Subaru Outback 2.5i S Lineartronic 5dr Car Review - March 2012

REVIEW
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List Price: £28,875
Tax Band: J
Insurance Group: 20
MPG: 33.6
CO2: 194
0-62 Mph: 10.4 secs
BHP: 165 BHP
Range: 480 miles
CarSite Verdict:  3.5/5
The Outback estate is based on the Subaru Legacy, and this version comes with a 2.5 litre petrol engine which should deliver some good performance, but somehow this fails to materialise when compared with rivals with similar engines. There is a good level of equipment included with this car, and it also does have plenty of space in the large cabin, but the Outback simply doesn't do as well as some of its cheaper and more popular rivals.

PROS:  This is an estate that offers plenty of space and is reasonably comfortable, while also being delivered with a good level of equipment and has the automatic gearbox as standard.

CONS:  The car is expensive to buy and to run, and the looks and performance of the car simply does not justify the high purchase price for a vehicle like this.

Behind the Wheel

The Outback does drive quite well, with a ride that is comfortable and forgiving, meaning that all of the bumps and potholes in the road will not be felt in the cabin, but this does mean there are some sacrifices. There is a lot of body movement in the corner, but the Outback does grip well and also benefits from the four wheel drive, meaning that the car does have plenty of traction even in poor driving conditions. The driving position is quite good and has electric adjustment meaning that every driver should be able to get comfortable easily, and visibility is good both to the front and rear of the car.

The 2.5 litre petrol engine is the smallest in the range available in the Outback, but the performance figures are a little disappointing. Acceleration from 0-62mph is achieved in 10.4 seconds, while the top speed of 120mph is plenty for most drivers. Refinement is quite good in the car, with the only issue being a little engine noise being heard when the engine is revved hard.

Looks & Equipment

The Outback is not a particularly attractive car, but is functional enough which is a much more important factor for many people. The angle and shape of the grille does make it easy to mistake the Outback for a Vauxhall, but the air intake in the bonnet does add a slightly sporty look to the car. The back end is quite good, but the odd step underneath the boot door may not be to everyone's tastes. Inside the cabin is comfortable and actually quite attractive, with a dashboard that is very simple and straightforward.

There is a good level of equipment included as standard with this version of the Outback, and the CD stereo with a multi-disc changer and the electric sunroof are both highlights on the equipment list. The power heated seats are welcome particularly during the winter, and cruise control and climate control help to ensure the Outback is competent and comfortable during longer journeys.

Practicality, Safety & Reliability

The Outback is quite a safe car on the whole, and comes installed with a good range of airbags that look after the front seat and the back seat occupants should the car be involved in a collision. The driving aids that are built into the car also help to ensure that the car remains stable and under control even in poor driving conditions. Subaru has a reputation for bullet proof reliability, and the Outback looks set to continue this reputation.

The space to be found inside the Outback means that this does prove to be a very practical car, and there is ample space in the front and in the rear of the car. The boot is big enough for plenty of luggage, and with the rear seats able to fold flat this makes the potential load space in the back huge.

Value for Money

One of the difficulties when it comes to recommending this version of the Outback is that it isn't a cheap car to own or run, and the purchase price of £28,875 for this model is a lot of money.

The 2.5 litre petrol engine isn't as thirsty as the larger engines, but is still only able to achieve an average 33.6mpg. Insuring this model shouldn't be too costly thanks to the competitive insurance group, but depreciation is significant when it comes to selling the Outback. The car is delivered with a three year or sixty thousand mile warranty which is supplemented by a three year roadside breakdown assistance policy.

Subaru Outback 2.5i S Lineartronic 5dr Car Review - by 
All Subaru Outback Reviews
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Subaru Outback 2.5i S Lineartronic 5dr - March 2012
The Outback estate is based on the Subaru Legacy, and this version comes with a 2.5 litre petrol engine which should deliver some good performance, but somehow this fails to materialise when compar...
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Large Family Alternatives

You might want to read reviews for other Large Family cars that you can then compare to the Subaru Outback. Here are some popular Subaru Outback alternatives:

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