Subaru finally goes diesel
Subaru Outback 2.0-litre Diesel
It had been taboo, a few years back, to talk diesel with Subaru. The Japanese firm was at the pinnacle of turbo power-winning rallies and it was unthinkable for it to go diesel.
Rumours had started to circulate that Subaru might just be thinking about a diesel engine. Then, while I was savouring the all-new Subaru Impreza in Prague last August, it was officially revealed that diesel for Subaru was here. Besides, Subaru had retained the same configuration of the petrol engine: a flat four, commonly known as a boxer engine.
The pedigree was to debut on the Legacy and the Outback. Local Subaru distributor Liaco is normally among the first in Europe to have a European version of the model. This was a car that had to be driven - just the thought of having a diesel fitted in a Subaru was already innovation. A close look at the Outback reveals that this is not a normal SUV but rather a crossover between the Legacy Sports Tourer (estate version) and an SUV.
I am not a great fan of SUVs, but this was no ordinary SUV. The level of attention inside the cabin is impressive: black leather seats, a two-stage sunroof, separate climate control, six CD changer, fully adjustable steering... The driving position is typically Subaru and visibility all around was really good.
My original aim was to try out the boxer diesel engine so the interior was not meant to distract me. A turn of the key and the typical boxer engine noise went live. The door was still open, engine still cold and not a vibration; just the ticking of a diesel engine but it was somewhat different.
The Subaru Outback soon gives the driver a sense of assurance in its drive. The all-wheel driver, a gem of a system developed by Subaru, is quite evident. Noise level in motion is just 70.5dB and the vehicle dynamics control system comes as standard. The Outback boasts a top speed of 129 mph and uses 5.8 litres per 100km (48.6mpg combined).
Diesel economy comes from a 2.0 (1998) horizontally opposed diesel engine delivering 150 ps (148bhp).
The economics must be carefully considered these days, given that the price of diesel is close to that of unleaded petrol. Other features for delectation include cruise control and 17-inch alloys. There are standard active head restraints, dual stage air bags plus head and chest protecting side airbags.
The engine carries much torque and one thing I had to get accustomed to was this diesel wanted to be treated like a petrol, not the customary a high revving first gear and quickly to second. Take your time in first gear and take all gears up to the red line and the engine will accelerate, with a touch of boxer noise, once you exceed 2,800 revs.
Final verdict? A very interesting crossover with an innovative boxer diesel engine, a spacious car that can accommodate five adults comfortably plus ample space for baggage. The Outback is the ideal companion if you have to decide to travel overland.
It's hard for me to fault the Outback, especially since it has changed my views on SUVs. I just can't wait to try out the sedan version with the Legacy. That comes to Malta in the coming months.
Rumours had started to circulate that Subaru might just be thinking about a diesel engine. Then, while I was savouring the all-new Subaru Impreza in Prague last August, it was officially revealed that diesel for Subaru was here. Besides, Subaru had retained the same configuration of the petrol engine: a flat four, commonly known as a boxer engine.
The pedigree was to debut on the Legacy and the Outback. Local Subaru distributor Liaco is normally among the first in Europe to have a European version of the model. This was a car that had to be driven - just the thought of having a diesel fitted in a Subaru was already innovation. A close look at the Outback reveals that this is not a normal SUV but rather a crossover between the Legacy Sports Tourer (estate version) and an SUV.
I am not a great fan of SUVs, but this was no ordinary SUV. The level of attention inside the cabin is impressive: black leather seats, a two-stage sunroof, separate climate control, six CD changer, fully adjustable steering... The driving position is typically Subaru and visibility all around was really good.
My original aim was to try out the boxer diesel engine so the interior was not meant to distract me. A turn of the key and the typical boxer engine noise went live. The door was still open, engine still cold and not a vibration; just the ticking of a diesel engine but it was somewhat different.
The Subaru Outback soon gives the driver a sense of assurance in its drive. The all-wheel driver, a gem of a system developed by Subaru, is quite evident. Noise level in motion is just 70.5dB and the vehicle dynamics control system comes as standard. The Outback boasts a top speed of 129 mph and uses 5.8 litres per 100km (48.6mpg combined).
Diesel economy comes from a 2.0 (1998) horizontally opposed diesel engine delivering 150 ps (148bhp).
The economics must be carefully considered these days, given that the price of diesel is close to that of unleaded petrol. Other features for delectation include cruise control and 17-inch alloys. There are standard active head restraints, dual stage air bags plus head and chest protecting side airbags.
The engine carries much torque and one thing I had to get accustomed to was this diesel wanted to be treated like a petrol, not the customary a high revving first gear and quickly to second. Take your time in first gear and take all gears up to the red line and the engine will accelerate, with a touch of boxer noise, once you exceed 2,800 revs.
Final verdict? A very interesting crossover with an innovative boxer diesel engine, a spacious car that can accommodate five adults comfortably plus ample space for baggage. The Outback is the ideal companion if you have to decide to travel overland.
It's hard for me to fault the Outback, especially since it has changed my views on SUVs. I just can't wait to try out the sedan version with the Legacy. That comes to Malta in the coming months.