Subaru’s Outback has broadened its appeal by offering a more fuel efficient powertrain and gearbox configuration in the form of the Boxer diesel engine mated to the Lineartronic CVT automatic transmission.
The Subaru Lineartronic CVT is a favourite of ours here at Leisure Wheels; the Continuously Variable Transmission features Adaptive Transmission Control and does duty in many other Subaru models including the petrol-powered Outback, the new Forester and the XV. This is the first time that the Boxer diesel engine has been mated with the CVT transmission. The Boxer diesel is a 2.0-litre DOHC four-cylinder unit that delivers 110 kW @ 3 600 rpm and 350 Nm of torque @ 1 800.
The claimed fuel consumption is rated at 6.5-litres per 100 km on the combined cycle, and carbon emissions are at 172 g/km. Fuel requirements are strictly low sulphur or 50 ppm diesel. The Outback will also feature Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system which splits the power symmetrically between both the front and rear axles.
The Outback diesel CVT has received the IIHS’ Top Safety Pick award, along with five-star Euro NCAP and ANCAP safety ratings. Employing its Ring-Shaped Reinforcement design philosophy on the Outback’s chassis, the high-tensile steel passenger cell is designed to dissipate energy around and away from the passenger compartment instead of through it, in the event of an accident. Whiplash injury severity is also said to be reduced by the whiplash-reducing front seats, which allow for whiplash energy to be absorbed more by the seats than their occupants in the event of a rear-end collision.
Other safety equipment fitted as standard comprises of seven airbags including a driver’s knee airbag, a rear-view camera, seat belt warning buzzers for all five seats, a collapsible brake pedal, ISOFIX child seat anchor points and Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) – a comprehensive set of safety systems which include ABS, EBD, TCS (Traction Control System), ESC (Electronic Stability Control) and LSD (Limited Slip Device).
The new model also features 17-inch alloy wheels and a full-size spare, a powered sunroof, roof rails, HID xenon headlights, leather upholstery, an 8-way electrically-adjustable driver’s seat, dual-zone automatic climate control with rear ventilation, keyless entry and push-button starting, a multi-function, tilt- and reach-adjustable leather-bound steering wheel, cruise control, an electronic handbrake, split-folding rear seats with a recline function, a sunglasses holder, eight cup holders, a multi-information display screen, a premium audio system with six speakers and radio, CD, auxiliary, MP3 and USB support, as well as Bluetooth for hands-free cellphone use and audio streaming.
Pricing
The Subaru Outback 2.0D Premium Lineartronic is now available in eight colours and retails for R459 000 including VAT which includes a 3-year/ 100 000 km warranty and 3-year/ 60 000 km maintenance plan.
