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Weekend roadtest : Subaru Outback 3.6 R Auto
publication date: Mar 20, 2010
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author/source: Robin Roberts
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Subaru has an ability to be ahead of the game.
Three decades ago when 4x4 was the preserve of farmers or great
landowners who ran ancient Landies or ruled the off-road in Range
Rovers, a small Japanese company dared to be different.
That was
Subaru, whose comparatively diminutive Estate was given a fairly simple
but non-the-less effective all wheel drive ability. What it lacked in
ground clearance it more than made up for in price and practicality.
It
would take two bales of hay, a small calf or a few sheep and thanks to
its simple but rugged construction it also lasted very well and as a
result was an favourite of the marginal farming movement. For the
serious country dweller there was also the Subaru pickup which had the
same powertrain but an open back for even more bales or livestock.
Subaru’s
success was envied by competitors and they quickly moved in with more
stylish alternatives, but at a price. Subaru responded with its range
of larger and plusher estates, but it lost the advantage it once
enjoyed and found new fame in building World Rally Championship 4x4
cars.
But their expertise with 4x4 continued and in 1996 it launched
the original Outback cross-over which has now morphed into the fourth
generation and it can still teach rivals a thing or two.
The large
beefy horizontally-opposed engine packs a strong punch from low revs,
pulls without hesitation and is very smooth. Now with a five-speed
automatic box to hand in the range topping 3.6 R, it provides seamless
changes and has good ratios for towing while giving good fuel economy
when used alone.
Steering is very well balanced between assistance
and ability to let the driver know where the wheels are pointing, and
the turning circle is compact.
I really liked the powerful brakes
underfoot and the way they hauled down speed without much effort while
the parking brake securely held it on a test slope.
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Secondary
controls are scattered around the column, fascia and console and need
familiarisation but they all work well and the instruments are big and
clear.
Heating and ventilation with climate control is
straightforward and effective, with powered windows and standard
electric roof to back them up and the oddments space throughout the
cabin is very accommodating. | |  | | | | |
The feature which caused most comment
was the amount of room inside the Outback. It had wide opening doors
and inside the leather seats were well padded and shaped for comfort
but in addition you never felt cramped or compromised by the needs of
others. Load space rose from 526 to 1677 litres and is a sensible shape
with low access.
The roominess and the ride quality are well matched
because some 4x4 estates can be hard with an emphasis on sharp
handling, but the Outback is surprisingly compliant and yet capable of
being driven enthusiastically.
Visibility is good as well with
slim roof pillars, big windows, very powerful turning headlights and
efficient wipers front and back. A reversing camera is also standard on
the R-spec.
As suggested earlier, the performance is good for a car
weighing nearly 1590 kilos but you know you were pressing on by the
busy engine note at higher revolutions.
| The Subaru Outback is first
and foremost an estate car with the added advantage of a good simple
all-wheel-drive transmission which gives excellent grip on winter roads
and in mild off-road situations.
It may not be first on your list
of possible cars in this sector but once you drive it, the chances are
it will also be your last as you write out a cheque to buy it. |  |
| | | FAST FACTS Subaru Outback 3.6 R Auto | Price: £33,995 | | | | | Mechanical: 260ps 6-cyl 3,630cc, 5sp auto | | | Max speed: 140mph | 0-62mph: 7.5sec | | Combined mpg: 28mpg | Insurance group: 15 | | CO2 emissions: 232gkm | BIK rating: 34pc | | Warranty: 3yrs/ 60k | ©Robin Roberts |
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