Early demand strong for Outback
Subaru dealerships have reported strong early demand for the sixth generation Outback, which has been the marque’s most popular model of the past 25 years.
The latest version of the SUV went on sale on February 22 and is described as the “biggest, safest, most technologically advanced and luxurious Outback ever”.
Wallis Dumper, Subaru of New Zealand’s managing director, says the company is excited about the arrival of the three-variant Outback range.
“The New Zealand public are equally enthusiastic, and our 16 nationwide Subaru Authorised Centres have already received strong forward orders since the 2021 Outback was revealed in early January,” he adds.
“Ever since the initial Outback was launched in 1996, this Subaru SUV has consistently been a game changer and sales catalyst for Subaru in New Zealand.
“It’s been six years since the last generation update but it will certainly have been worth the wait, as we eagerly look forward to launching this hugely-improved version of our already-popular Outback.
“Subaru’s engineering prowess all-wheel drive is coupled with a more powerful new direct injection 2.5 litre Boxer engine. A whole suite of off-road, technology, infotainment, safety enhancements and luxury features have also been added.”
The latest model has been dubbed the Greatest Outback of All Time (GOAT) in its launch campaign and features an 11.6-inch touchscreen, power driver and passenger seats, Driver Monitoring System (DMS), 18-inch grey alloy wheels, smart entry and push-button ignition.
The mid-range Outback X adds water resistant seat upholstery, 18-inch dark grey alloy wheels, heated front and rear seats, handsfree power rear tailgate and sat nav.
While the Outback Touring boasts Nappa leather seat upholstery, a heated steering wheel, an electric sunroof and Harman Kardon audio.
A driver-assist package has a raft of features, including lane centring function, autonomous emergency steering, emergency lane keep assist, lane departure warning and speed sign recognition with intelligent speed limiter.
The Outback is also the first Subaru to include a front passenger seat cushion airbag, taking its total of airbags to eight.
The new 2.5-litre Boxer engine sees power output improved from 129kW to 138kW and torque up from 235Nm to 245Nm.
Towing capacity has been lifted to 2,000kg across the range, with a 200kg down ball load.
Dumper says the launch of the new Outback marks the model’s 25th anniversary and it has remained the most popular Subaru across the range in New Zealand over that period.
“New Outback epitomises all the qualities for which this model has become famous over the last quarter of a century: strength, quality, style, engineering, safety and – of course – fun.”
Pricing starts from $49,990.
