DRIVING REVIEW: SUBARU OUTBACK 3.6 AT
WHAT IS IT?
“I’m getting the Subaru Forester. I mean, the Subaru Outback. Or is the Legacy? I almost definitely think it’s the Outback. It’s a wagon-type one.” And so went the conversation between my boyfriend and I when I told him about the Scooby that I’d secured. Don’t get me wrong, it’s not that I can’t tell any of them apart or that I don’t know what I’m getting. It’s just that Subaru has successfully managed to mould itself into a brand that’s, well… forgettable. Save for the hot Impreza WRX and its hotter STI sibling, I honestly can barely remember which Subaru is which. And which ones are available in SA. And herein lies the problem.
HOW DOES IT LOOK?
I secured the 3.6-litre Subaru Outback AT and I couldn’t for the life of me recall which one that was. It’s not that the car is not impressive (it actually is, as you will glean further on in this write-up). It’s just that the Subaru line-up and its models lack any form of identity. There is nothing that sets each one apart and it feels as though there’s nothing that ties it all together either. I can’t feel the family lines between this car and the Impreza XV. There doesn’t seem to be much of a familial identity.
This particular car has sleek styling with a large and aggressive grille, angled headlamps, and contoured bonnet lines. The high ground clearance, built-in cross bars and large 18-inch alloy wheels give the Subaru Outback a rugged overall look and a go-anywhere air about it. Inside, the cabin is more modern that the previous version of this vehicle with leather seats and many nice-to-have features that give the cabin an upmarket feel. These features include steering wheel-mounted audio controls for the fully equipped audio system (radio with MP3, USB, AUX and Bluetooth functionality, 12 harman kardon speakers including subwoofer), smart key and push start ignition, reclining rear seats, electric windows, electric mirrors and dual-zone climate control.
WHAT DOES IT OFFER?
Other nice-to-haves include a powered rear tailgate, one-touch folding rear seats, rain sensing front wipers and a full list of safety features including traction controls, ABS with EBD and brake assist, electronic stability control, rear view reverse camera and dual front, dual front side and curtain airbags and a driver’s side knee airbag.
HOW DOES IT DRIVE?
Under the bonnet lies a horizontally opposed Boxer 3,6-litre petrol engine that with 191 kW at 6 000 r/min and 350 N.m at 4 400 r/min pulls really strongly. In this instance, it’s mated with a slick and quick-changing 6-speed automatic transmission with paddles behind the steering wheel should you want to control the gear changes yourself. This combination is set up to consume 9,9 litres/100 km.
I hit the open road and some gravel roads with this car to see what it’s all about. We first made plenty of use of the 512L of luggage space. We then headed to Bot River for a few nights where our accommodation’s web page strongly suggests, “No low profile tyres.” Subarus like this one are supposed to be ready to hit the road less travelled, so I was looking forward to seeing what this car had to offer.
The Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive came in handy on the slipperier sections, and overall, I found the suspension to be compliant and more than satisfactory. Harsh surfaces were tackled with both ease and confidence.
CONCLUSION:
My overall impression of this car is simply – why aren’t more people paying attention to this vehicle? It has impressive performance, offers up the practicality of a capable SUV, without compromising on comfort. On top of this, it’s not a rough and tumble type of vehicle. It’s very modern and feels quite upmarket. I understand that at R529 000, it’s not a pocket-friendly car. But it’s cheaper than many of the German equivalents and offers quite a bit more too. If you’re shopping for a practical family car that will also be able to take you and your family on some lesser-known roads and adventures, then this is definitely one to consider.
The price includes a 3-year/75 000 km maintenance plan.
Click for more information on the impressive Outback range.
WORDS: KELLY LODEWYKS