Subaru Outback AWD

2001 August: Subaru announced mid term improvements to the Outback 4x4 range for the 2002 model year (which seems to start earlier each calendar year). Side airbags are new to the H6 (i.e. flat-6), right.

Engine refinements such as dual mass flywheel, a new oil pump, and new piston rings reduce vibration and friction. The H6's Vehicle Dynamic Control can be turned off, e.g. for heavy snow. The rear suspension has been strengthened and the geometry slightly altered.

The range, 4-cyl and H6, get aluminium bonnets (lighter), clear headlight lenses, and revised trim. All Outbacks now have an adjustable rear centre head-rest. The Outback limited gets a grey leather interior.

Prices: Manual $38,180, Ltd manual $42,480, auto' +$1,990, H6 auto' $51,990 ($au 8/2001).

2000 October: The Subaru Outback H6, with a three litre flat-6 engine (154kW, 282Nm), and first shown in Australia at the National 4x4 Show. Subaru has been hurting for some time for the lack of an engine bigger a 2+/-litre four in its top Liberty and Outback models, until now. Price: from $52K ($au). Subaru has previously offered one six cylinder engine, a 3.3 litre in the SVX, until December 1996.

Subaru remains true to its flat, boxer engine layout but `H6' is arguably incorrect: BRM built a true H engine, an H16, when the 3-litre formula one era began by joining two 1.5 litre V8s back to back with geared crank-shafts.

The EZ30 flat 6 is only 20mm longer, and 40kg heavier, than Subaru's 2.5 litre flat 4 by virtue of smaller bore and closer cylinder spacing.

The H6 comes with ABS and with Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC), Subaru's version of electronic stability programme - electronic brake and engine control working against skids.

Manufacturer's data:

• Outback H6, station wagon, 5-seats, 5-doors, dual front airbags, AWD, ABS, VDC
• loa: 4720mm, width: 1745mm, height: 1590mm
• wheelbase: 2650mm, track: 1470mm/1465mm, grnd clearance: 200mm
• turning radius: 5.6m
• weight: 1582kg (unladen)
• EZ30, 2999cc, petrol 95 RON ULP, flat-6, 7 main bearings, mpfi, 4-valves/cyl, dohc chain driven
• bore: 89.2mm, stroke: 80.0mm, c.r.: 10.7
• power: 154kW at 6000rpm, torque: 282Nm at 4400rpm
• all wheel drive
• suspension: MacPherson strut/ multi-link, self levelling rear suspension, brakes: disc/disc ABS
• tyres: 215/60R16, fuel-tank: 64L
• standard: MOMO steering wheel, remote central locking, climate control, six stack CD, front fog lights, roof rails, dual sun-roof
• emmissions: Europe STEP3
• warranty: 3 year unlimited km
• price: $51,990 ($au 10/2000)
• rivals: Volvo V70 & XC

The flat-6 is a cosy fit. www.4wdonline.com/4WD.html

Head rests for all seats is a safety consideration. The spare wheel is beneath the rear load area floor.

2000 December: NRMA fuel consumptions tests, 2.5 litre, 4-cyl' Outback, 7.6L/100km highway, 10.3L/100km city, average 9.0L/100km.

2000 August: The Subaru Outback gets mid-term revisions in line with the Liberty that it is derived from.

Shared are the reinforced B-pillars, thicker front anti-roll bar (21mm, was 20mm), stronger suspension and other reinforcements (probably more relevant to the Outback than the Liberty).

The new audio system has radio, cassette tape player and CD player. Leather trim is available on the Outback Limited which also gets a six-CD stacker.

Prices: manual $37,180, automatic $39,050, Ltd manual $41,400, Ltd auto' $43,270 ($au).

2000 July: A Subaru Outback, one of six for use by the Ambulance Service of New South Wales as fast response vehicles. They are equipped with "full emergency response pack, including defibrillators, medical oxygen, drug and trauma kits." The Outbacks are based at "centres including Tamworth, Lismore, newcastle and Parramatta."

It seems that the service is evaluating "a Forester GT in Wollongong as a Paramedic Response Vehicle" and that it also has some Impreza RXs for administrative staff. The Victoria Police have 40+ Subarus - we've seen some, e.g. on the roads to the ski fields, but no I wasn't speeding ociffer.

1999, August: Subaru reports minor improvements to the Outback 4x4 (and other cars in their range) for the 1999/2000 model year. Both the `Outback' and the `Outback Limited' "get intermittent wipers and [a] pollen filter". The Limited also gets some leather trim. Prices are unchanged.

1998, October: The new Subaru Outback went on sale (24/10/98) with the new Liberty, it being the more rugged sibling of the latter. They share 2 litre (92kW at 5600rpm, 184Nm at 3600rpm) and 2.5 litre (115kW at 5600rpm, 223Nm at 3600rpm) flat-4 engines in Subaru tradition. The Outback's 200mm ground clearance comes from raised suspension and 16" wheels with "aggressive tyres". It also has a second low(er) range of gears for offroad use.

Standard features include power steering, electric windows, climate control air conditioning, cruise control, CD player and remote central locking. The Outback Limited also has leather upholstery, CD stacker and self levelling suspension.

Outback prices start at $37,490, 10/1998 --> the Limited from $41,940 ($au '98).
Competitors: Land Rover Freelander, Volvo V70 XC (except for the price).

Go to the 1998 and Subaru pages