Take the new Subaru Outback for a spin

Subaru’s shining star of domestic bliss returns to centre stage with a new look.

The Subaru Outback debuts this month with a refreshed look, punchier engine performance and host of new features.

The new look includes a revised grille and bumper design and wing mirrors designed to improve aerodynamics and reduce wind noise. Two new colours, a deep red and a green, have been added to the palette and the wheels have been changed across the range.

Despite the upgrades, the entry level 2.5i model maintains the same starting price of $36,240.

Inside, Subaru has remodelled the centre touchscreen to look like a tablet, which complements the addition of Apple Carplay/android Auto smartphone mirroring. The infotainment will also hook up to Spotify, iheartradio and Tunein.

More expensive models get adaptive headlights that peer around corners and automatically dim the high-beam.

The main focus of the update is safety. Images from new front-view and side-view monitors are displayed on the centre screen, improving vision at intersections and when parking.

Subaru has also improved the effectiveness of its driver assistance technology, adding lane keep assist with steering inputs and enhancing the existing pedestrian avoidance, adaptive cruise control and automated emergency braking.

Engine and transmission changes are limited to the 2.5-litre engine and continuously variable transmission. Subaru’s changes make the CVT more responsive and the engine quieter yet more snappy.