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2010 Subaru Outback: A vehicle perfect for 75 per cent of Canadians
JIM KENZIE FOR THE TORONTO STAR
The latest Outback wagon is $2,000 cheaper than its predecessor despite being faster, better equipped, roomier and more fuel efficient.
The Subaru Outback was not the first sport-utility wagon: How soon everyone forgets the American Motors Eagle.
The Outback followed exactly the same concept as the Eagle: take a handsome station wagon, jack it up a few inches, slide a four-wheel-drive system underneath, and Bob's Your Uncle.
But, as in comedy, timing is everything, and the world was just not ready for such brilliance in 1980.
Better late than never I guess, because in 1995 the Outback was an immediate hit.
It was nothing more than a Legacy wagon on steroids, but it was nothing less either – as is the fifth generation, which stays with the program.
There was an Outback sedan briefly a few years ago, but now only the wagon is offered, based as before on the Legacy, which has dropped its wagon body style. The theory is that the new lower pricing puts an Outback wagon within reach of almost anyone who would consider a Legacy wagon.
The new Outback gains all the improvements of the Legacy, although there are a few tweaks.
There is no base model: the lineup begins with the PZEV 2.5-litre four priced at $28,995, some $2,000 cheaper than before.
The 2.5i Sport starts at $31,795. In both cases, a six-speed manual is standard; the Lineartronic CVT is a $1,200 option on both (it is standard on the PZEV Legacy sedan).
As with Legacy, the 3.6-litre flat six with a five-speed automatic is the flagship, starting at $35,695.
Like the Legacy, the new Outback is considerably roomier, better-equipped, faster and gets significantly better fuel economy than before.
We tried a couple of powertrain combinations, a 2.5i Sport and a 3.6.
I'd opt for the 2.5 with continuously variable transmission (CVT). Performance isn't breathtaking, but this isn't a race car. The engine is smooth and quiet enough, and the CVT works well.
On the road you are aware of the extra height – marginally better visibility down the road is the plus; a higher centre of gravity is the minus.
The ride is firmer than in Legacy, which I didn't mind.
A short off-road-on-purpose course was laid on for us, and it's quite remarkable how agile it is, how much ground clearance there is, how sharp the approach and departure angles are in this vehicle.
Drive behind any Subaru, and all you see sticking down from the floor are the wheels. The automaker manages to tuck all the suspension, exhaust system, etc. up out of harm's way.
Contrast that to, for example, a Ford Escape/Mazda Tribute – I think my driveway would rip the lower control arms out of one of those things.
A full-time four-wheel-drive station wagon would seem to be the perfect vehicle for about 75 per cent of all Canadians. Roomy enough to be practical; small enough to be handy; tough; traction in all weather conditions; well-equipped; good fuel economy; decent performance; loads of features and good value.
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