What's the news?
Subaru has given the Outback model a slight nip and tuck and has also thrown in a new drivetrain combination. The CVT Lineartronic gearbox should make for a good pairing with the diesel 'boxer' engine, while the addition of a new, well-equipped trim level will help to lure buyers.
Exterior
Not a great deal has been changed externally with this update to the Outback, but the tweaks that Subaru has made do help to keep this crossover up to date. The first thing you will notice is that those black plastic body cladding panels have been replaced with some body-coloured versions that look far better, although they do take from the rugged off-road look. Subaru has also added more choices to the colour palette - Deep Sea Blue Pearl and Dark Grey Metallic. The front-end styling also benefits from a gloss black finish to the headlights and larger fog lamps, while the alloy wheels now have a gunmetal finish as standard.
Interior
The most noticeable updates to the interior of the Subaru Outback can be seen from the driver's seat. A new liquid crystal instrument cluster display has a more modern look to it and should help relay information back to the driver in a more concise manner. As for the rest of the cabin, panel work with a black metallic finish adds to the more modern feel and aims to give the car a more 'premium' look too.
Mechanicals
The biggest news here is the combination of the 2.0-litre diesel engine with the Lineartronic CVT (automatic) gearbox for the first time. Subaru claims that this continuously variable transmission helps to improve on fuel economy and emissions and expects it to be a popular choice amongst buyers. Quoted fuel economy figures of 44.8mpg won't do it any harm either. Given the Outback's roots, all-wheel drive does of course remain a feature on all models, and in the case of cars fitted with the Lineartronic gearbox, a centre differential with viscous limited slip differential is present.
Anything else?
Subaru has also introduced a new trim level - SX. This includes a good level of standard equipment that includes a leather-trimmed multi-function steering wheel, Bluetooth connectivity, USB input for the audio system and a reversing camera with a display screen on the centre display. Prices will start at £29,995 for the SX in manual, while the Lineartronic will be priced from £31,495.
Dave Humphreys - 3 Oct 2013