They like to do things a little differently at Subaru. Quietly getting on with the job is the phrase that best sums up the company’s approach – excluding those naughty Imprezas of course.
A niche player in a crowded market, its philosophy starts with the engineering – key components such as symmetrical all-wheel drive and the famed Boxer engine for balance and control.
Subaru likes to think of itself as a company that gives a sense of confidence to its customers through the engineering, performance and robust build of its cars.
Take the Outback, for example. It is exceptionally good at doing what it says on the can. Put your sensible hat on, and it’s all you will really need for virtually every task.
Launched in Europe in 1996, the original Outback pioneered the crossover concept, combining the comfort, interior space and superior on-road handling of a family estate, with the off-road capability and ground clearance of a sports utility vehicle.
But it’s fan club now has more reasons to buy one.
The new fourth-generation Outback is both taller and longer than the previous model, and sits on a new platform with a longer wheelbase to provide extra cabin space and improve ride quality.
That new platform is part of the re-engineered structure, with further benefits to strength and crash performance.
If you’re familiar with Outbacks of old, you will spot this one as being part of the same family in an instant, but for those who are new to the genre, the Outback successfully mates an estate car shell with the stance and mechanicals of a 4x4. That means you get the better view out that everyone craves, but you don’t have to climb to get there. It’s a clever mix of the two, and rarely achieved by other manufacturers.
It is now more distinctive, with bolder lights front and rear and a strong grille, but subtlety always was a key Subaru trait, and the new Outback is no different.
The cabin is a big change from the old car, too. There’s a new dashboard layout, with a large display screen at the top on those models equipped with satellite navigation.
All versions of the Outback come with a stack of equipment: the Outback’s comprehensive list of standard equipment extends to automatic operation of headlamps and windscreen wipers, cruise control, front and rear electric windows (with auto up/down function on the driver’s door) and a glass ‘tilt-n-slide’ sunroof.
With SE NavPlus models and the 3.6R, the Outback comes equipped with keyless entry.
Also included are push-button engine Start/Stop, and a new DVD navigation system with a high-resolution eight-inch monitor. These models are also equipped with a Rear View Camera (RVC). The RVC superimposes graduated guide lines on the camera image to show the width of the vehicle and distance to objects behind to greatly aid the driver during reversing and parking manoeuvres.
The increase in dimensions translates to very a generous cabin, and although the Outback does without a seven-seat option, five plus plenty of luggage is usually enough for most.
The driving experience may also come as something of a revelation to those who are not used to the Subaru way. In the first few miles, it comes across as typical of the breed: light, accurate controls, a smooth ride and soft suspension. Poor surfaces are soaked up as you cruise along unhurried in very comfortable seats.
But start to press on, and the Outback clearly shares some genes with the aforementioned Imprezas.
The 2.0-litre diesel unit is a willing partner. It sticks to the Subaru creed of being a “flat” engine, where the pistons are laid out horizontally and there are benefits in terms of smoothness and a lower centre of gravity. It’s very keen to rev for a diesel too, and there’s enough torque to pull big loads.
There are seven models of the Outback in the UK, including a choice of one diesel or two petrol engines and four trim levels. The line-up starts with the £26,795 2.0-litre diesel S model and is topped by the £35,795 petrol 3.6R.
The Outback won’t even show up on the radar of some buyers, but they will be missing out. It heads off the beaten track in more ways than one, and in doing so offers a well-rounded package for a reasonable outlay.
Subaru Outback 2.0D SE Navplus
Price: £29,990 (range from £26,795).
Engine: 2.0-litre diesel unit developing 147bhp and 258lb/ft of torque.
Transmission: Six-speed manual transmission as standard, driving all four wheels.
Performance: 0 to 62mph in 9.7 secons; top speed 120mph.
Economy: 44.1mpg combined.
CO2 emissions: 167g/km.
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