Subaru announces pricing and specs for the new Outback Crossover.

• Six Outback model variants starting from £27,995 (on-the-road)
• Choice of two engines, equipped with manual or Lineartronic transmissions
• On sale in the UK from 1 April 2015

The new Subaru Outback, the fifth-generation of the brand’s pioneering crossover, will go on sale in the UK from 1 April 2015 priced from £27,995 (on-the-road). Introduced in 1995 as the first ever crossover and spawning a whole range of copy cat models ever since, the Outback has continued to successfully combine the virtues of a tourer with those of an SUV, winning over drivers with its practical, all-road nature.

The on the road price range of £27,995 to £32,995 means the all-new Outback stays in the same price bracket as the outgoing version despite having new exterior design, a more spacious and higher quality interior and a range of advanced safety equipment and in-car technology. The new Outback also boasts a very generous standard specification.

EyeSight safety assist – a ‘second pair of eyes’ for drivers

New to the latest model, EyeSight is Subaru’s advanced collision avoidance technology which acts as a ‘second pair of eyes’ for drivers, employing stereo colour camera technology to monitor the road and traffic ahead for potential hazards. This is the first time the technology has been made available in the UK and Europe.

The system’s two colour cameras are located in front of the rear view mirror to detect the presence of vehicles, pedestrians, cyclists and other potential hazards. EyeSight is fitted as standard to every Outback fitted with Subaru’s Lineartronic (CVT) transmission, and includes autonomous Pre-collision Braking Control and Pre-collision Throttle Management, Adaptive Cruise Control and Lane Departure & Sway Warning.

New Outback goes more upmarket

While clearly maintaining the distinctive Subaru Outback identity, Subaru’s designers strived to make the new model more dynamic while keeping true to its rugged cross-over roots. From the front, the bumper integrated hexagonal grille and hawk-eye headlights maintain consistency with other models in the Subaru family, while the profile is a subtle evolution of the existing Outback. 

More significant changes can be found on the inside. The new model’s revamped interior uses a range of higher quality materials throughout, resulting in a much more premium cabin, complimented by a new range of factory-fit infotainment and sat nav systems. The interior is also more spacious for passengers.  

Two engines, two transmissions

There are two engines available in the UK –  a pair of horizontally-opposed four-cylinder ‘Boxer’ engines, fitted deep in the engine bay to ensure a low centre of gravity for improved handling, despite the car’s raised ground clearance. Buyers can choose between a 2.0-litre turbo-diesel, producing 150 PS and 350 Nm torque, or a naturally-aspirated 2.5-litre petrol unit, with power and torque outputs of 165 PS and 235 Nm respectively.

Diesel engines will be offered with either a six-speed manual transmission or Subaru’s Lineartronic (CVT) transmission; the 2.5-litre petrol engine is sold exclusively with Lineartronic.

Generous standard specification

There are two trim levels available in the UK – SE and SE Premium – which both offer a generous level of standard equipment.

SE models are equipped as standard with automatic LED headlamps and headlamp washers, cruise control, Active Torque Vectoring, 17-inch alloy wheels, heated front seats, electrically-adjustable driver’s seat and privacy glass, as well as a 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system, incorporating satellite navigation, audio, smartphone connectivity and a rear view parking camera. 

Petrol SE models also feature an emissions-reducing start-stop system and Subaru Intelligent Drive, which allows drivers to select different engine modes depending on road conditions for improved economy and performance.

SE Premium models add a sunroof, keyless entry and push-button start, 18-inch alloy wheels, leather seats and a powered rear tailgate for added functionality.

Pricing

Model	Price (OTR)	VED band	CO2 (g/km)
2.0D SE	£27,995	F	145
2.0D SE Lineartronic	£29,995	G	159
2.0D SE Premium	£30,995	F	145
2.0D SE Premium Lineartronic	£32,995	G	159
2.5i SE Lineartronic	£28,495	G	161
2.5i SE Premium Lineartronic	£31,495	G	161

USA - Subaru celebrates selling its half millionth car in the US for the very first time.

