2005 SUBARU OUTBACK 2.5i

Head Office: CAA-Qubec 444, rue Bouvier Qubec (Qubec) G2J 1E32005 SUBARU OUTBACK 2.5i The latest generation of the Outback is built on a new platform, with new components at almost every level. All dimensions are more generous than before. Since Subaru is aiming its sights on makes like Audi and Volvo, it needed a sportier version, which is why some models are equipped with a 2.5-litre turbocharged engine. The Outback is now available only as a station wagon. Interior and cargo area Access front and back is easy. The front seats are very comfortable, with adjustable lumbar support for the driver and a very good driving position despite the lack of a telescoping steering column (the column does tilt, however). Headroom is good even for tall individuals, and even with the sun roof. The seat heaters now have four settings instead of just two. The rear bench comfortably seats two adults, with fairly generous headroom and legroom. The 60/40 split backrests fold down on the cushions to form a flat floor. This is a big improvement over the former generation, in which a one-piece seat cushion had to be raised to fold down the 60/40 split seatbacks. It’s now possible to get a flat floor on one side and to seat a passenger on the other, something you could not do before. The big rear hatch opens high to reveal a roomy cargo area. However, it’s easy to get your clothes dirty on the bumper when loading the trunk. The hatch opening and cargo area are both a bit smaller than in the Mazda6 station wagon.

Pictures: www.pr.subaru.ca

Convenience and safety Both interior finish and materials are much improved, and controls have a more solid, quality feel. Soundproofing qualifies as good, because road noise is so audible. There is an adequate number of roomy storage spaces. The cup holders are quite versatile but inconveniently located behind the gear shifter where high containers can become a nuisance. Instruments and controls are well laid out and lighted at light. The manual air conditioner is not very powerful and falls short at temperatures above 24o C. If you steer with your hands at 10-past-10, they’ll be bathed in a constant stream of air from the vents on either side of the steering wheel, even with the vents aimed away from the wheel. Safety-conscious Subaru has equipped the Outback with structural reinforcements and six air bags (two front, two side and two air curtains). However, the head restraints do not adjust high enough for tall people in front, or for average or taller individuals seated in the back. Visibility is very good on all sides, and headlight intensity is standard. An element at the base of the windshield helps keep the wiper blades free of ice. The wipers are a bit slower than average. Engine and transmission The 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine was been seriously reworked and with 168 hp and 166 lb-ft of torque, even develops a bit more power. This rather vocal engine provides reasonably good acceleration, with quicker starts and passing than before. Acceleration is initially sluggish because of a lack of torque below 2500 rpm, but picks up above this point. Passing becomes more delicate with a heavy load. This engine meets Low Emissions Vehicle standards. The five-speed manual transmission is relatively precise, has a progressive clutch and is easy to shift. It is well geared, except for fifth, which runs the engine at least 500 rpm too high. As usual with Subaru, the full-time AWD system works efficiently and unobtrusively. On the road The rigid chassis allows the engineers to equip the Outback with a compliant suspension, with relatively long wheel travel. The well-dampened compliance ensures a superbly smooth ride on all road surfaces. There is a barely

perceptible stiffening on sharp bumps; here, compliancy is not a synonym of softness. The Outback grips the road adequately, but needless to say, the compliant suspension and 60-profile tires favour ride over sporty handling. The suspension has a good, solid feel. The power steering is well-weighted, stable, precise and relatively quick. It provides a bit of road feel and has a fairly short turning circle. The fourwheel disc, four-channel ABS brakes are powerful and fade resistant. Hopefully the brake discs and pads will be long lasting, because replacement parts are quite expensive. An inspection at a CAA-Quebec technical inspection centre showed that the Outback is solidly built, with good rustproofing. The wiper fluid tank is on the left at the front of the engine compartment. It would be safer on the right side, but at least it can be filled from the front of the car. Conclusion More refined than the previous generation, the new Outback won’t have any trouble holding on to present owners and even wooing more. With higherquality materials, a redesigned rear seat, a livelier engine and improved security, the 2005 Outback is a better crafted vehicle that is just as comfortable as before. Highs: ride, seat comfort, equipment, visibility, assembly, room Lows: road noise, torque at low rpm, A/C power, wiper speed, cup holder location (with manual gearbox), head restraint height 2005 SUBARU OUTBACK Engine: 16-valve, 2.5-litre 4-cylinder; 6-cylinder; 16-valve, 2.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder Horsepower: 168 hp @ 5,600 rpm; 250 hp @ 6,600 rpm; 250 hp @ 6,000 rpm Torque: 166 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm; 219 lb-ft @ 4,200 rpm; 250 lb-t @ 3,600 rpm Transmission: manual 5-speed manual; 4- or 5-speed automatic, depending on trim Suspension: fully independent Brakes: 4-wheel disc Length: 479.5 cm Width: 194.5 cm Height: 158 cm Wheelbase: 267 cm

Weight: 1,500 to 1,615 kg Tires: 225/60R16; 225/55R17 Towing capacity: 1,224 to 1,360 kg, depending on trim Air bags: two front, two side and two side curtain Fuel consumption with base 2.5-litre engine and manual transmission: – Transport Canada rating: city: 10.2 L/100 km (27 mpg); highway: 7.5 L/100 km (37.5 mpg) – Test result: 10,5 L/100 (27 mpg) Fuel tank capacity: 64 litres Acceleration: 0-100 km/h: 10.2 seconds 60-100 km/h: 6.3 seconds

Competition: Audi A4 Avant, BMW 3 Series Touring, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Volkswagen Passat 4Motion, Volvo V70 AWD and XC Warranty: – Full basic coverage: 3 years/60,000 km – Major components: 5 years/100,000 km – Surface corrosion: 3 years/60,000 km – Perforation damage: 5 years/unlimited kilometrage – Emissions control system: 3 years/60,000 km (full coverage); 8 years/130,000 km (catalytic converter, electronic control module and onboard diagnostic device) Factory replacement parts: Rear bumper: $955 Brake pads: $230 Front fender: $272 Front brake disk: $145 Muffler: $456

Average insurance premium (Quebec City, replacement cost endorsement, claim-free insurance record, male or female driver 30 to 40 years old): $1,006 to $1,627 Price according to trim line: 2.5i: $32,995 2.5i Limited: $38,995 3.0R: $38,995 3.0R VDC: $44,995 2.5 XT: $42,895

Main options: 4-speed automatic: $1,200 5-speed automatic: $1,500 Price as tested: $32,995 Freight and preparation: $1,295 Dealers: Quebec: 28; Canada: 95 CAA-Quebec, July 2004