Weekend roadtest : Subaru Outback 3.6 R Auto

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.

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.

It carries almost 1700 litres behind front seats


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*