One of Subaru’s most popular models—the new Outback—has finally been introduced by TC Subaru in Malaysia. The award-winning crossover has a starting price of RM280,390 and was originally previewed in Malaysia over a year ago. The new model offers two versions, the 2.5i Touring EyeSight and the 2.4 XT Touring EyeSight.
Standard exterior features include Automatic LED headlights, LED taillights, LED daytime running lights (DRLs), A steering-sensitive headlights, Reverse auto-tilt side mirrors, automatic wipers, Roof rails finished in black, 18-inch dark grey alloy wheels, Body-coloured side mirrors, Body-coloured door handles, Body-coloured shark fin antenna
Sitting on the Subaru Global Platform, the Outback has two different powertrain options, depending on the variant. While both variants come with Subaru’s signature Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system, the fact that neither model offers any kind of electrification (no hybrids!) Seems a little behind the times. For the adventurous drivers out there, the car boasts 213 mm of ground clearance and dual-function X-Mode, the latter offering Snow/Dirt, Deep Snow/Mud and Normal off-roading modes to choose from.
The Outback 2.5i-Touring EyeSight is powered by a 2.5-litre, 4-cylinder, naturally-aspirated horizontally-opposed, petrol engine with an 8-speed Lineartronic CVT. The SUV generates 169 hp and 252 Nm, and is capable of accelerating from 0-100 km/h in 9.6 seconds while boasting a top speed of 206 km/h.
Meanwhile the Outback 2.4 XT Touring EyeSight has a 2.4-litre, 4-cylinder, turbocharged horizontally-opposed, petrol power unit pumping out 249 hp and 350Nm of torque. That allows the crossover to sprint from zero to 100km/h in under 7.5 seconds and hit a top speed of 221 km/h.
Inside, both variants are fitted with Nappa leather upholstery, paddle shifters, SI-Drive (Subaru Intelligent Drive), driver’s multi-information display, voice command, Harmon Kardon sound system with 11-speakers and a subwoofer, 11.6-inch infotainment display with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, 10-way electrical adjustment driver’s seat, 8-way electrical adjustment front passenger seat, and dual-zone automatic climate control.
With the brand known for its industry-leading safety levels, the Outback comes standard with Subaru’s EyeSight Driver Assist Technology, this time with EyeSight 4.0 that still uses dual cameras but has a wider field of view and are mounted closer to the windshield. The car also employs adaptive cruise control (ACC), lane departure warning (LDW), lane sway warning, lane centring function, lane vehicle start alert, lane keep assist, emergency Stop Signal (ESS), pre-collision throttle management, speed sign recognition, intelligent speed limiter, autonomous emergency steering and a Driver Monitoring System (DMS).
CARLIST THOUGHTS
The Outback is a solid, off-road proven performer with some of the best safety and features in its class. But the fact that no hybrids are offered seems like a letdown to many buyers looking for better mileage. Why? Because the boxer engines are thirstier than most rival SUVs.