Subaru updates Outback for 2018

Sound-insulated glass, thicker rear wheel well insulation make cabin quieter.

The Subaru Outback has been upgraded for 2018. On the outside it has a revised front bumper design with sharper edges, less accentuated fog lamp surrounds and larger front cladding for improved protection from mud and stones when driven off road.

The first blade of the grille is finished in chrome while the two below are now finished in a matte black coat.

Also incorporated within the front grille, is a camera lens for the new Front View Monitor.

Outback also has new 18-inch wheel designs in a two-tone contrast of high gloss silver and black inlays. The engines on the two Subaru Outback variants in South Africa are unchanged.

The Outback 2.5iS ES delivers 129kW and 235Nm, while the flagship model Outback 3.6R-S ES makes 191kW and 350Nm. New sound-insulating glass has been used for the front side windows as well as thicker insulation on the rear wheel wells for a quieter cabin with less wind noise intrusion.

The air-conditioning system has also been improved to distribute air to the cabin faster.

The steering wheel has been updated with the new Subaru leather wheel with new multi-function controls for the infotainment system, EyeSight system and on-board multi-function vehicle display screens.

The new seven-inch Infotainment system is carried through to the Outback from the Impreza and XV models. Featuring a touch-sensitive panel, the screen is the key to all entertainment, connectivity and Satnav functionality.

The system is faster, more intuitive and now offers Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone connectivity for a safer driving experience.

The voice-controlled system has two microphones for a significantly improved interaction with voice calls, Apple Siri or OK Google voice commands.

Sound quality and enjoyment is thanks to an 11-speaker system and amplifier by Harman Kardon. Improving the connectedness of passengers, two additional USB ports have been added to the back of the centre console for use by the rear seat occupants, and these are now 2.1Amp ports compatible to charge not just smartphones but tablets too.

EyeSight is being offered on both 2018 Subaru Outback variants.

The system employs stereo cameras to view the front of the vehicle and scan ahead for any obstructions or obstacles.

The system’s features include Adaptive Cruise Control, Pre-Collision Braking, Pre-Collision Throttle Management, and Vehicle Lane Departure and Sway Warning.

Also standard on the Outback Subaru Outback is Blind Spot Detection and Rear Cross Traffic Alert. Also new is Steering Responsive Headlamps and Automatic Locking Doors activated from 20km/h. To ensure occupants are not stuck in an emergency situation, the system unlocks the doors when a collision occurs and the airbags have been deployed.