The Outback 2.0D automatic uses a high-torque version of Subaru’s Lineartronic transmission, a CVT gearbox. It is strengthened to suit the high torque output of the turbo diesel engine and keeps the engine in the creamy part of its torque curve. The result is impressive and makes the diesel the pick of the Outback family, in Rural News’ opinion.
Subaru says the new transmission control system switches seamlessly from variable mode to stepped gears, in response to accelerator use, while maintaining engine speed. It is designed to compensate for the typically narrow usable power band of diesel engines that would otherwise require drivers to constantly change gears.
In addition to the seven-speed manual mode, there is a second gear takeoff mode, allowing secure take-off on roads with low friction, such as snow and mud. Time didn’t allow an off-road excursion in the diesel, but previous drives have proved its mettle in the mud. The torquey diesel should enhance that ability.
On-road the usual Subaru poise and balance is there. Parts of the Outback 2.0D suspension system have been changed to cater for increased weight over the front axle. The changes avoid any front-heavy sensation and ensure sharp turning, but firm up the ride.
The engine is quiet by diesel standards, but to kill the clatter completely more soundproofing is applied to the front under-cover, reducing cabin noise when idling or accelerating. The Outback 2.0D is powered by a turbocharged 2.0L 4-cylinder horizontally opposed Boxer diesel engine, producing 110kW power at 3600rpm and 350 Nm torque between 1800-2400 rpm.
In the combined cycle, fuel consumption is an impressive 6.5L/100km and carbon dioxide emissions 172 grams/km.
The Outback 2.0D automatic is priced from $59,990, $2000 more than the manual version. The automatic diesel shares a wide range of other changes to the Outback model year 2013 line-up, including a revised grille, front bumper, fog light surrounds and wheel patterns.
Wallis Dumper, the managing director of Subaru of New Zealand acknowledged the importance of a diesel model in the SUV market: “The Outback diesel automatic plugs a gap in our model line-up. A significant proportion of medium SUV sales are automatic diesels and we have not ‘played’ in this space.
“We use the word ‘played’ with trepidation as in fact it was Subaru who created the first Outback that helped lead the whole SUV phenomenon we see today. So having a 100% AWD boxer engine line up we are far from ‘playing’ in this segment.”
