and First).

Ratings

Wheelbase : 2745 mm ; length : 4824 mm ; width : 1,840 mm ; height : 1680 mm. Weight : 1656-1768 kg. Towing capacity (2.5-and 3.6-litre) : 1224 kg (2698 lb). Tank Volume : 70 litres. Trunk Volume : 1005-2075 L. average Consumption (manufacturer) : 8.5 L/100 km (2.5 L) ; 10.5 L/100 km (3,6 L).

Competition

Buick Enclave, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Chevrolet Traverse, Dodge Durango, Ford Explorer, Ford Flex, GMC Acadia, Honda Pilot, Hyundai Santa Fe XL, Kia Sorento, Mazda CX-9, Mitsubishi Outlander, Nissan Pathfinder, Toyota Highlander, Volkswagen Atlas

Strengths

• Cabin very spacious
• Consumption reasonable
• All-wheel-drive effective

Weak Points

• Engine sometimes noisy
• Automatic transmission, room for improvement
• Suspension soft