SUBARU OUTBACK FIELD

Now in its sixth generation, the allnew Outback is built on Subaru’s new global platform, has a new exterior and a newly designed interior. Under the bonnet sits a heavily reworked version of the firm’s naturally aspirated 2.5-litre four-cylinder Boxer petrol engine that’s bolted to a standard CVT, and of course, permanent four-wheel drive.

During my week with the new Outback I went through two tanks of fuel, which either means it’s ridiculously thirsty, or I drove a lot of miles very quickly. It was the latter.

That said, the highest mpg I got was 36mpg on a steady return run to Hull, and around 28mpg during a couple of spirited drives around north Yorkshire.

It may not be the smoothest engine around, but the new Boxer engine is certainly responsive and fun, though like all Subarus of late, the Outback comes with a CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission), that previously took the aforementioned fun out of a spirited drive. There’s no doubt that it’s smooth, but plant your foot and it’ll rise to unnecessarily high revs with quite a howl! I have to admit that this version does feel a lot more responsive than previous models, and for added control it comes with steering wheel-mounted flappy paddles.

When it comes to handling, you can’t compare it to the likes of the AWD Superb and so on as the Outback is meant for different purposes, but even with high ground clearance and 18” tyres, it handles the corners well, considering. Of course, standard four-wheel drive and integral torque-vectoring function provides plenty of grip and immense levels of traction on whatever type of surface you find yourself on.

Around town and on the usual commute, the Outback did an amazing job of levelling out speed bumps and potholes, in fact it felt a lot smoother than the Discovery 5 I had the week after.

There isn’t much in the way of road noise either, even with large door mirrors and roof rails.

Prod the dominant 11.6” portrait-oriented display screen and you’ll find two 4WD options; Mud and Snow and Deep Mud and Snow. During my week I found neither mud or snow, sadly.

If you’ve never taken a Subaru off-road or green laning then you should, it’ll take you further than you’ll ever expect it to.

Due to time constraints and other inconveniences, like my other job that pays the bills, I didn’t give the Outback a ‘real’ test, but I did manage a few lanes around north Yorkshire.

Thinking back, the only problem I’ve ever had with previous Subarus was their narrow front seats, though putting that into perspective, I’m 6ft 2” and around 19 stone. I’m happy to report that this latest incarnation now has wider seats, specially for lard-arses like me!

Once you’re comfortable, which is easy as all trim levels get an electrically adjustable driver’s seat, visibility in all directions is excellent. This is due to the Outback’s elevated driving position, large expanse of glass and slim pillars.

As I mentioned earlier, the 11.6” portrait-oriented display screen is quite dominant, yet thankfully very straight forward to use as there are no hidden complicated menus to contend with. VAG, take note.

Overall fit and finish is excellent with a decent amount of quality materials being used, and I particularly appreciate the analogue instruments that other motoring writers may feel as ‘outdated’.

Whether you’re sat in the front or back, there’s huge amounts of leg, shoulder and headroom available, even for the tallest and lankiest of passengers. For added comfort the rear seatbacks can be reclined.

The boot is cavernous, and using handles next to the tailgate, the 60/40 split rear seats fold completely flat, and together with a lack of ‘lip’, you can easily slide luggage, furniture and even hey bales into the back without any hassle. If you decide not to opt for a full-size spare wheel there’s also a lot of underfloor storage, but from experience I personally wouldn’t recommend that.

Subaru’s EyeSight Driver Assist Technology is the culmination of everything Subaru engineers know about safety, from advanced adaptive cruise control, lane assist, pre-collision braking and throttle control. It even recognises when you’re distracted and not looking at road ahead! With that in mind, it’s no surprise that it’s passed the latest and most stringent Euro NCAP crash test with five stars.

While some rivals offer a variety of engines and gearboxes, the Subaru keeps it simple with just one option: a 167bhp 2.5-litre petrol with a CVT automatic gearbox.

I thoroughly enjoyed my week with the Outback, and as I muttered at the beginning, there maybe better handling and quicker AWD estates on the market, but the Outback is for the adventurous types amongst us and those of us who require decent ground clearance, yet are put off by the thought of a traditional 4x4. I’d love to get my hands on one for a long term test, and if Muddy Madam wanted one as her personal transport, I’d be more than happy.

So if you're looking for genuine all-weather and all-terrain AWD estate with tonnes of safety technology and practical interior, then look no further.

prices: Limited - £33,995 Field - £37,995 Touring - £39,495

more at » https://subaru.co.uk