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I start the engine and the 3.6-liter horizontally opposed petrol “six” responds with a rich, juicy, but at the same time non-aggressive rumble. In a moment the flagship Subaru Outback makes such a confident first impulse forward that the basic version with the FB25 engine, well known from the Forester model, could not even dream of such ease of movement in space! Under the hood of the Outback 3.6R-S there are immediately 260 “horses” not adapted to Russian tax rates and 350 Nm of torque. However, when it comes to the most powerful unit, at first not all the numbers are invigorating and encouraging.

First of all, we reset the data trip computer, which at the time of receiving the car shows 17.8 liters of average fuel consumption - in the urban cycle. The indicator seems to be predictable, but there is still little positive - ahead of us is a trip to the North Caucasus, for which standard navigation takes approximately 18 hours and more than 1600 km. We leave Moscow early on Saturday morning, while the capital's streets are still deserted, and this immediately brings profit. With careful use of the gas pedal in the SI-Drive Intelligent economical mode, our station wagon consumes no more than 9-9.5 liters, so this 3.6-liter “devil” is not so terrible.

And rush along federal highway The M-4 "Don" on the Subaru Outback is a complete pleasure. The car aggressively rushes ahead into the left lane, demonstrates precise traction control and does not have the bad habit of interrupting the driver and passengers with a strained howl. Good power reserve and - thank the gods! - decent sound insulation makes the Outback an excellent high-speed express train long distance. The wheel arches could be dampened more thoroughly, but overall the jump in acoustic comfort compared to the 4th generation car is more than noticeable.

In general, a trip in a Subaru Outback evokes strong associations with a flight on a long-haul Airbus A330 airliner - the car is almost impervious to air disturbances from oncoming traffic and “turbulence” that could be caused by imperfections in the road surface. The suspension of the all-terrain station wagon shows absolute indifference to small and medium-sized irregularities; large potholes are damped tightly and elastically. At the Subaru “echelon” there is serenity itself: it holds the trajectory unshakably, and competent tuning of the electric power steering saturates the steering wheel. feedback.

Well, the main discovery is that it’s not particularly breakthrough in appearance, but it’s really cozy, spacious and well-thought-out interior with high-quality finishing materials. Yes, the new “Autebek” finally ends the pain and long-term suffering of the “subarists”. In addition, a decent Subaru STARLINK multimedia system with an adequately responsive 7-inch touchscreen and premium Harman/Kardon “music” with 12 speakers have appeared here, so there is something to entertain yourself on a long journey. The only pity is that the Outback 3.6R is very demanding of the buyer’s ability to pay - the flagship version is priced at 3,399,900 rubles, and this is no longer a joke.

The interior of the Subaru Outback surrounds the driver and passengers with unsurpassed comfort. Every internal element is thought out to the smallest detail, everything is at hand and serves the sole purpose of ensuring maximum pleasure during the trip. You will get a premium driving experience: the interior features high-quality materials, stylish seat stitching and expressive glossy inserts that emphasize the representative image of the Subaru Outback.

  • Excellent visibility

    Subaru engineers have designed the body to minimize blind spots for the driver when looking forward and to the sides: now obstacles, pedestrians and cars on the road will not be a surprise for you while driving - interior design and transferred to the doors side mirrors will allow you to fully control the space around you when moving and maneuvering.

  • Multimedia with voice control, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, navigation system and 8” color touch display*

    Enjoy the most popular apps with Apple CarPlay® and Android® Auto*. Voice recognition features enable hands-free calling to ensure additional security without distracting you from the road. The navigation system is available for free updates for three years.

    *Available on select trim levels.

  • Keyless entry system and engine start using the Start/Stop button

    When the key fob is nearby, for example in a clothing pocket, the keyless entry system allows you to open the front doors, as well as the tailgate, simply by grasping the door handle. The engine is started using a button.

  • Individual style

    Choose your option for instrument ring lighting on the control panel from ten possible options.

  • Spacious trunk with power tailgate

    Large trunk volume - 1801 l.*, flat floor, door luggage compartment with electric drive and position memory function will help you quickly load your vehicle, making optimal use of all space.

    *With the second row of seats folded down.

  • Rear view camera, front and side view cameras

    A rear view, forward view and front side view camera will make your movement in the Subaru Outback as easy as possible and help you when parking.

  • Heated front and rear seats

    Passengers in both the front and rear rows of the Outback can enjoy a comfortable ride thanks to adjustable heated seats.

