Subaru has recently presented to the world the new updated Subaru Outback. The new outback features a restyled front end, new headlights, grille, front bumper and fog lights. The rest of the Outback remains unchanged.
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| Subaru Outback |
It also continues with 8.7 inches of ground clearance that makes it easier to tackle any challenge off- road. It also has a larger and deeper storage area than most SUVs. At the top it has standard factory-installed foldable roof crossbars. They have a new adjustable design that allows the rear crossbar to be moved rearward by up to 39.7 inches. This alloys for longer items to be hooked on the roof.
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| Multimedia system |
Just like its sister, the Subaru Legacy, the new Outback is available with a choice of two engines. There is a new double-overhead-cam (DOHC) 2.5-liter FB series Boxer engine that has increased performance and fuel efficiency. It produces 173hp and 174 lb.–ft. (foot pound) of torque. The engine is fitted to the Subaru Outback 2.5i and 2.5i Premium models. The 2.5i comes with a six-speed manual while the 2.5i Premium models come with a second-generation Lineartronic CVT. (continuously variable transmission) system. The other engine is a 3.6 litre 6-cylinder Boxer engine with 256hp. This comes with 5-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission. The Outback has will need 8.7 litres of fuel to cover 100 kilometres. Models with the CVT also feature a 6-speed manual mode with steering wheel paddle shifters, which allow the driver to control the transmission via six pre-set ratios.
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| Restyled front headlights |
Power to the wheels is managed by three different Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive systems. Subaru Outback 2.5i models equipped with the 6-speed manual transmission gets a continuous AWD system distributes the power equally on all the four wheels. 2.5i models equipped with the Lineartronic CVT get an Active Torque Split for the AWD. This electronically controls power distribution to each of the wheels in response to driving conditions.
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| Electro-luminescence display. |
The sporty Outback 3.6R exclusively features the Variable Torque Distribution (VTD) AWD system with a 5-speed electronic automatic transmission. The VTD system sends more power to the rear wheels to enhance handling agility. It can also continuously adjust power distribution to either the front or rear wheels in response to driving and road conditions. Greater stiffness at key points of the suspension structure, including the front strut mounts and rear frame rails, helps to reduce transmission of vibration while also contributing to more responsive handling.
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| Large boot space at the back |
The safety systems are also similar to the ones found in the Subaru Legacy. The first one is EyeSight driver-assist system. This works with other safety features such as Adaptive Cruise Control, Pre-Collision Braking and Vehicle Lane Departure Warning by processes stereo images to identify the vehicles traveling in front, as well as obstacles, traffic lanes and other items. At a speed of 30km/h the system can detect pedestrians or objects in the vehicle’s path. It then alerts the driver or in some circumstances brings the car to a complete stop.
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| EyeSight Camera system |
Another one called the Lane Departure and Sway Warning feature can detect if the car begins to wander outside the intended lane without a turn signal being used and warm the driver to adjust the vehicle to move on its intended path. It also features Adaptive Cruise Control system. This can maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front by either braking or accelerating the car as needed to maintain the driver-selected target speed and traveling distance.
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| Still has the raised right height |
The EyeSight system can also help reduce collision damages by cutting the throttle when it senses an obstacle in front even if the accelerator pedal is still pressed down. Apart from the EyeSight system the new Legacy also comes with 4-wheel disc Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) that integrates Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and the Brake Assist safety system that automatically applies maximum braking pressure in an emergency stop.
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| Controls for the optional moonroof |
Comfortable seat fabric and new light matte wood grain give the interior a classy and sophisticated look. It also gets a new electro-luminescent instrument cluster integrates the 3.5-in. color screen for the multi-information display. This displays information from the EyeSight functions plus other key vehicle information to the driver. Its large five seats are comfortable while its impressive head and legroom ensures even tall people can fit comfortably in the outback. The large boot size can be further boosted by folding the rear seats.
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| Sophisticated and classy interior interior |
The Outback 2.5i is available in three trim levels. There is Base, Premium and Limited. The sporty Outback 3.6R is available in Base and Limited versions. The Base 2.5i comes with the adjustable roof rack as standard, steering wheel cruise control and audio switches. It also comes with Bluetooth hands-free phone and audio streaming capability.
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| CVT Transmission system |
It also has an electronic parking brake with Hill Holder System and an automatic headlight function. A new AM/FM stereo, single disc CD player with Radio Data Broadcast System (RDBS), 3.5mm aux. input jack and 4 speakers is fitted as standard. Outback Premium models come with extra additions such as 10-way power driver’s seat and driver’s auto up/down window. The steering wheel is also leather-wrapped and also comes with shifters for CVT.
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| Rear styling remains unchanged |
There is also ambient lighting for the overhead console; body-colored side mirrors and 17-inch alloy wheels. Under the Premium package one also gets three option packages. The All-Weather Package adds heated front seats and mirrors and a windshield wiper de-icer. The Power Moonroof Package with Rear Vision Camera also includes an auto-dimming rear-view mirror with Homelink garage-remote function. The final option is the Premium Audio Package. One gets a harman/kardon premium audio system, a 4.3 inch colour display and 440-watt high-performance audio amplifier. Sound from 9 harman/kardon premium speakers fills the interior while a large subwoofer adds a little bass to the interior sound.
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| 7-inch touch screen system |
The top of the range Limited Package includes all Premium Package options plus perforated leather upholstery, dual zone automatic climate control, rear A/C ducts, electro-luminescent gauges and a 4-way power front passenger seat. It also includes a large 7.0-inch touch screen LCD display; voice activated controls and navigation, Rear Vision Camera, and an SD card slot. Prices for the new updated Outback start at $24,000 (Kshs. 2.1 million excl. taxes).