Subaru is upping the power of the new Outback, with a new turbocharged engine arriving in time for the summer.
That would be the 2.4-litre turbo engine, which produces a healthy 183kW/350Nm. That’s 45kW and 105Nm more than the naturally aspirated 2.5-litre, which offers 138kW/245Nm, but not as much as the US-market version of the Outback Turbo which has 195kW/350Nm. The same engine is also used in the new WRX, where it currently produces 202kW/350Nm (although the Japanese domestic market version pumps out 375Nm).
Towing capacity has also increased, from 2,000kg to 2,400kg, and the official 0-100km/h time has been reduced by 2.1 seconds to 7.5 seconds. However, nothing is known about fuel consumption.
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The Outback now has turbo power, providing more towing capacity and a faster 0-100 km/h time.
“We know Kiwis love a vacation trip around our beautiful country, and towing items like trailers or boats are some of the best ways to enjoy all of our lakes and seaside spots,” said Wallis Dumper, CEO. from Subaru New Zealand.
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“The Outback 2.4T will give the driver that extra turbocharged pleasure in getting to the destination and also the knowledge that they can comfortably tow their toys to places they would rather be.”
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Two models will be available with the boosted engine, the Touring and the X.
Kiwis will be able to choose between two turbocharged models, the flagship Outback Touring 2.4T and the open-air adventurer Outback X 2.4T. Both use a revised Subaru Lineartronic (SLT) transmission with different gear/differential ratios to suit the increased power delivery and towing performance.
The turbo Touring has the same level of spec as the atmospheric version, with Nappa leather-trimmed seats, a power sunroof, a heated steering wheel, Harman Kardon audio, and a hands-free badge-sensing power liftgate.
The X, meanwhile, gets 18-inch dark metallic wheels, black wing mirrors, badging and front grille, as well as green accents on the side badging and interior stitching.
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They both get the 11.3-inch vertical touchscreen.
Both models benefit from dual X-Mode with deep snow and deep mud settings, balance the 11.6-inch vertical infotainment display between the front seats, and offer Subaru’s EyeSight crash-avoidance technology as standard.
Pricing will be announced closer to launch, currently scheduled for December.
“While the Outback 2.4T is expected to be available in December, those New Zealanders wanting one to take their toys with them over the summer holidays will need to order theirs to be first in line as we expect limited arrivals this time of year. Christmas”.
Dumper also mentioned that he expects prices to rise across the range next year.
“We also expect additional tariffs to be applied to most new petrol-powered cars early next year, as part of the government’s ambition to be carbon neutral by 2050.”
“We understand that the government is introducing Clean Car Standard (CCS) fees from January 1 and the Outback 2.4T model will incur additional costs.
Michael Sohn/AP
Next year, combustion cars will be subject to the Clean Car Standard fees, which could increase prices by thousands.
“To the best of our knowledge, at the time of this writing, any vehicle crossing our border after December 31, 2022 will have CCS fees applied.
“We are awaiting an urgent clarification from the Government Transport Department and will be as transparent as possible when we have the information at hand.
“CCS will not only affect Subaru, but the entire New Zealand auto industry and the reality is that by 2023, many new petrol-powered cars may cost customers thousands of dollars more than they do today.”
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