  • We learned a lot about the practicality of this big station wagon, technical specifications and capabilities, which at first glance do not shine with exorbitant performance, but organically fit into the purpose that was originally intended for this car.


    We appreciated the thoughtful design and the efforts of the engineers to please a wide range of car owners in one car. Everyone can easily find something in it, some like roominess and cross-country ability, the Outback 2015 has these qualities, others want to look stylish while driving a purchased car, and they didn’t miss a beat here, Subaru made a high-quality, stylish and beautiful car. There was only one flaw found in the entire car, the engine.

    Most profitable car in 2013


    Boxer 2.5i, not quite the engine you'd expect to see under the hood modern car costing more than 1 million rubles. It’s not that the engine has any flaws or problems, but the power... the power of this four-cylinder unit is not very high. Acceleration is accordingly, from 0-100 km/h in 9.2 seconds.


    And what's so special about this, you ask? What is the problem, acceleration fits well into the concept of a slow modern car. This may be true, but for those who like cars that “do” 100 km/h in less than 8 seconds, you should think about purchasing the Outback 3.6R. As the name of the engine suggests, it already has a volume of 3.6 liters. Its six cylinders, 256 hp. and 334 Nm already fits much more organically into the overall concept of a modern dual-purpose vehicle.


    The 2015 3.6R is certainly faster than the 2.5i, reaching 100 km/h in 7.3 seconds, beating its less powerful brother in the sprint by almost 2 seconds. But no matter how strange it may sound, the four-year-old model with the same engine remained faster; in 2010, the Outback needed exactly 7 seconds to show 100 km/h on the speedometer. How is this possible? Why more modern version(which means more advanced) of the same car with identical engines slower than the outgoing model. The answer is simple, modern technologies and the increase in the size of the car played a bad joke on it; the 2015 car gained 90 kg and immediately began to lose in dynamics.


    The difference will be more obvious the further the 2015 and 2010 model year vehicles travel. The quarter mile station wagon with a 3.6 engine runs in 15.7 seconds, maximum speed at the exit - 146.7 km/h. The difference in dynamics between the two models will be already 0.4 seconds, of course there is nothing to worry about, it is almost impossible to feel it without measuring instruments.


    But in figure-eight testing and braking from 100 km/h, the 2015 3.6R did better. In the first testing, the 2015 model year Outback completed the figure in 28 seconds with an average g-force of 0.61 g, the result of the previous model was 28.6 seconds and slightly higher g-forces. Again, the difference in numbers is not great, but one way or another it is present.


    It is also significant that despite the total superiority in power, the six-cylinder Outbacks were unable to surpass the Outback 2.5i in the performance of the same figure. The 2.5i passed the test in 26.3 seconds, proving to be very agile.

    Subaru Forester, Legacy and Outback receive top safety awards from IIHS


    The 2015 model also had a shorter braking distance; from 100 km/h the car stopped in 39.3 m. The result of the 2010 Outback is a little more modest, 39.9 m. The 2.5i outperformed both here, 36.58 meters. Why does this happen? Both 2015 cars had identical tires (225/60R18 Bridgestone Deller H/P Sport AS), so the tires could not affect the results. Most likely, the source of the differing results should be sought in the weight of the cars. The 2.5i is lighter than the 3.6i, with the engine under the hood also weighing less, so the first copy has better weight distribution and better testing performance.


    IN real conditions In normal driving, it is difficult to find differences in how cars with 2.5 and 3.6 liter engines drive. Both provide a comfortable ride feel and feel great on twisty roads. The CVTs, as expected, shift gears without jerking without annoying unnecessary twitching, and the huge interior clearly speaks of the intended purpose of these large station wagons. They can easily accommodate a family of 5 people comfortably ( rear seats one of the most spacious in its segment), load as many things as necessary into the luggage compartment and go on a long journey without the fear of getting stuck somewhere along the road far from civilization.


    Efficiency 2015 Subaru 3.6R

    The 2.5i option is naturally more economical. With a 3.6L engine, the 2015 Outback consumes 11.7 liters in the city and 8.7 liters/100 km on the highway. The 2015 Outback 2.5i gets 9.4 mpg in the city and 7.1 mpg outside the city, respectively.


    Bottom line

    Overall, the 2015 Subaru Outback is a strong contender in a highly competitive segment. The new generation may look a little less aggressive and domesticated, but the Outback remains a genuinely good replacement for standard crossovers.


    Subaru Outback. Price: 2,190,000 rub. On sale: since 2015

    Automotive progress, like any other, is an inevitable process. Every year, according to the logic of things, everything unnecessary and outdated should be cut off in cars, and everything new and technologically advanced, on the contrary, should be purchased.

