Driving report: Subaru Outback

Staying true to yourself without looking old-fashioned or stubborn, not everyone succeeds by far. In automobiles, too, the fashionable is often valued more highly and implemented more quickly than that proven virtues are preserved and only improved. But there are also notable exceptions. 

Hand on heart: Everyone in their circle of friends still has at least one copy of the “good buddy” type. This is this guy who still smokes homemade rolls, drinks (a lot) beer instead of wine and with whom you would rather hang out in the old currywurst snack bar around the corner instead of showing him the latest high-class Italian in the city center. In the past, his parents didn't find him too tingling - today his partner. But if you had to go on a trip around the world with someone, or even just on a camping weekend in the Eifel - you would not hesitate for a moment who would be the only one in question. 

You always had to imagine the outback to be something like this buddy: edgy, honest, doesn't want to please everyone, but is a friend for life. This has been the case since its first edition almost 25 years ago. And that's no different in the sixth generation that Subaru has now introduced. Of course, the SUV is more modern and better than its predecessor in many respects. But at the core he has remained true to himself - so still the “beer instead of wine” type. It is also a matter of honor that you don't look at a friend's money. The friendship has to be worth at least 40.000 euros, but there is the well-equipped version called "Edition Trend 40", which is only available for market launch, which alludes to the 40th anniversary of the brand in Germany. The actual entry-level version “Trend” then starts at just under 41.000 euros. In the highest of the five equipment levels (Platinum), the Outback costs just under 46.000 euros and then has everything you need on board.

Like all of us, the outback has changed over time. The new model, for example, looks significantly more stately than its predecessor, but unlike us, for example, it is more fitter. In length it has increased by 5 centimeters to 4,87 meters and in width by 4 centimeters to 1,88 meters. There are also distinctive wheel arches, black side panels and underrun protection at the front and rear, as well as plenty of ground clearance. Insignia of a real off-road vehicle, which of course also includes permanent all-wheel drive. On the other hand, the side line with the sloping roof looks more elegant. And that the Outback can also be really chic, he wants to underline with the shiny black radiator grille.

Much more important than that for the typical customer of this model, however, is the space available. This continues to be extremely generous in all seats, the trunk has even become larger and now holds 561 liters. If you have bigger plans, you can expand the load space to up to 1.822 liters by folding down the rear seat backrests. 

Perhaps the biggest leap forward is the new generation of the Outback with the control and infotainment system. In the now much higher-quality interior there is an 11,6-inch touchscreen in trendy portrait format, which can be used to control the automatic air conditioning as well as the infotainment, connectivity and all the assistance systems available in abundance. New in the package of the improved "Eyesight" safety system is the ability to avoid and avoid obstacles. Operation: simple and logical. The digital instrument display is new, for a conservative and rather cautious brand like Subaru, together with the now much more modern and technical ambience, a big step forward. 

However, that cannot be said of the drive. In the outback, a 2,5-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine is still used, which, according to Subaru, “was 90 percent newly developed”, but still dispenses with new-fangled stuff such as turbo support or even the mildest form of electrical support. In favor of a higher maximum torque, plus 17 to 252 Nm, the unit has an output of 169 HP even 6 HP less than its predecessor. 

Even the driving values ​​of 10,2 seconds for the standard sprint and 193 km / h top speed indicate that Subaru prefers to be cautious about this vehicle with an unladen weight of almost 1,7 tons. The WLTP standard consumption of 8,6 liters is quite high, but since the entire vehicle invites you to drive more comfortably, we at least came close to achieving this on the test drive. 

In addition, the usual Subaru design of the engine in boxer form has the advantage of relatively smooth running, and the noise comfort on the motorway is exemplary. The automatic preferred by Subaru in the form of a CVT transmission has again been significantly improved. The so-called Lineartronic actually transfers the engine power to the wheels steplessly, but eight speed levels have been programmed in order to give drivers in this country the feeling of a "normal" automatic. However, this only partially succeeds, in comparison to a converter, a CVT transmission still falls short of the demands of European drivers, the howling when you step on the accelerator has still not completely disappeared.

Even if the Outback has improved visually, in terms of connectivity and infotainment or even in the assistance systems, compared to its predecessor, it remains an SUV for a relatively special clientele, which on the one hand has the classic combination of boxer engine, continuously variable transmission and permanent all-wheel drive as well as appreciating a trailer load of up to 2 tons and, on the other hand, cultivating a relaxed driving style far from any dynamic requirement. For such drivers, the top model from Subaru is a real alternative to the mainstream, especially since the workmanship again promises longevity (5 year guarantee). The new Outback also has all the facilities to become a real buddy. But as I said, one of the “beer instead of wine” type. you already know

Technical data:

Five-seater, five-door SUV of the upper mid-range; Length: 4,87 meters, width: 1,88 meters, height: 1,68 meters, wheelbase: 2,75 meters, trunk volume: 561 - 1.822 liters

2,5 liter gasoline engine; 124 kW / 169 PS, maximum torque: 252 Nm at 3.800 rpm, CVT automatic transmission with 8 pre-programmed gears, 0-100 km / h: 10,2 s, Vmax: 193 km / h, standard consumption (WLTP): 8,6 , 193 liters, CO emissions: 6 g / km, emissions standard: Euro XNUMXd-ISC-FCM, efficiency class: C

Brief description:

Why: because I am planning the world tour - or even just a weekend tent in the Eifel
Why not: because in the end I prefer the noble Italian to the currywurst stall
What else: Toyota Land Cruiser, Ssangyong Rexton, Ford Edge, Kia Sorento
When does he come: from now on
What's next: maybe some electric support for the boxer

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