Subaru Outback Car Review

HerCar Rating: Model Reviewed Subaru Outback 3.6R Premium 3.6 litre 5 speed auto petrol  HerCar 3 word summary Choose Your Adventure

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Subaru have just launched their brand new range of Outback models with more space and more features. With 8 models to choose from, you're bound to find one that meets your needs perfectly. My adventure was getting the kids to school on time, heading into the office and back in time for pick up, with something for dinner. My husband's adventure was throwing his mountain bike in the back and heading off to Manly Dam to sweat it out with the boys. Whilst my adventure was a little mundane compared to his, we both enjoyed it in style and luxury in the top of the line Outback 3.6 R Premium with Sat Nav. And I'm not kidding when I say luxury. There is every feature in this model that you could wish for.

The Drive
The car we drove is powered by a 3.6 litre engine that punches out 191kW of power at 5600 rpm and 350Nm of torque at 4400 rpm. This is the most powerful engine ever offered in an Outback and makes overtaking on the freeway a breeze. Add to this minimal road noise and smooth acceleration and you have a really enjoyable drive.

Being constant all wheel drive you can easily transition from the urban tar to the bush dirt. The only adjustment that's required is a mental one from commitments and responsibilities to a sense of freedom and adventure.

Driver Comfort & Visibility
Both the driver and front passenger seats are electrically adjustable 8 ways. The driver's seat also has 2 memory settings and an electrically operated lumbar support. There is leather throughout including seats, steering wheel and gear knob, with a choice of black or ivory. Cruise control, audio controls and Bluetooth phone controls are mounted on the steering wheel for easy use. The 3.6 R also has paddle gear shifts on the steering column that tends to bring out the boy racer car in people, well my husband at least!

While he was having fun changing gears, I was enjoying playing with the touch screen entertainment system. Its got a huge 8 inch screen and is really easy to use. I even worked out how to sync my iPhone with the car to make some calls. This technology is brilliant and will eventually be in every car.

I'm a big fan of satellite navigation systems in cars. No more arguing and no more getting lost. Whether it's off to a birthday party or looking for new mountain bike trails it just makes life that much easier.

The 8 inch screen is also put to god use when reversing thanks to the reverse parking camera fitted to the car. It gives you a clear view of what is directly behind the car as well as what is to the left or right rear.

Other great features include dusk sensing halogen headlights, rain sensing front wipers, dual zone climate control and a rear window demister with timer. There's also an electric sunroof for letting in fresh air without messing up your hair.

Safety
The "S" in Subaru might as well stand for safety. All models in Australia have achieved the maximum 5 star ANCAP safety rating including the new Outback.
Standard features include ABS, EBD, Emergency Brake Assist, Electronic Stability Control and 7 airbags. There's also a hill hold switch to give you more control on steep inclines. This stops the car from rolling backwards when you take your foot off the brake. Perfect for city driving or off roading.

Storage
For me, the more storage options in the car the better. Like 8 drinks holders; yes 2 cup holders in the centre front and 2 in the rear armrest and a bottle holder in each of the 4 doors. In the front there is also a huge glove box with a shelf, a sunglasses holder, 2 stage centre console box and 2 small centre storage nooks Your rear passengers have storage nets on the back of the front seats in addition to the cup holders and door pockets.

The boot is a great size and can fit in 2 school backpacks and a week's worth of groceries, with room to spare. For long items like surf boards and skis you can take advantage of the 60/40 slit fold rear seats that fold flat. We got in my husband's mountain bike by folding one half of the rear seat and sitting our 2 girls in the middle and right hand seat. A big plus is that the split fold seat is really easy to operate. You simply pull a lever located in the boot that instantly flicks the seat down.

Rear Passenger Comfort
There is enough room to seat 3 adults in comfort, unless they all play rugby for Australia. Depending on the size and type of your child restraints, you may be able to get 3 across the rear seat. We put in 2 Safe n Sound booster seats, which left enough space for a 10 year old child in the middle.

On those long trips, the rear passengers can nod off more comfortably thanks to the reclining rear seats. You won't find this feature on many cars!

When you've only got 2 rear passengers they can take advantage of the centre armrest with 2 sturdy cup holders.

Towing Capacity
For those who are into their towable hobbies and adventures the 3.6 litre models offer the best towing capacity of up to 1,800kgs for a trailer with brakes and 750 kgs for a trailer without.

Overall View
The new Outback offers more space, style and creature comforts than ever before. Whether your adventure involves 2 kids, 2 dogs or 2 mountain bikes there's bound to be a model to meet your needs.

Test Drive Tips
1. There is no need to unlock the car. It detects that the key is nearby (in your handbag for example) and it automatically unlocks.
2. To start and stop the engine you simply press a button in the dash.
3. The handbrake is an electric parking brake located on the right hand side of the steering wheel. To engage push and to disengage pull.

Outback Diesel
From November this year the Outback will be available in diesel. This is the first time that Subaru has offered a diesel in Australia. It's a really sporty looking car, with 17 inch alloy wheels and a bonnet scoop reminiscent of the WRX. The biggest pluses with this model are its fuel efficiency and impressive power at lower revs. This makes the diesel perfect for towing and off roading, and of course for saving money at the pump! The 6 speed manual is a really fun car to drive and will appeal to those who love the driving experience.

Features of Model Reviewed

Seats:	5
Airbags:	7 airbags
ABS:	Yes
EBD:	Yes
Electronic Stability Control:	Yes
Driver visibility:
Storage compartments:
Drink holders:	8
Entertainment:	McIntosh entertainment system, sat nav system & single CD player with 8" touch screen and 10 speakers
Air conditioning:	Yes, dual zone climate control
Power windows:	Yes
Power door mirrors:	Yes
Child restraint anchorage points:	3
Transmission:	5 speed auto
Engine:	3.6 litre
Fuel type:	Petrol
Fuel consumption (combined cycle):	10.3 litres/100 kms
CO2 Emission:	242gms/km
Greenhouse rating#:	5/10 (10=best)
Green Vehicle Guide rating:
Towing capacity:	Trailer with brakes 1,800kgs Trailer without brakes 750kgs
ANCAP rating:
Warranty:	3 year unlimited kms
Price:	$TBC*

# All new vehicles sold in Australia (up to 3.5 tonnes gross vehicle mass) are tested to determine the level of fuel consumption and CO2 emissions (Greenhouse rating), which are displayed on the fuel consumption label attached to the windscreen of the car. The Green Vehicle Guide rating combines the Greenhouse Rating and Air Pollution Rating and awards a star. 5 stars is the best rating.  For more information, click here.
Information is correct at the time of the review. Please check with your local Subaru dealer for the most recent information.

Review Date: September 2009

Reviewed By: Melissa Pye