    The Outback can rival larger crossovers in terms of second-row comfort.

    Surprisingly, after years of natural selection, the population of such a seemingly successful species as the “off-road station wagon” has not reached a new level. Today, like a decade ago, we still have the same unchanged trinity - Volvo XC70, Audi A6 Allroad and a class veteran - Outback. The only company they can keep is Octavia Scout, Audi A4 Allroad and a very fresh Volvo V60 Cross Country, although both of them are sold extremely poorly in Russia. The main reason, perhaps, lies in the fact that price segment Buyers of the above-mentioned class representatives can find a much more diverse family of larger and more solid crossovers. Whether this is good or bad is not for us to judge.

    Instrument scales can be illuminated in any of 9 colors to choose from

    The new Outback, however, has something to contrast with the overpopulated SUV class: oh, and Subarov’s flagship has become prettier! After the unsightly fourth generation, this is perhaps serious progress, especially considering that the truly beautiful cars in the entire history of the brand can be counted on one hand. The new “Outback” is a small victory of the Subarovites over themselves and for other reasons. If earlier each model had the asceticism and simplicity characteristic of most Asian models, now the “out” has come close to the “Europeans” - the quality, style and functionality of the interior have also moved to a new level.

    The third generation Outback (BL, BP), which still looks modern today, turned out to be no less progressive in its time. By the way, it is the only one of all the Pleiades that was awarded the title “Car of the Year in Japan.” At the time of its appearance, when there was still a significant difference between SUVs and passenger cars, the car had almost no competitors: a passenger driver’s station wagon with the makings of a crossover! The model is still highly valued on the secondary market: it’s unlikely to find a “live” copy for less than 500–550 thousand rubles. My friend, whose car was compared, was lucky: Alexander purchased a 2004 Outback three years ago with a ridiculous mileage of 35 thousand km. Now the mileage has reached only 55 thousand, thanks to which both the technical filling and the body have almost not lost their original appearance.

    The first thing that catches your eye when comparing the two cars is the size. The new “out” looks much more like a crossover: it is 85 mm longer, 70 mm wider and as much as 130 mm higher. However, due to the widespread and skillful use of high-strength steels in the body, the new product weighs only 118 kg more than its progenitor. But perhaps more differences await you inside - how much attention to detail has increased! Is that you, Subaru? Pleasant surprises are already waiting in cargo compartment: the seats fold conveniently both from the passenger compartment and from the luggage compartment, and when folded, a perfectly flat floor is formed; the curtain, which usually has nowhere to go when the trunk is full, can be removed underground, and the shelf covering the spare wheel can be hung on a special hook. The roller itself can be used even when you are in a hurry: the estimated maximum speed indicated on the sidewall indicates a possible 210 km/h! And this is just the beginning - the passenger part of the cabin is no less impressive. The seating position here is quite high, and the pilot is enveloped in almost “Volvo” comfort - there is soft and high-quality plastic all around, pleasant-to-touch leather is present not only on the seats, but also on the interior panels, and the electronics control keys are logically placed and pressed with a pleasant force. It is equally important that Subaru is now keeping up with the times in terms of on-board electronics: the top-end Harman/Kardon audio system with 12 speakers sounds noble, the multimedia is modern and convenient, and the touch screen, although still not up to par with Android, , but pleases with its excellent responsiveness, thoughtful menu and successful graphics. The back row is no less comfortable and very spacious: an optimal angle of inclination of the backrests, a good profile of heated seats, and the presence of separate air deflectors.

    The interior of a Subaru has never been so high-quality and solid, but the driver's position is now more crossover - especially compared to the more spartan, but at the same time more driver-friendly third Outback.

    The Outback III is...different in comparison! Completely different! It’s as if these cars belong not only to different classes, but also to different brands. Of course, it’s a matter of age, dimensions, and, in the end, a different ideology: the finishing materials here come from the late 1990s, there are some mistakes in ergonomics (for example, the power window unit is located extremely inconveniently, the automatic selector is in the P blocks access to climate control), and the back row is cramped even by golf class standards. But this is only static, because in motion a station wagon can shake confidence in modern trends in the automotive industry.

    The first thing that captivates me is the landing: this is the first car without adjustable steering wheel for reach, in which I managed to find the ideal position! You sit low, like a car; the seats, although they look rustic, are perfectly profiled; The small momo steering wheel is located almost vertically and close to the pilot, towards whom the center console is neatly turned. Yes, the 4-speed automatic transmission here is not distinguished by its “intelligence and intelligence,” which is why the lighter old Outback gains a hundred 0.7 seconds slower than the new product, which is not very noticeable on the move.

