Subaru launches 2015 Subaru Outback and slashes prices by up to $10,000. Exterior and interior is refreshed, new safety and all-terrain technology included.

THE SUBARU OUTBACK has long been a favourite amongst those who like to feel the dirt between their toes. Its owners are a loyal breed with most ignoring all other makes and simply trading from one Subaru to the next. Enter the 2015 Subaru Outback.

While all Subaru models achieve a five-star ANCAP rating the new Outback carries the title of being the safest Subaru ever having recently scored 35.99 out of a maximum possible 37 in ANCAP testing to achieve its five-star rating.

Beyond being safer, the new Outback’s range of engines sees fuel consumption drops of between 5-8.8%. Subaru claims aerodynamic efficiencies and a new active grille shutter (on Outback 2.5i) have helped to lower fuel consumption across the model range.

The new Outback also receives Subaru’s X-Mode which made its debut on the latest-generation Forester and is designed to ensure maximum traction and control on steep hills (up and down). When X Mode is activated (it’s only available on CVT-equipped models) via a button ahead of the gear selector. Once engaged, at up to 40km/h or less, key systems, like the Engine Control Unit (ECU), Traction Control Unit (TCU), Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC), and Hill Descent Control (HDC) are tweaked to provide maximum drivability in low-grip situations. Hill Descent Control works at up to 20km/h or less, and can be adjusted up or down in 5km/h increments via a press of either the throttle pedal or the brakes. Here’s how it works:

ECU – dedicated torque map setting – improves control
• In low load range, sudden torque fluctuation is avoided with late throttle opening, improving drivability.
• In high load range, maximum torque is rapidly achieved with quick throttle, improving drivability on rough roads.
• Effective at 40 km/h or less.

TCU – Dedicated AWD control – improves traction
• AWD clutch-locking power increased by 25 per cent, reducing rotational differences between front and rear wheels in all situations, improving traction.
• Effective at 40 km/h or less.

TCU – Dedicated transmission control – improves control
• Maximises driving power by setting the gear ratio low and turning off the lock-up.
• Effective at 40 km/h or less.

VDC – Strengthened LSD control – improves traction
• Traction improved on slippery roads by setting a dedicated control for rotational differences between left and right wheels. Quickens brake pressurization speed when wheel rotation differences occur; delays brake depressurization when wheel rotation converges.
• Effective at 40 km/h or less.

VDC – Hill Descent Control – improves control
• Brake control is performed to maintain vehicle speed when accelerating or ceasing braking, when descending a steep downhill.
• Lets the driver concentrate on steering without having to brake.
• Effective at 20 km/h or less.

As you might have noticed from the pictures, the Subaru Outback gets a refreshed interior and exterior. Beyond the cosmetics, the new Outback has seen the A-pillar move forward (by 50mm) and the side mirrors mounted onto the door and front quarter windows added to improve forward visibility. And, in both the front and back, there’s more room with front seat shoulder and elbow room increased by 42 and 43mm, respectively.

In the back there’s an extra 30mm of rear legroom thanks to an altering of the front seat slide rails. And bootspace is up by 22 litres to 512 litres with the rear seats in place; the tonneau cover has been raised from 387mm from the floor to 407mm.

In terms of the engines, Outback is offered with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder Boxer petrol engine producing 129kW (at 5800rpm) and 235Nm of torque (at 4000rpm); a 3.6-litre six-cylinder Boxer petrol engine making 191kW (at 6000rpm) and 350Nm (at 4000rpm); and a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged Boxer diesel engine making 110kW (at 3600rpm) and 350Nm of torque (at 1600-2800rpm). All models are offered with the choice of either a CVT or six-speed manual, the Outback 3.6R gets a CVT only.

Beyond more efficient engines, a refreshed interior and exterior and more features, the 2015 Outback has seen price cuts on all models ranging from $2000 up to $10,000.

