It turns out the new Outback is nearly as long as the Mandalay Bus in Braddon. Photo: James Coleman.
It’s higher off the ground than any of its rivals. It has an all-wheel-drive system and driving modes for deep snow and mud. It has wheel arches and roof racks that would make a tank quiver in its boots. And it can tow up to two tonnes.
The Subaru Outback has to be the most rugged wagon out there, and it has only become more so with this year’s all-new model. I’m driving the Sport version, and you would think the most appropriate thing would be to immediately point it into the wilderness and see how it lives up to all the tinsel.
We’ll get there, but first – the Subaru Outback also happens to be a rather fitting car for the centre of Canberra.
Line markings? Where we’re going, there are no line-markings. Photo: James Coleman.
The ACT Government’s obsession with speed humps means that even the smoothest roads now have massive lumps in them. The Outback doesn’t care about these. And is the road too narrow? Gutters won’t phase it either.
This go-anywhere attitude has nearly always been the unique selling proposition for Subaru and the Outback is a solid option for anyone who feels the need to go to the office and up a mountain all in a day.
There are three trim levels available starting from $43,759 driveaway, all equipped with the all-wheel-drive system, 2.5-litre petrol boxer engine and continuously variable transmission (CVT) we’ve come to expect from Subaru.
The 11.6-inch touchscreen even comes with acceleration and angle displays. Photo: James Coleman.
On walking up to my test example in Ice Silver Metallic, I may have been fooled into thinking the Outback isn’t that big. However, once I’m on the road looking into the cupholders of seven-seaters like the Mazda CX-9 and Toyota Kluger, I quickly realise that this is a proper SUV.
The engine might be a little gruff and the chassis and bodywork rough and ready, but as a whole package, it’s like Dwayne Johnson after he’s slipped on a collared shirt and a pair of suede loafers.
The interior is very spacious with lots of hidey-holes. Genuine leather is saved for the top-of-the-range Touring model, but the Sport comes with water-resistant faux leather, and where other manufacturers might think red stitching is pretty flash, this leather is garnished with lime-green. Even the indicator stalks are designed to glide back into position after use to avoid an uncouth click.
Taking the Outback for a walk in the park. Photo: James Coleman.
Little details are about as crucial as rose petals in a bathtub, but it’s worth remembering that a premium feel is built on little details. And gizmos.
The massive touchscreen also shares some space with a display showing the percentage of acceleration and angle of the car at any time – pointless information that made me strangely happy.
Press a button near the gear lever and this display also comes alive with views from the external cameras, so no need to spend your parking manoeuvres fearing you’re about to gash the Sport’s 18-inch dark-metallic wheels on the curb.
I’ve trundled through the city for long enough now because although it’s easy-going enough, there’s the distinct feeling this car is bored. It wants to make mud pies and climb rocks.
A few turns and I’m at a rutted dirt track that rises to a swathe of open paddock. I go for it, and without touching either of the two “X Modes”, it’s a walk in the park for the Outback.
Because that’s the other thing about Canberra – you’re never too far away from the bush, which makes the Subaru strangely happy.
The Sport model is marked by its black wheels, grille and mirror caps. Photo: James Coleman.
2021 Subaru Outback AWD Sport
- $48,319 driveaway (5-year unlimited-kilometre warranty)
- 2.5-litre 4-cylinder petrol, 138 kW/245Nm
- CVT automatic (with manual mode), all-wheel-drive
- 7.3 l/100 km combined fuel use, 91 RON
- 5-star ANCAP safety rating.
This car was provided for testing by Subaru Canberra in Phillip. Region Media has no commercial arrangement with Subaru Canberra.
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