    The media system is fast and modern, and the soundtrack doesn’t lag behind

    Even though the motors are here different generations(the third Outback has a two-shaft EJ25, the new one has a four-shaft FB25), their characteristics are extremely similar: the same 2.5 liters with similar power indicators. The main difference between them is, perhaps, the “passport” efficiency: the new Outback should consume 1–1.5 liters less. In practice, it turned out the other way around: the average consumption of the third Outback was about 10–11 liters, while the newcomer did not fall below 12. I attribute this feature to the CVT’s love for high “torque” revolutions: where a 4-speed automatic rolls at 2000 rpm, the variator often holds 3-4 thousand. Although the Lineartronic wedge-chain variator itself is very good: responsive, pleasing with adequate performance, although sometimes harsh when starting from a standstill.

    The luggage curtain can be hidden under the floor

    The transmissions are essentially similar: both models have permanent drive to the front wheels, and the rear wheels are connected automatically using clutches. As you move, the torque distribution begins to change: the new Outback, for example, under normal conditions has a torque distribution between the front and rear wheels- 60:40. The main differences are in the progressiveness of the control electronics: for example, to improve the handling of the new Outback, an electronic imitation of the front cross-axle differential lock is intended, which helps to “pull” the car into turns by braking the inner wheel. In turn, the tested version of the Outback III does not even have a stabilization system. And if it were not for the smart electronics of the new product, which has the X-Mode function in its arsenal (the system optimizes the operation of the engine, transmission and brakes for off-road driving), then on off-road the rivals would be equal: here the advantage belongs to the new Outback.

    In terms of convenience, the CVT is almost as good as an automatic transmission, although sometimes it is harsh

    On a straight line, the Subaru are close: both have excellent directional stability on any surface and are not susceptible to ruts. But on winding sections, especially if it is rough terrain, differences appear: the newcomer behaves like a thoroughbred and well-built crossover, delighting with energy-intensive and soft suspension, but still allows itself to swing diagonally on the waves of the surface and moderate rolls in turns. The Outback III suspension also pleases with its energy intensity, but at the expense of a compact body and more car suspension It still behaves more recklessly: the sway is less, and the reactive force on the steering wheel (there is a hydraulic booster here) is more transparent than the “electric” one on the new Outback.

    As for cross-country ability, the station wagons would be equal here, if not for the more advanced electronics of the newcomer: the X-Mode off-road assistance system really helps out

    So where has progress led us? One thing is certain: the overall level of comfort has increased many times over in all directions: Outback has become more advanced, safe and easy to use. But the old “Outback” in the age of digital technology does not look like a relic of the past, but is rather perceived as a pleasant anachronism - the “driver car” ideology is still closer to it.

    The luggage compartment is both larger and more thoughtful than the Outback III

    Despite the fact that the engines here are of different generations (2-shaft EJ25 - on the Outback III, 4-shaft FB25 - on the new one), their characteristics are close

    Driving

    A fairly balanced chassis that allows you to move comfortably both in the city and on rough terrain. The motor would be more powerful...

    Specifications
    Dimensions 4815x1840x1675 mm
    Base 2745 mm
    Curb weight 1603 kg
    Full mass n.d.
    Clearance 213 mm
    Trunk volume 512/1801 l
    Fuel tank volume 60 l
    Engine gasoline, 4-cylinder, 2498 cm 3, 175/5800 hp/min -1, 235/4000 Nm/min -1
    Transmission CVT, all-wheel drive
    Tire size 225/60R18
    Dynamics 198 km/h; 10.2 s to 100 km/h
    Fuel consumption (city/highway/mixed) 10/6.3/7.7 l per 100 km
    Operating costs*
    Transport tax, R. 6650 rub.
    TO-1/TO-2, r. 9100 rub. / 12,900 rub.
    OSAGO, r. RUB 10,982
    Casco, b. RUB 142,350

    * Transport tax is calculated in Moscow. The cost of TO-1/TO-2 is taken according to the dealer. OSAGO and comprehensive insurance are calculated based on one male driver, single, age 30 years, driving experience 10 years.

    Verdict

    This is still a wonderful utilitarian car, successfully combining a passenger station wagon and an SUV. And how the level of comfort and equipment has increased! But the price of inevitable evolution was the loss of a piece of the driver’s ambitions. Which, of course, is not fatal, but causes slight sadness about the past.