2015 Subaru Outback prices:
Outback 2.5i CVT $35,990+ORC (-$3000)
Outback 2.5i Premium CVT $41,490+ORC (-$2000)
Outback 2.0D manual $35,490+ORC (-$5000)
Outback 2.0D CVT $37,490+ORC (-$5500)
Outback 2.0D Premium manual $41,490+ORC (-$2000)
Outback 2.0D Premium CVT $43,490+ORC (-$2500)
Outback 3.6R $47,990+ORC (-$10,000)

2015 Subaru Outback Model Details:

Outback 2.5i CVT – $35,990+ORC

Safety
• ABS anti-lock brakes with four-wheel discs and Electronic Brakeforce
• Distribution (EBD)
• Brake Assist
• Child seat anchor points – ISOFIX
• Curtain airbags – full length
• Driver’s knee airbag
• Dual front airbags
• Dual front side airbags
• EyeSight driver assist system
• Fog lights – front
• Front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters.
• Hill holder
• Rear door child lock
• Reversing camera
• Seatbelt indicator lights – all seats
• Side intrusion bars
• Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive
• Three-point A/ELR rear centre seatbelt
• Vehicle Dynamics Control electronic stability program
• X-Mode

Interior

• Bluetooth/MP3/WMA/AUX/CD/voice command compatible six-speaker audio
• touchscreen system
• Climate control air conditioning – dual zone, with rear vents
• Cargo area light
• Cargo security blind
• Cup holders
• Electric parking brake
• Height and reach adjustable steering column
• Height adjustable driver’s seat
• Immobiliser security system
• Leather trim gear shift
• Map lights (2)
• Leather steering wheel with audio, Multi-Function Display and cruise control
• buttons
• Multi-information display
• Paddle shift gear change
• Power steering, mirrors and windows
• Rain sensing auto windscreen wipers
• Rear air vents48
• Rear seats auto fold function
• Rear seats recline function
• Remote central locking
• Remote fuel lid release
• Seatback storage pockets
• Silver interior trim highlights
• Two remote central locking keys
• Vanity mirrors
• 60/40 split/fold rear seat

Exterior

• 18-inch alloy wheels – full-sized alloy spare
• 213 mm ground clearance
• Chrome-surround grille
• Colour-coded mirrors and door handles
• Headlights auto off – dusk sensing
• Light sensing headlights – auto on/off
• Privacy glass (rear)
• Rain sensing wipers
• Rear roof spoiler
• Rear wiper
• Roof rails with integrated crossbars
• Silver under guards

Other features

• Active grille shutter
• Auto Stop-Start
• Auto tailgate unlock
• Cruise control – adaptive option with EyeSight
• DataDot security technology
• Electronic throttle control
• EURO 6 compliant
• Lineartronic Continuously Variable Transmission
• SI-Drive (two-mode)
• Three-year unlimited kilometre warranty
• 2.5 litre DOHC horizontally opposed boxer engine – 129 Kilowatts of power at
• 5800 rpm and 235 Newtonmetres of torque at 4000 rpm.

Outback 2.5i Premium CVT – $41,490+ORC:
• Electric adjustable driver and front passenger seat – driver’s lumbar support
• Electric sunroof
• Enhanced infotainment system
• Folding mirrors – powered and heated
• Front wiper de-icer
• Heated front seats
• Keyless entry49
• Leather trim
• LED low beam headlights with washers
• Piano black trim highlights
• Powered cargo door with memory function
• Push button start
• Satellite navigation – factory-fitted, with Pandora
• SI-Drive
• Smart key
• Wheel arch cladding – front and rear guards

Outback 2.0D – From $35,490+ORC adds to 2.5i spec:
• 2.0 litre turbocharged diesel horizontally opposed Boxer engine – 110 Kilowatts
• of power at 3600 rpm and 350 Newtonmetres of torque from 1600-2800 rpm
• Engine cover

*Does not include: Auto Stop-Start, EyeSight, SI-Drive, X-Mode on 2.0D manual, blue gauge illumination; substitutes 17-inch alloy wheels and different cloth trim
pattern.

Outback 2.0D Premium – From $41,490+ORC:
• 18-inch alloy wheels
• Electric sunroof
• Folding mirrors – powered and heated
• Front wiper de-icer
• Heated front seats
• Keyless entry
• Leather trim
• LED low beam headlights with washers
• Light sensing headlights – auto on/off
• Piano black trim highlights
• Powered cargo door
• Power driver’s and front passenger seat – driver lumbar support
• Push button start
• Satellite navigation – factory-fitted, with Pandora
• Smart key
• Wheel arch cladding – front and rear guards
• X-Mode (CVT-only)

Outback 3.6R – From $47,990 +ORC – adds to 2.5i Premium spec:
• Chrome side sill garnish
• Engine cover
• harman/kardon 12-speaker sound system – with sub-woofer
• Silver roof rails
• Six-cylinder 3.6-litre engine produces 191 kW of power at 6000 rpm and 350 Nm
• at 4400 rpm
• Three-mode SI-Drive 50
*Does not include Auto Stop Start; EURO5 compliant