Subaru, through Motor Image Malaysia Sdn Bhd has launched the ‘wagon’ version of their Legacy sedan, the Outback 2.5i-S. It’s priced at RM224,846.30 including GST and insurance, and comes in only one trim.
QUICK FACTS
| Name | Subaru Outback 2.5i-S |
| Engine | 2,498cc; 4-cylinder horizontally opposed, naturally aspirated |
| Transmission | CVT with six virtual ratios (Lineartronic) |
| Drive Type | Symmetrical AWD with Active Torque Split |
| Max Power | 173 hp @ 5,800 rpm |
| Max Torque | 235 Nm @ 4,000 rpm |
| 0 – 100km/h; Top Speed | 10.2 seconds; 198km/h |
| Price (OTR with insurance) | RM224,846.30 (with GST) |
The 2.5i-S is one of three offerings in the Outback model range, and sits in between the base 2.5i and range topping 3.6R-S variants. First things first, the five-seater’s dimensions are 4,815mm in length, 1,840mm wide, 1,675mm tall (including the roof rails) and has a wheelbase of 2,745mm. When unloaded, the car has a ground clearance of 213mm.
EXTERIOR
Externally, the front end of the Outback looks almost identical to that of the Legacy’s, the car which it’s based upon. That said, it gets auto-levelling full LED headlamps (with washers), fog lamps, power sunroof, roof rails with integrated crossbars, bumper guard, chromed side claddings and a rear spoiler. It sits on 18-inch wheels shod with 225/60 R18 series tyres.
You also get plastic mouldings round the car, keyless entry, welcome lighting, folding side mirrors with integrated LED signal indicators, LED combination tail lamps, a rear wiper and aluminium finishing at the bottom of the front and rear bumpers. An Active Grille Shutter is also offered as standard here, which automatically opens or closes depending on engine oil and water temperature. This also reduces air resistance, thereby increasing fuel economy.
INTERIOR
Inside, you get a raft of driver and passenger conveniences. Drivers will be greeted with a sleek three-spoke leather wrapped multifunction steering wheel, paddle shifters, cruise control, push-start button, electric parking brake, instrument clusters with a 3.5-inch full-colour LCD display with electro-luminescent gauges and an ECO gauge.
Next, there’s also a 7-inch touchscreen display supporting Bluetooth, USB and auxiliary connectivity, reverse camera, 12-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, dual cup holders in the centre, dual-zone auto air-conditioning with anti-dust filter and rear air vents, leather seats with white stitches and powered front seats. Pop the powered tailgate and you’ll find plenty of usable cargo space – a good 1,801 litres of space. The rear seats have a 60:40 split configuration as well.
PERFORMANCE
Powering the 1,595 kg Outback is as you would’ve expect, a 2.5-litre naturally aspirated (yes, no turbochargers here unfortunately) horizontally opposed four-cylinder engine. It makes 173 hp at 5,800 rpm and 235 Nm of torque at 4,000 rpm, sprinting from 0 to 100 km/h in 10.2 seconds before maxing out at 198 km/h. Drivetrain is Subaru’s Lineartronic CVT gearbox with six virtual ratios.
Tasked to make full use of the engine’s grunt is Subaru’s trusty Symmetrical AWD which constantly sends power to all four wheels. It also features a 60:40 Active Torque Split system, channeling power to the wheels that need it most. There’s also an X-Mode for when you’re feeling adventurous, making the Outback a truly capable off-roader. SI-Drive is also standard, giving you a choice between Intelligent, Sport or Sport Sharp driving modes.
SAFETY
Here, the Outback comes equipped with seven airbags including a driver’s knee airbag, brake assist with brake override system, safety pedal system, hill hold assist, hill descent mode, Active Torque Vectoring, traction control system and vehicle dynamics control (VDC) which can be toggled off.
WHAT ELSE?
The Outback is priced at RM224,846.30 with insurance and GST, and is fully imported from Japan. It comes with a five-year or 100,000km warranty programme, whichever occurs first and is available in nine different colours. The one you see here bears the Tungsten Metallic shade.
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