    Subaru Outback III, 2004

    Subaru is a unique car, you shouldn’t buy it if you have no idea what it is and what it is intended for, just as you can’t understand its advantages, not counting the most obvious ones. I have a Subaru Outback III with a 2.5 liter engine. What's not to like: the stiffness of the suspension - in previous generation cars it was actually more comfortable. Climate control - achieving optimal settings is not that easy. The standard audio system will suit only those who perceive music only as background. Steering wheel wobble - when the steering wheel is turned and you drive over uneven surfaces, this is observed; this is a specific feature of Outbacks and Foresters. A decent level of cross-country ability, you have to go to the dacha, and no one cleans the roads there in winter, so I have the honorable role of laying a track for others - me and my neighbor on the X-Trail. Moreover, we agreed with him that in terms of cross-country ability these cars are approximately at the same level, although his car has a smaller front overhang, but due to the low-mounted muffler this difference is erased. There are indeed squeaks in the interior of the Subaru Outback III, but this also happens with Lexuses. In my case, there is minimal creaking. By the way, the interior requires serious care using auto chemicals: for example, I clean and moisturize the panel. You need to be extremely careful with the hood so that there are no dents left - it is aluminum, after all. The dynamics are quite sufficient for a 2.5-liter engine, consumption is moderate - 11-12 liters. In winter, I would advise you to change your shoes without fail. winter tires, from a traffic light, of course, and from a summer one, you can “do everything,” but difficulties may arise with braking. Not a single malfunction has occurred (I have driven 17 thousand kilometers, the first maintenance has been completed), I continue to drive, feeling like a human being, I treat the car with care, I really like it.

    Advantages : There are enough speakers. The consumption is pleasantly pleasing.

    Flaws : hard suspension. It is difficult to choose the optimal temperature for the climate. The music is no good.

    Peter, St. Petersburg

    Subaru Outback III, 2005

    The Subaru Outback III is fully worth its price. Excellent handling. This is exactly the quality that attracted me to the test drive. I can take turns at a speed of 120 kilometers per hour without any problems. And this is with ground clearance 20 centimeters. The appearance of the car seemed very elegant to me. I was very surprised by how the Subaru Outback III consumes fuel - only 10.5 liters in the combined cycle. Everything in the cabin is well thought out; special mention should be made of the glass hatch - everyone who saw it could not hide their delight. I'll move on to negative qualities. The Subaru Outback III's suspension turned out to be much stiffer than I thought: you have to pay for handling. With a ground clearance of 20 centimeters, there is no roll or sway. Two and a half liters is not enough. It runs fine in principle, but the best option there would be a three-liter engine. Only the cost of modifications with a 3-liter engine has been greatly increased. Brake system It works somehow sluggishly and unintelligibly. If you compare it with the A6, braking at high speeds is somewhat uncertain. The climate control is too zealous with cooling. You set it to 25 degrees so as not to freeze.

    Advantages : excellent handling. Ground clearance 20 cm. Elegant appearance. In the mixed cycle - 10.5 liters.

    Flaws : hard suspension. The dynamics are not very good.

    Vadim, Moscow

    Subaru Outback III, 2007

    In terms of operating costs, the Subaru Outback III is not very annoying; in principle, all of them differ in this japanese cars(we are talking about the ratio of operating costs and the total cost of the car). The car did not cause any serious problems; at 35,000 miles, I only replaced the stabilizers and rear silent blocks of the front control arms. I’ll draw the line and name the pros and cons of the Subaru Outback. The car has good handling, predictable steering, good feedback, and good ground clearance (for our wonderful roads). I am pleased with the simplicity of the suspension and the lack of bells and whistles in it; I would like to believe that there will be no changes in this regard. Pleased with the rear view mirrors and luggage compartment. Repair costs are quite small when compared with other cars of this type, such as Audi Allroad, Volvo XC. The steering wheel seemed comfortable. Negative sides. Firstly, the brakes are disgusting, in addition to the fact that they do not brake properly, there is also such a squeaking and grinding sound, and this problem was there from the very beginning, a “childhood sore,” as they say. I advise you to keep an eye on the radiator, in my case, even in the first winter, it was “covered”, I heard that the problem is in our salt or its wonderful substitute - the radiator cannot tolerate this.

    Advantages : good directional stability. Informative steering wheel. High ground clearance. Large trunk.

    Flaws : terrible brakes. Creaks in the cabin. Sound insulation could be better.

    Andrey, Moscow



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