Safety, capability and practicality are what the Outback stands for

“This Outback is the representation of everything Subaru strives to achieve – unmatched safety, capability, practicality and especially in this case, a premium driving experience on any terrain,” said Nteo Nkoli, marketing lead at Subaru SA.

The Field derivative represents adventure and the Touring derivative is more road-orientated. This Outback is 50 millimetres longer and 30 millimetres wider than its predecessor.

Safety

The Global Platform of the Outback offers a new inner collapsible body structure offering 70 per cent more rigidity and 100 per cent more energy absorption in case of an accident. The design intention has been to reduce blind spots and for the seats to offer greater comfort on long journeys.

Active Safety features include ABS, EBD, ESC as well as Active Torque Vectoring. Passive Safety features include eight airbags within the cabin, a new and first-ever passenger seat-cushion airbag and Post Collision Braking that will decelerate the vehicle after a collision and flash the hazard lamps too.

“Subaru’s Award-Winning EyeSight Driver Assistance system is standard on both new Outback grades. EyeSight is a system that makes use of dual camera-based technology and integrates features and assistance systems such Adaptive Cruise Control, Automatic Pre-Collision Braking, Lane Departure, Sway Warning, Lane Keep Assist and Lead Vehicle Start Alert.”

Subaru Vision Assist now also offer rear detection technologies like Blind Spot Monitor (BSM); Lane Change Assist (LCA); Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA); Reverse Automatic Braking (RAB) and EyeSight Assist Monitor.

Performance and capability

The two derivatives – Subaru Outback Field and Touring – have been fitted with a 2.5-litre direct injection Boxer engine delivering 138kW and 245Nm and this is mated to a Lineartronic CVT transmission.

X-Mode and Hill Descent Control are available across both grades. “X-Mode is a driver selectable programme for use in less than perfect terrain such as slippery or uneven surfaces, like snow, mud, grass, ruts and rocks. The system has two settings that can be used depending on the severity of the surface, but each of these will optimise the vehicle to manage the Outback out of the situation, sending power to the wheels with the best traction,” said Subaru.

A new level of comfort, technology and practicality

Overall boot volume is 522 litres with the rear seats in place and 1 267 litres with the seats folded flat, and it can be accessed via a hands-free tailgate.

A large 11,6-inch touchscreen sits in the centre of the dashboard and other than presenting access to a swipe, drag and touch technology, it also offers control of navigation, media, radio (Harman/Kardon), Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Pricing starts at R699 000 and includes a three-year/75 000km maintenance plan as well as the five-year/150 000km warranty.

Source: QuickPic