NEW YORK MOTOR SHOW: Next Subaru Outback outed

Subaru has released the first official image of its next-generation Outback, which has now been confirmed to make its world debut at the New York inside two weeks on April 16.

As expected, Subaru’s new car-based crossover is once again closely based on the sixth-generation Liberty sedan, which broke cover just two months ago at the Chicago motor show in February.

Both models are due on sale in Australia early next year, and both models share the same smoother new frontal design, complete with backswept wrap-around headlights bracketed by horseshoe-shaped LED elements, a semi-clamshell bonnet and fresh three-bar grille.

As is tradition, however, the Outback adds standard roof-rails, a chunkier grille, lower front bumper insert and what appear to be wheel-arch extensions, giving the dual-purpose model a more adventurous look.

Of course, while both mid-sizers will come standard with all-wheel drive, the Outback will again offer increased ride height and the flexibility of a wagon body style.

In fact, the new Outback will provide us with our first look at a five-door version of the Mk6 Liberty, which Subaru is yet to reveal or confirm for production.

Subaru Australia has, however, flagged its hope to release the all-new Levorg sports wagon, which has just been released in Japan and would slot in between the Impreza and Liberty (and seven-seat Exiga wagon), perhaps topped by a 221kW/400Nm ‘WRX wagon’ by another name.

Meantime, with the axing of the Tribeca, the 2015 Outback will become Subaru’s largest crossover model, again priced from about $40,000 and positioned above the small XV and mid-size Forester SUVs.

“The all-new Outback is Subaru’s flagship crossover model, blending car-like handling and SUV capability,” said Subaru, which has announced no further information.

The US-specification 2015 Outback will be presented in New York by Yasuyuki Yoshinaga, the president and CEO of Subaru parent company Fuji Heavy Industries.

As in the Liberty, Australians are likely to be offered similar engines to North Americans, meaning a slightly more powerful (130kW) naturally aspirated 2.5-litre four-cylinder horizontally opposed petrol engine and a slightly less powerful (190kW) 3.6-litre boxer six.

Once again, the Outback should offer the option of a 2.0-litre boxer diesel engine. All three powertrains should come with Subaru’s Lineartronic continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) with steering wheel paddles.

It’s unclear whether the next Outback will share the same 2750mm wheelbase as the new Liberty sedan, which is no longer between the axles than the outgoing Liberty and Outback launched in 2009.

However, it’s certain to grow in body size, given the latest Liberty measures 4796mm long (up 51mm), 1840mm wide (up 60mm) and 1500mm high (down 5mm).

As with the Mk6 Liberty, the all-terrain wagon derivative should therefore offer more cabin space, thanks in part to revised roof frames, thinner door sash frames and further-forward A-pillars, helping to increase shoulder, elbow, waist and rear leg room.

Other Liberty inheritances will include higher passenger hip points “for a more natural seat positioning with better views”, door-mounted side mirrors, more space between the front seats, a wider dashboard, centre armrest and console box, and longer front seat rails.

Expect the 2015 Outback to also come with safety advances from the Liberty, including the addition of reversing radar to the upgraded EyeSight driver assist system, now including Blind Spot Detection (BSD), Lane Change Assist (LCA), Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) and Steering Responsive Fog (SRF) lights.

Other new technologies could include Subaru Active Torque Vectoring, which is claimed to deliver “superior turning performance and steering response”, and a new infotainment system accessed via a large central touch-screen incorporating navigation, media and audio functions, the latter supported by harman/kardon speakers.

The Outback’s Liberty-based chassis, steering, suspension and braking systems are also likely to have been “totally revamped for performance above other vehicles in Legacy’s class” and should be combined with a stiffer body and suspension mounts, plus larger wheel bearings and, for range-topping models, STABLEX-Ride.

As it did with the new Liberty, Subaru is likely to claim the bigger new Outback brings improved steering stability, less floor and seat vibration and better ride quality.