Subaru managed to sell 500000 cars in the US last year - a first!
And exactly 20 years ago, they presented the first Outback.
To celebrate: an entirely new generation Outback!
However, a mere 647 Subaru's were sold in NL last year.
But why? The Outback is a cool, unique car.
Let's find out why you wouldn't get this new model.
There's plenty of space: 512-1800 liters in the boot.
That's big! And it's roomy in the back, too.
It's no Skoda Superb, but still quite large.
Behind the wheel, you see how this car is meant for the US market.
We don't like cheap plastic in Europe. An Insignia Country Tourer looks better.
The overall quality of the interior trim loses to that of competitors.
Ergonomics are better - as is the equipment, with lots of safety features.
Called EyeSight, it has adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning and more.
That all sounds quite nice. Let's see how it drives then.
As a Subaru, it comes with standard 4WD.
Being an Outback, it has quite some ground clearance: 200 mm.
Nice for those with an 'active way of life'. I'll demonstrate.
When you're driving on-road, it's a fine car, too.
The ride is soft and comfortable, but not too much.
On bad roads though, it tends to bounce a bit too much.
Engine-wise, it's okay too: two 4-cilinder boxer engines.
A 150 PS 2.0 liter diesel and this 2.5 liter NA petrol plant.
A fine, nice sounding engine with 175 PS, but it lacks speed.
There's no turbo and a standard automatic, a Lineartronic CVT.
It's alright and acts like a regular auto transmission.
There is some doubt in the way it works before a response.
That makes it feel a bit detached, really. Okay-ish overall.
So, what's the verdict? Why would you not pick this car?
It doesn't really blow away its competition. But it's nice.
It's spacious, has character and feels like a proper Subaru.
But. The engines emit quite some CO2, making this a rather pricey car.
It starts at 39000 euros in NL. You get a lot for that, though.
But you'll rarely see one of these. It won't be a smash hit in NL.
+ EyeSight as standard; Off-road ready
- Plastic interior; Bouncy ride on poor roads