Subaru powers up the Outback for NZ
Subaru is pumping up the power of the new Outback, with a new turbocharged engine arriving in time for summer.
That would be the 2.4-litre turbo engine, making a healthy 183kW/350Nm. That’s 45kW and 105Nm more than the naturally aspirated 2.5-litre, which offers 138kW/245Nm, but not as much as the US-market version of the Outback Turbo that packs 195kW/350Nm. The same engine is also used in the new WRX, where it currently produces 202kW/350Nm (although the Japanese domestic market version pumps out 375Nm).
Towing capacity is up as well, to 2400kg from 2000kg, and the official 0-100kph time has dropped by 2.1 seconds to
7.5 seconds. No word on fuel consumption though.
‘‘We know that Kiwis love a holiday trip around our beautiful country, and that towing items like trailers or boats are some of the best ways to enjoy all our lakes, and seaside spots,’’ said Subaru New Zealand’s managing director, Wallis Dumper.
‘‘The Outback 2.4T will provide that extra turbocharged driver enjoyment getting to the destination and also the knowledge that they can comfortably tow their toys to the places they would rather be.’’
Kiwis will be able to choose from two turbo models, the flagship Outback Touring 2.4T and the outdoor adventurer Outback X 2.4T. Both use a revised Subaru Lineartronic Transmission (SLT) with different gear/differential ratios to suit the increased power delivery and towing performance.
The turbo Touring gets the same spec level as the atmospheric version, with Nappa leather accented seats, an electric sunroof, heated steering wheel, Harman Kardon audio, and a rear powered tailgate with hands-free badge sensor.
Meanwhile, the X gets dark metallic 18-inch wheels, black wing mirrors, badging and front grille, as well as green accents on the side badges and stitching inside.
Both models benefit from the dual function X-Mode has deep snow and deep mud settings, rock the 11.6-inch portrait infotainment screen between the front seats, and offer Subaru’s EyeSight crash avoidance technology as standard.
Pricing will be announced closer to launch, currently targeted for December.
‘‘While the Outback 2.4T is expected in December, those Kiwis wanting one to tow their toys away for the summer holidays will need to order theirs to be first in the queue, as we expect limited arrivals this side of Christmas.’’
Dumper also mentioned that he is expecting prices to rise across the range next year.
‘‘We are also expecting extra fees to be applied to most new petrol engine cars early next year, as part of the Government’s ambition to be carbon neutral by 2050.
‘‘Our understanding is the that the government is introducing the Clean Car Standard (CCS) fees from January 1st and the Outback 2.4T model will incur additional costs.
‘‘To the best of our knowledge, at the time of writing, any vehicles crossing our border after December 31st, 2022, will have the CCS fees applied.
‘‘We are awaiting urgent clarification from the government transport department and will be as transparent as possible when we have the information to hand.
‘‘CCS will not only affect Subaru, but the entire New Zealand automotive industry and the reality is that come 2023, many new petrol engine cars may cost customers thousands more than they do today.’’