Outback continues an off-road legacy I
F you want four wheel drive and plenty of space but don’t want to follow the SUV herd then here is the car for you.
Comprehensively revised for 2018, Subaru’s flagship has been with us in various versions since 1994. The Outback has come a long way since then.
The first model was based on the second generation of the superpractical Subaru Legacy, and was an instant hit.
Before the Legacy, however, the Outback’s roots can be traced to the 1972 Subaru Leone, the world’s first mass-produced all-wheel drive vehicle and one that was remarkably capable in the toughest conditions, on and off-road.
It was the world’s first crossover, combining the benefits of a passenger estate car with the allroad capabilities of an SUV and the latest version takes those strengths even further.
Subaru say they looked to build on the Outback’s reputation as a vehicle that can go anywhere and do anything. It offers space and practicality, world-class safety and all-conditions and all-terrain versatility.
Brought right up to date with improved tech, interior materials and new safety features,the Outback now also features a redesigned and upgraded interior with enhanced technology - including Lane Keep Assist and a new multifunction touch screen - plus a redesigned exterior featuring front and side view cameras.
EyeSight is Subaru’s advanced driver assist technology, which acts as a second pair of eyes for the driver. In the UK, the 5th generation Outback was the first model to be fitted with EyeSight followed by Levorg in early 2017 and Forester in Autumn 2017. This new model introduces Lane Keep Assist, bringing the full range of EyeSight functionality to the Outback.
The institute for Traffic Accident Research and Data Analysis in Japan produced a study of Subaru vehicles involved in accidents from 2010 to 2014 and found that there were 61 per cent fewer accidents involving EyeSight equipped cars versus cars without the system. Globally, the milestone of 1 million EyeSightequipped vehicles on the road was reached in 2016.
EyeSight uses two stereo cameras to capture three-dimensional colour images with excellent image recognition, and, say Subaru, is nearly as capable as the human eye. EyeSight can recognise vehicles, motorbikes, bicycles, pedestrians and lane markings. It is more accurate than traditional camera and sensor technologies as it can distinguish objects.
A camera is mounted either side of the rear-view mirror to monitor the road for potential hazards up to 110 metres ahead. Depending on the vehicle’s speed, accidents can either be completely avoided or the severity significantly reduced.
In addition to EyeSight, Outback is fitted with a host of safety systems to aid the driver with everyday manoeuvres. These include High Beam Assist and steering responsive headlights, Rear Vehicle Detection, Blind Spot Monitoring, Lane Change Assist and Rear Cross Traffic Alert.
For off road use the Outback has X-Mode and Hill Descent control and those new side view cameras mounted below the door mirrors added to the front and rear view monitors. And then there is Subaru’s legendary symmetrical all-wheel drive linked to that excellent 2.5-litre lightweight aluminium alloy petrol Boxer engine, which produces a shade over 170bhp.
Performance-wise the Outback can get to 62 in 10.2 seconds and hit 123mph while returning an average of over 38mpg - not bad for what is quite a large car. All versions are automatic with Subaru’s Lineartronic Transmission, which means continuously variable transmission - no gear changes but the revs and engine noise can rise under hard acceleration.
Subaru say the Outback’s main competitors are the Volvo V90, Skoda Superb Estate, VW Passat Alltrack and Audi A6 Allroad Quattro - all more expensive than the Subaru’s £33,000 on the road price (SE Premium specification - £28,825 for the SE) so I expect we will be seeing quite a few on our roads in the coming months.
More information at www.subaru. co.uk ASTON Martin have confirmed a raft of technical details for their limited, 155-unit special edition first all-electric production car - the Rapide E .
Working with Williams Advanced Engineering, Aston Martin has said the Rapide E will be powered by an 800V battery pack with a 65kWh capacity.
The power train is mounted where the original 6.0-litre V12, its gearbox and fuel tank were located (see diagram above). The battery system powers two rear mounted electric motors producing a combined target output of just over 610PS and a colossal 950Nm of torque.
Rapide E’s fully-charged range target is over 200 miles, while the model is capable of rapid charging.
Being an Aston Martin, the Rapide E is also being developed for highperformance. Projected top speed for the rear wheel drive sports car is 155mph, with a sub-4.0sec 0-60mph time and a 50-70mph time of just 1.5sec.
Built in the UK, prices for the Rapide E are yet to be confirmed.