Subaru Outback Turbo and Wilderness still on the radar

Subaru Australia is still holding out hope that it will be given the green light for the Subaru Outback Turbo and more rugged Wilderness variants, following rampant customer demand.

Speaking with carsales at the launch of the second-generation 2022 Subaru BRZ this week, the head of the Japanese brand in Australia, Blair Read, said both models remained under serious evaluation, with each promising to extend the sales reach of the popular four-wheel drive wagon.

Following in the wheel tracks of the sixth-generation Subaru Outback that touched down last year, the Wilderness version is claimed to be the most rugged and capable Outback model in history.

The changes include a 20mm suspension lift, wider wheel tracks and exclusive black 17-inch alloys wrapped in Yokohama Geolandar all-terrain tyres.

Separately, a turbocharged Subaru Outback would provide a booster shot for the local portfolio, beyond the solitary 138kW/245Nm 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine.

The turbocharged version would employ a more powerful (195kW/375Nm) FA24 2.4-litre turbo-petrol boxer engine, which already slots into a variety of models including the incoming 2022 Subaru WRX and 2023 WRX STI.

“Customer demand and feedback for those models has well and truly been heard and it’s something we’re working hard on making happen,” said Read.

“I don’t have a confirmed timeframe at the moment but we’re working hard with the factory to see what we can do.”

Read said Australian officials continued to pursue the additional models because they would ultimately strengthen the Outback’s appeal.

“Outback’s positioning is unique. It’s between the big 4x4s – you get the comfort and handling of a traditional passenger car but with the versatility of a wagon with passenger room, luggage space and some off-road capability,” he said.

“The Outback has a niche position. It’s not a 4x4 and it’s not a normal SUV. That’s the role that Outback can play, and some extra variants would broaden that appeal.”