Sporty AWD Outback is agile with great all-weather traction
More power to flat-4 and flat-6 engines is welcome
The
Subaru Outback is true to its stereotyping: a rugged, all-weather vehicle with oodles of traction thanks to its symmetrical all-wheel-drive. Think of it as a comfortable pair of duck shoes, grippy rubber soles on the bottom, sturdy leather on top and warm flannel on the inside. Just slip them on and go outside no matter if it’s raining, snowing or mud season. You know that they will get you out to the woodpile and back with no drama — nice and dry. The 2013 Subaru Outback is exactly the same but it rides on four rubber soles (or, rather, rubber tires in this case). Design
While only the sporty BRZ Coupe in Subaru’s model lineup could be called sexy, the Outback has come a long way from its beginnings as a somewhat homely compact runabout way back in the mid-1990s. For many years it was appreciated more by the granola crowd in the parking lot of the LL Bean store than the townsfolk who didn’t heat their homes with wood. But something changed when the Outback grew from compact wagon to a mid-sized crossover SUV; it blossomed into a rather good-looking vehicle. The 2013 Subaru Outback features a restyled front end for a sportier appearance, including new headlights, grille, front bumper and fog lights.
The designers still like to play with two-tone colours on the Outback, and it adds a nice contrast, emphasizing the off-road capabilities of the AWD. The lower fascias front and rear plus the rocker panels get a black plastic trim Driving/utility
Most Subaru vehicles are more fun in the snow or on curvy roads than straightahead driving on dry pavement, and luckily it was snowing heavily when I picked up my test car. The symmetrical AWD requires no attention from the driver and provided plenty of traction on the messy Montreal roads. The only obstacles were other non-Subaru drivers who seemed to have no clue how to operate their vehicles, SUVs included, under the blizzard conditions.
The Subaru Outback simply loves the cold and snow but is sporty enough to be agile around town in a crowded urban environment. The taller seating position gives good visibility for the driver yet the lower centre of gravity aids in the improved handling.
I will say that I missed having a big handbrake handle mounted high on the centre console like a rally car. It’s nearly impossible to have fun in a snow-covered parking lot with the new electronic parking brake. that exaggerates the ground clearance appearance. Its 220 mm of ground clearance is higher than even many large SUVs and crossovers, while still maintaining a low step-in height.
Large fog lights nestle into the lower corners of the front bumper adding a hint of Subaru’s rallying heritage. The oversized wheel arches continue this theme filled with 17-by-7-inch aluminum alloy wheels in a six-spoke design, fitted with 225/60 R17 tires.
For 2013, a new seat fabric feels more comfortable, while a new matte wood grain trim provides a sophisticated appearance on limited package models.
Outback Limited models also offer a new electro-luminescent instrument cluster that has been integrated within the multi-information display, which also shows EyeSight functions when the car is so equipped.
A comfortable 10-way adjustable power seat awaits the driver while the front passenger gets four-way adjustments. Both seats are heated.
The dashboard is dominated by a large seven-inch LCD display as an option with the navigation system. Heating and ventilation controls are well laid out and easy to use. Performance
Subaru continues to refine its boxer style engine design with its opposing cylinders because of the great advan- tage of a low centre of gravity. In 2013 the engineers have squeezed some more horsepower out of both engines offered, the 2.5-litre four-cylinder and the 3.6-litre six-cylinder. The smaller motor now generates 173 horsepower and 174 pound-feet of torque while the larger is rated at 256 horsepower and 247 poundfeet of torque.
Subaru continues to offer a six-speed manual gearbox with smaller engine in all but the 2.5i Limited model, though most buyers opt for the continuously variable transmission, which comes with paddle shifters behind the wheel to simulate manual mode if desired.
Subaru’s CVT is one of the better examples on the market, unobtrusive under full-throttle acceleration but responsive enough to move the car briskly away from a stoplight.