Subaru Ireland are introducing a revamped 2018 2.5i Subaru Outback Lineartronic in time for the ‘182’ plate change. The 2018 model has a significant upgrade in technology and trim. The Outback is a rugged crossover estate, redesigned to raise cabin quality and refine the model’s plethora of safety offerings. The Outback update showcases Subaru’s ‘Confidence in Motion’ brand ethos offering excellent safety, capability and reliability credentials. Among the most significant changes to the exterior design for Outback is the redesigned front grille, bumper, door mirrors and headlights. The hexagonal grille redesign showcases a sharper, more defined shape and incorporates the distinctive Subaru wing design, which draws parallels to the iconic horizontally opposed Subaru Boxer engine.
An addition to both the exterior design and the safety suite is a new front view camera, which has been positioned below the marques six-star badge. Placed on the front grille, the front view camera can monitor a 180°-degree area in front of the car that would normally be in the driver’s blind spot. These images, as well as visible guidelines, are displayed on the touchscreen to aide drivers in gauging potential hazards in front of the car and improve overall manoeuvring. Allowing for increased all-round visibility, the 2018 Outback SUV is fitted with an additional side view camera mounted at the base of the passenger door mirror. Displaying the area diagonally in front of the passenger side of the Outback, the resulting imaging allows drivers to navigate through narrow spaces with greater ease. A “view” switch has also been positioned next to the X-Mode button allowing the driver to move between display options on the centre touchscreen.
A welcome addition to the Outback is the inclusion of Lane Keep Assist, which completes the EyeSight driver assistance safety technology suite – included as standard on all 2018 Outback models. Lane Keep Assist offers gentle steering control if the vehicle is about to deviate from its lane at approximately 65kph or above. Subaru’s EyeSight driver assist technology suite includes: Adaptive Cruise Control, Lead Vehicle Start Alert, Lane Sway and Departure Warning, Lane Keep Assist, Pre-collision Braking System and Pre-collision Throttle Management. Steering Responsive Headlights are also new to Outback, with the introduction improving driver safety and increasing visibility at night. The headlight beams mirror the driver’s steering input to illuminate corners when turning.
Interior changes include a subtle redesign to improve the atmosphere for occupants of Outback. New decorative gloss black panels and silver surrounds create a consistent and sophisticated look, whilst the touchscreen size has been increased from 7” to a new 8” multifunction colour touchscreen for the SE Premium model, which is also compatible with both Apple CarPlay™ & Android Auto™ and DAB radio functionality. Outback is powered by a naturally-aspirated 2.5-litre ‘FB25’ petrol unit. Due to the size and shape of Subaru’s Boxer engine, it is installed lower down and further back than a conventional engine for a lower centre of gravity and transitions beneath the passenger compartment in the event of a collision, providing an added level of safety for occupants within the vehicle. The Boxer engine – with its unique ‘punch-counterpunch’ rotational cycle – offers smoothness, low vibration and noise, plus excellent accelerator response. The 2.5L engine produces 175PS at 5,800rpm and 235Nm torque at 4,000rpm.
There are two trim levels available, on the 2018 Subaru Outback for Irish buyers – SE and SE Premium – both of which offer very generous levels of standard equipment.
- SE models are equipped as standard with Eyesight, adaptive cruise control, hi-beam assist, Subaru rear vehicle rear detection, automatic LED headlamps and headlamp washers, 17-inch alloy wheels, heated front seats, keyless entry and push-button start, and privacy glass, as well as an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, incorporating audio, smartphone connectivity and rear, front & side view parking cameras. The system also incorporates Subaru STARLINK and is Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatible.
- SE Premium models add leather seats (choice of Ivory or Black), 18-inch alloy wheels, sunroof, power tailgate, 8-way power adjustable driver’s seat with memory function and lumbar support and electrically-adjustable passenger seat.
Prices for the 2018 Subaru Outback start from €46,995 for the SE Model and €49,995 for the SE Premium. Pricing for the new model remains unchanged from the current diesel Outback, with updated features and redesigns baring no additional costs for customers and drivers.
To find out more about Subaru’s range, visit www.subaru.ie
