An all-new version of New Zealand’s most popular Subaru model – the Outback – is in showrooms now – and Subaru of New Zealand’s Managing Director, Wallis Dumper reckons it is just what your local doctor, dentist or other suitably well-heeled yet independently-minded professional will be looking for in a new car in Aotearoa/NZ in 2021 and beyond.
“Outback has outperformed all other Subaru SUV models over the bulk of the last 25 years in New Zealand and we expect the evolution of our largest model will continue this momentum.
“Subaru has made a conscious decision to take the Outback considerably upmarket, confirming its status as the flagship in the Subaru range. In fact, this entirely new Outback is fondly referred to as the greatest Outback of all time. It’s certainly the biggest, safest, most technologically advanced and luxurious Outback ever!
“The aggressive, rugged design, along with the suite of luxury features, technology, infotainment and safety inherent in every Outback will only add to its rock-solid reputation for value and whole-of-life costs,” Dumper says.
The simplified three-variant range features the Outback, Outback X and Outback Touring, with Subaru’s Symmetrical All Wheel Drive remaining standard across all models.
The entry level Outback variant is considerably ‘spec’ed-up’ and adds an array of features in comparison to its predecessor.
The MY21 Outback includes:
• A 90 percent new Direct Injection 2.5 litre Boxer engine producing more power (now 138kW) and more torque (245Nm).
• Best-ever Outback braked towing capacity - 2,000 kilograms.
• Largest Outback cabin to date - with key interior dimensions increased thanks to a longer wheelbase and larger, wider-opening cargo area.
• High Definition 11.6” Touch screen head unit infotainment system - centralising and simplifying many controls, with vertical orientation allowing intuitive operation similar to a smartphone or tablet.
• Refined Subaru Lineartronic. Transmission (SLT) – Paddleshift with 8-speed manual mode.
• Dual function X-MODE - peace-of-mind on unsealed surfaces is enhanced by offering set-and-forget throttle control in mud, snow and steep unsealed surfaces - for even more fun driving in the rougher stuff.
• Fourth generation EyeSight Driver Assist system – with multiple new features.
• Driver Monitoring System – uses facial recognition technology to help monitor and ensure attentiveness behind the wheel (first launched in the 2019 Forester).
• First Subaru specifically designed to withstand collision impacts under new Mobile Progressive Deformable Barrier (MPDB) testing.
Outback will have a Recommended Retail Price of $49,990.
The new mid-range Outback X adds multiple features to the Outback specification, including:
• Heated front seats.
• Heated rear outboard seats.
• Hands-free powered tailgate with memory height function.
• Black exterior highlights (exclusive to the Outback X variant).
• Roof rails with green highlights.
• Satellite navigation.
Outback X will have a Recommended Retail Price of $54,990.
Finally the range-topping Outback Touring builds further on Outback X specification, by including:
• Nappa leather accented seat upholstery.
• Nine Harman Kardon speakers, subwoofer and amplifier.
• Electric sunroof.
• Heated steering wheel.
• Silver roof rails, with integrated stowable cross bars.
Outback Touring will have a Recommended Retail Price of $57,490.