- Subaru sales in U.S. top 500,000 for the first time in a calendar year

- Subaru sales in U.S. top 500,000 for the first time in a calendar year

- 500,000th vehicle sold on December 29

Subaru of America, Inc. has reached a significant milestone in its history, by retailing 500,000 vehicles in a single calendar year. The milestone caps a remarkable seven year growth period for the brand in the U.S. in which the company has grown from 187,699 vehicle sales in 2008 to what will total over 500,000 sales in 2014, once the sales year closes on January 2.

The growth in Subaru sales can be attributed to a combination of improved vehicle offerings, targeted and award-winning marketing and an improved retailer body. The current generation of Subaru vehicles grew in size compared to the previous generation in order to better suit the needs of the American buyer while also delivering improved interiors, technology and safety features such as the award-wining EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology. Furthermore, the company’s retail outlets have embraced process and amenity improvements as sales volume increased, while the total number of outlets has remained steady.

All of the company’s current models have contributed to its sales success; the current Impreza (four and five-door) is enjoying its best-ever generation and the Outback and the Forester mid-size CUV now retail 300,000 units per year, combined. The new small CUV entrant, XV Crosstrek, has also added over 60,000 sales to the year-total, while the all-new Legacy sedan is enjoying its best sales ever; more than doubling its year-over-year monthly sales since the launch of the 2015 model. On the performance side, sales of the company’s sporty models, the WRX and STI, are at their highest levels ever following the debut of the all-new 2015 models.

Thomas J. Doll, president and chief operating officer, Subaru of America, Inc. said; “We are delighted to have reached this historic milestone and our results show we are delivering vehicles that people want to buy. That we have grown so steeply and also so steadily over the last seven years is a testament to our products and to the commitment of our retailers who have had to manage this increase in capacity. There a positive air around our business and we have no plans to stop our growth; we expect 2015 to also be another record year for Subaru.”

USA - Subaru entire range has been awarded IIHS Top Safety Pick awards 2015

FIVE MODELS ALSO RATED TSP + BY INSTITUTE

Subaru of America, Inc. announced today that all seven 2015 Subaru models; the Legacy, Outback, Forester, BRZ, WRX/STI, Impreza and XV Crosstrek, have earned 2015 Top Safety Pick awards from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Subaru is the only manufacturer with IIHS Top Safety Picks for all models for six years running (2010-2015).

Furthermore, five of the seven vehicles also earn 2015 Top Safety Pick+ status; Subaru Forester, Legacy, Outback, Impreza, and XV Crosstrek, when equipped with optional EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology.

Top Safety Pick+ (TSP+) is the highest standard of safety the Institute can award and the 2015 Subaru Legacy, Outback, Forester, Impreza and XV Crosstrek were awarded the highest possible rating of “Superior” for front crash prevention. When equipped with the optional EyeSight, these five 2015 models also earned 6 of 6 points for front crash prevention.

Impreza and XV Crosstrek are the only cars in the entire small car category to achieve the “Superior” rating. Beginning with model year 2015, the Impreza and XV Crosstrek joined the Legacy, Outback and Forester carlines in offering the award-winning EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology, which includes Adaptive Cruise Control, Pre-Collision Braking and Vehicle Lane Departure Warning. Subaru EyeSight was the first system ever to use only stereo camera technology to detect objects such as vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists. Since its U.S. debut in 2012, features available on this system have been highly praised.

“We are very pleased that the IIHS has recognized Subaru in their recent tests,” said Thomas J. Doll, president and chief operating officer, Subaru of America, Inc. “Safety is a long-time hallmark of the Subaru brand and we are proud to have the IIHS’ 2015 Top Safety Pick endorsement for every vehicle in our line-up.”

To win 2015 Top Safety Pick, a vehicle must have “Good” ratings in all four tests of high-speed front and side crash tests, a rollover test, and evaluations of seat/head restraints for protection against neck injuries in rear impacts. In addition, “Good” or “Acceptable” performance in a small overlap front test introduced in 2012 is also required. The same level of performance in those tests, along with an “Advanced” or “Superior” rating for front crash prevention, is required for the higher accolade, 2015 Top Safety Pick+.