Subaru Outback 2.0D S 5dr Car Review - February 2012

Finding the right driving position is easy thanks to the electrical adjustment on the driver’s seat, and forward visibility is good. The dashboard is well laid out and all controls and switches are within easy reach, although some of them could be clearer to read at a glance. The electronic handbrake, located next to the steering wheel, is something you get used to very quickly.

The 2.0-litre 4 cylinder 16 valve diesel engine fitted in this model produces 152bhp and 258lb-ft of torque low-down in the rev range. It’s capable of a top speed of 120mph and 0-62mph in 9.7 seconds, so it’s no slouch by any means. Average fuel economy is a decent 44.1mpg. The engine is coupled with a six-speed manual gearbox which is flexible and gives smooth gear-changing.

There are also 2.5-litre diesel and 2.5-litre petrol options, as well as a 256bhp 3.6-litre petrol engine with a five-speed automatic transmission, which is the fastest of them all.

Despite its size the Outback is easy to drive. The suspension is set up for comfort rather than handling finesse, so there’s quite a bit of body-roll when cornering, but plenty of grip and the Outback’s four-wheel-drive traction keeps it surefooted.

Cruising at motorways speeds, the engines are quiet enough and suspension- and wind-noise are nicely suppressed.

The Subaru Outback’s classic exterior styling means it doesn’t look out of place in the city or in the country, and belies its off-road abilities.

Equipment levels in the Outback are good even in the S level model. Power steering, central locking, VDC stability control, climate control, electric door mirrors, electric front windows, cruise control, alarm, immobiliser, CD+MP3 connectivity and Bluetooth all come as standard. Metallic paint is available at extra cost.

This version of the Outback is larger than before, and as a result the cabin is very spacious. Adult passengers certainly won’t complain about the generous headroom and there’s plenty of legroom both upfront and in the back. Good access and a decent sized boot (526-litres) also add to the practicality of the Outback. Folding down the rear seats extends the boot space available to 1,677-litres.

While the design of the cabin may not win any style awards – it does feel well built and well put together and no doubt the Outback will uphold Subaru’s reputation for durability and reliability.

EuroNCAP crash test results are still pending for the Outback, but as it’s based on the Legacy Tourer from Subaru, which scored the maximum five-star rating, there should be no reason to expect anything less for the Outback. Six air-bags along with VDC stability control all help keep occupants safe.

Anti-theft measures include an alarm, immobiliser, deadlocks and etched windows to deter theft.

Reliability with a Subaru is not normally a concern, as their reputation is excellent, and many owners have only positive comment regarding service received.

The Outback comes with Subaru’s three-year-60,000 mile warranty and regular service intervals of 12,000 miles.

At £26,780 the Subaru Outback 2.0D S 5door isn’t cheap, even though it comes well equipped.

Both petrol and diesel engines are relatively thirsty, so running costs are higher than the average in its class. C02 emissions of 167g/km put it in VED band H for Road Tax. Insurance is in group 21.

Diesel versions make the most sense – they’re stronger on performance and have much lower running costs than the petrol alternatives.

Big discounts from dealers are rare and resale values aren’t too strong. It also lacks the premium image and quality interior of some of its German rivals.