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Subaru Outback 2.0 D RE 2009 road test report

2.0 D RE 2009

The Outback is the flagship crossover model of the Subaru range and deservedly so. It’s a multi talented estate car with increased ride height, advanced symmetrical all wheel drive and now a fabulous 2.0 boxer diesel engine; the 1st of its kind and it is a masterpiece. It’s really hard to find fault with the outback, it’s superbly refined, smooth and unbelievably quiet on the move and has all the luxury and comfort you would ever need. No wonder even the petrol model found favour with country gentlemen. The only minor negatives are the bland looks and the slight pitch and roll from the chassis when being pushed.

Thanks to Eastwood Motors who provided the Subaru Outback for the Road Test Report.
Contact Martin Loughran at Eastwood Motors on (028) 9262 1293 or email info@eastwoodmotors.com

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Performance

The 2.0 boxer has transformed the car and has given it the mass appeal it needed. The boxer configuration ensures a lower centre of gravity, smoothness and a lower weight meaning 0 – 60 in less than 9 seconds and a top speed of 125 mph. Launching from zero is swift and wonderfully composed with a super slick 5 speed STi derived gearbox, better in feel than the 6 speed found in other models. The engine revs quickly to the limit and only makes itself heard on the run up through the gears with a fabulous boxer thrum. With 350 Ib/ft of torque from 1800 rpm it pulls strongly making over taking easy.

Ride & Handling

The outback is SMOOTH and a genuinely relaxing drive yet is actually takes bends very well with decent steering too. It soaks up bumps gracefully and has enough sporting bias to be entertaining and with the symmetrical all wheel drive underneath you, grip levels remain impressive. It’s 4x4 nature is exposed a little when the suspension wallows on changing cambers and the front end goes a little light at speed but it’s only minor. The Outback is surprisingly refined given the price; some more expensive rivals cannot tick all the boxes the outback can. At 60 or 70 mph you cannot hear anything bar a little wind noise; you could hear a pin drop from inside the cabin with barely any engine noise!

Build Quality & Reliability

The Outback is one of the best built from the Subaru range with heavier, soft touch plastics, higher quality trim and better feeling switchgear. It’s not perhaps BMW 5 series quality but the Outback certainly has that premium feel with the smell of the leather upholstery greeting you each time you climb in. The Electric glass roof is very swish too while Panel lines and paint are top notch. Overall the car feels plush compared to other Japanese cars. Reliability comes with the badge but being a new engine it’s hard to know at this point but with 40 years of engineering the Boxer configuration it shouldn’t give any problems.

Safety & Security

The Outback features driver and passenger airbags, curtain airbags and ‘Subaru Vehicle Dynamics Control’ to keep the 150 horses all in order; it works well reminding you with an occasional flicker on the dash to let you know it’s working on your behalf. The Outback has strong brakes with ABS and features shielded deadlocks and a Thatcham approved alarm system. The previous model managed 4 stars during NCAP testing but no figures have been released for this model as yet.

Space & Practicality

The RE model on test features a long glass roof that adds a sense of airiness to the cabin. As an estate it has a lot of useful space with a large rear load area that can be increased by folding the rear seats. The boot isn’t the biggest for an estate car compared to rivals but leg and headroom is generous; rear leg room is compromised if the driver is over 6’ tall. The Outback is happy to plod around your country estate counting pheasants as much as it is heading to the shops so it really is a do it all machine. The outback can even tow its own weight (1700kg) making it a very flexible and practical providing you don’t expect MPV space you will be very happy.

Ownership & Value

The Outback 2.0 d RE on test can be had for £24,485 with the additional ‘N’ specification costing £25,855. N spec gets you an electric passenger seat, a 2nd electric roof, chrome bits and a DVD sat nav system however even the RE spec is impressively equipped with leather upholstery inc momo steering wheel, electric driver’s seat, dual zone climate control, HID headlamps, 6 disc cd changer, electric roof... well electric everything. With the latest boxer diesel, buying a Subaru means fewer trips to the pump returning 47.9 MPG combined making this Subaru fantastic value for money. The thing the owner will appreciate most is just how the Outback drives and how easily it will merge into your lifestyle. With an impressive 153 grams of CO2 per km, tax is a reasonable £205 and the Outback sits in just insurance group 13 making it an affordable, fast and luxurious go anywhere estate.

Submitted: 10/09/2009 11:48:47

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