New Subaru Outback from under $36K

Subaru's new fifth-generation Outback has been launched in Australia priced from $35,490 plus on-road costs and aimed at the premium set with a significantly upgraded interior.

That makes the smoother, more upmarket Outback significantly cheaper than before – by $5000 at base level, where a diesel manual now opens the range, and by up to $10,000 for the 3.0R six-cylinder flagship, which costs $47,990. The cheapest automatic version, the 2.5i CVT, costs $3000 less at $35,990.

Despite being the rough and tumble adventurous version of the latest Liberty mid-sizer, which won't be available in wagon form, Subaru says it is now pitched at buyers who expect more luxury.

There are the usual additions like more rugged looks, a raised ride height and roof rails, but some models now feature advanced safety systems that can accelerate, brake and in some instances even steer itself the car out of harm's way.

Offered in two trim levels, the new Outback gets a "premium soft-touch interior trim" aimed at remedying criticism of the previous model's cabin. Fitted as standard in range-topping models is a new touch-screen with smartphone-like pinch, flick and double-tap interface, Harman Kardon premium audio system, power tailgate and leather trim.

It's bigger too. Measuring 4815mm nose to tail, it's 25mm longer, 20mm wider at 1840mm and 25mm higher at 1675mm tall. That affords more interior room for all occupants, boasts Subaru, while higher seating and wider doors are designed to improve access. Boot space has improved by 22 litres, to 512 litres.

Like all Subarus and the new Liberty sedan on which it's based, the new Outback has a five star ANCAP crash safety rating, but this one also lays claims to Subaru's best-ever score: 35.99 out of a possible 37.

All models are fitted with Subaru's Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system. Subaru says the vehicle's off-road abilities haven't been neglected at the expense of premium features.

As such, ride height of 213mm provides better-than-average ground clearance in the SUV segment, while CVT models come with Subaru's X-Mode switchable off-road system, which delivers "off-road capability rivalling that of some heavy-duty four-wheel-drives" according to Subaru. There's also a hill-descent control function.

Three boxer engines are offered -- 2.5-litre four-cylinder and 3.6-litre six-cylinder petrol engines and a 2.0-litre turbo-diesel four, all of which are mated to a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) with seven-speed quasi-manual mode. The diesel engine is also available with a manual option.

All engine outputs remain the same except for the 2.5-litre petrol boxer, which gains two kilowatts and now outputs 129kW/235Nm. However, all powertrains are more efficient, with the base 2.5 consuming 7.3L/100km (8.8 per cent less than before), the 191kW/350Nm 3.6 consuming 9.9L/100km (down five per cent) and the 110kW/350Nm diesel sipping 6.3L/100km (4.1 per cent less).

Subaru has upped the ante in terms of standard features, with the entry-level Outback 2.5i CVT packed with the EyeSight driver assist system, seven airbags, a reversing camera, Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity, touch-screen infotainment, six-speaker stereo, dual-zone climate-control, a multi-function leather steering wheel with paddle gear shifters, an electric park brake, automatic headlights and windscreen wipers, 18-inch alloy wheels, privacy glass and a fuel-saving idle-stop function.

Manual 2.0D diesel models miss out on the Eyesight safety and X-Mode off-road systems and get smaller 17-inch alloy wheels.

The 2.5i Premium models are enhances in several areas such as the touch-screen, which is larger and gets satellite-navigation and Pandora audio streaming functionality. It also adds leather upholstery, electrically adjustable and heated front seats, an electric sunroof, keyless entry and starting, a powered tailgate, SI Drive mode selector system plus LED low-beam headlights and wheel-arch cladding.

The 2.0D Premium models get a similar upgrade as the petrol Premium models. Top-spec 3.6R models add a 12-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, silver roof-rails, a three-mode SI Drive model system and of course the more powerful but least efficient 191kW six-cylinder engine.

All models come with a full-size alloy spare wheel and the 2015 Outback is offered in nine exterior paint colours. All vehicles have a three-year/unlimited-km warranty and lifetime capped-price servicing.

Subaru Australia Managing Director Nick Senior said the new Outback is a class-leading vehicle, with improvements in cabin space, quietness and equipment being some of the key areas of improvement.

Subaru is predicting sales of around 400 Outbacks per month, which would mean a doubling of current sales.

Outback sales are at 2247 units for the first 11 months of 2014 — an average of 204 sales per month this year. Sales are currently down one third compared to the previous year's 3341 units.

Stay tuned for our first drive of the new Outback.