Outback continues an off-road legacy
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 fifth 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 brings 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 one million EyeSight-equipped 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 system 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