2018 Subaru Outback - 5 Things we love

Known for its performance cars in World Rally Championship (WRC), Subaru is quite popular in Malaysia. The Japanese brand has got a decent number of products in the local market to woo in customers.

The Subaru Outback is one of them. It is designed to provide a spacious interior, tonnes of boot space, and a prominent road presence with its large dimensions. Priced at RM 246,188, the new 2018 Subaru Outback has got a plethora of features to impress you. Here are five things about it that we love.

1- Boxer engine

Most of the vehicles in the world are powered by the conventional four-stroke internal combustion engines, but the Subaru Outback is different. It has been given a boxer engine, a 2.5-liter mill that has been tuned to produce a max power output of 175 PS at 5,800 rpm and generates 235 Nm of peak torque at 4,000 rpm.

A boxer engine has got a few advantages over other mill types. It has a horizontal layout with pistons 180 degrees apart, and a lower, flatter profile. This gives the car a lower centre of gravity and better balancing. The vibrations on this engine are fewer when compared to a similar capacity V-type or inline type engine.

Subaru has incorporated a boxer engine in the Outback to make it that more planted in the corners, considering the large dimensions of the vehicle. Subaru has also fine-tuned the engine to improve its mid-to low-range torque so you'll have more power when you need from a complete stop.

The Outback comes with Subaru’s efficient Lineartronic Continuously Variable Transmission, and combine it with the Symmetrical AWD system, you have a perfect combination of power, torque, and fuel efficiency.

2- Aesthetics

Subaru Outback has got a character of its own. Its large front end with a suitably sized grille with chrome slats (with active shutters) that houses the brand logo in the centre seems to suit the appearance of the car quite well. Then we have the new big LED headlights that wear the C-shaped LED daytime running lights as jewelry. The cladding all around the car gives it a sporty stance.

The side of the Outback is handled well by the roof rails and the new 18-inch alloy wheels that are covered by 225/60 profile tires. Moving to the rear of the car we are greeted by a large two-piece combination tail light. There is no chrome here, and you only get to have the brand’s badge on the tailgate.

3- Spacious interior

The interior of the Subaru Outback appears to be sporty yet simple at the same time. The quality of the materials is good. And you get an outstanding amount of space for all the occupants. There are enough leg- and head-room. The seats are very well made and contoured for excellent support. The rear seats can even be reclined for greater comfort on long distance drives.

The Outback comes with a large boot capacity. The floor on the new model has been made flatter so that you can comfortably accommodate more luggage. Plus, the 60/40 rear seat configuration allows you to haul large items and various passengers as needed.

4- Modern features

For a car of modern times, it has to have advanced features. Subaru has given the Outback many of them to keep the customers happy. The new 8-inch touchscreen infotainments have been installed in the centre of the dashboard. It features Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. It also has voice recognition capabilities. To further enhance the media experience, the Outback comes with Harman/Kardon’s latest technology, GreenEdge, the premium audio system with 12 speakers.

Other features include Keyless Access with Push-button Start System, steering mounted controls, USB Power Outlet (Front and Rear), rear AC vents, 8-way Power Adjustable Driver’s Seat (with Lumbar Support), paddle shifters, etc.

5- Safety features

The Subaru Outback boasts off its 5-star Euro NCAP safety rating (2014). Various elements helped Subaru to achieve this score. The Ring-shaped Reinforcement Frame of the Outback strengthens the passenger cabin from the roof to the doors, pillars, and floor. There are seven airbags (dual front, side, curtain and driver’s knee). Then there is the cabin-protecting layout which prevents the engine and gearbox moving into the cabin in case of a head-on collision.

The latest model of the Outback now features Subaru’s EyeSight safety feature. It uses two stereo cameras to capture three-dimensional color images with excellent recognition. This enabled Subaru to provide advanced safety features like Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Sway and Departure Warning, Lead Vehicle Start Alert, Pre-Collision Braking System, and Pre-Collision Throttle Management.

Apart from these, there are a few other safety nets such as Rear Vehicle Detection, High Beam Assist, Vehicle Dynamics Control System, Active Torque Vectoring, etc.

The new Subaru Outback is available in three new color options - Wilderness Green Metallic, Crimson Red Pearl, and Oak Brown Pearl. Subaru is also providing a five-year manufacturer warranty and free service labour package.