Subaru Outback H6-3.0 – Price: + RUB XNUMX

But the reason for this is not at all in their cars. Those who are at least a little familiar with the Subaru brand are well aware that they offer some interesting technical solutions in their models that are almost impossible to find in other cars on the market. As such, they were among the first in all of their models to offer four-wheel drive, and some even a gearbox, although you won't find real SUVs in their range. And they still rule in this area!

A real rarity these days is also their 180-degree engine design, true only to Porsche. They were abandoned at Alfa Romeo as soon as they got under the wing of Fiat. However, we shouldn't forget that Subaru is famous for something else - windowless doors, which are usually offered only in coupes and convertibles. Thus, it can be said that Subaru has the design of an SUV drive, the heart of an athlete and the details of a coupe or convertible. Last but not least, they prove their sporty and off-road character in the rally.

In 1997, they surprised the world with another novelty. With Outback model. In fact, it didn't technically bring anything revolutionary, but it nevertheless turned into a small revolution. They took the well-known Legacy Wagon as a basis, slightly raised it (by about 190 millimeters), made a plastic trim, which serves as a rather rough and, therefore, more attractive appearance of body protection, painted it with an interesting and beautiful color. At the same time, rare colors with a metallic sheen and chrome-plated alloy wheels. Oh yes, we must not forget about the price! This was basically much higher than the Legacy Wagon.

Of course, it was completely stupid to think that the Outback could be a work machine for the "owner" because of its emphasized height from the ground. Therefore, the Americans met him with great enthusiasm. As well as the Europeans, who soon sent two more reviews to the market. Volvo Cross Country and Audi Allroad. But the pioneer among the so-called off-road sedans cannot be attributed to the Outback. They overtook him in a Volkswagen with the Golf Country model, which, unfortunately, did not receive succession in the third generation. However, it is true that the Outback is the oldest in existence. And he knows it too.

The form, though interesting enough, cannot hide it. Today it is too classic. As well as the interior, but you do not immediately notice. First impressions are exactly the opposite. Since Subaru is a Japanese car brand, you can easily expect a gray and gloomy interior. And when you open the door, the H6-3.0 surprises with a bright, leathery and chic passenger compartment that is very pleasing to the eye.

Don't forget about the details: the Momo steering wheel and discreet embossed Outback lettering on the seatbacks. Last but not least, the luggage compartment also convinces you of all this. This one is incredibly beautiful and finely crafted as far as the spare wheel space is concerned. When you turn the key in the engine start lock, you also fail to notice the Outback's shortcomings over its competitors. Optitron's technology is ahead of the competition, and their transparency and excellent dimming, unhindered by strong sun, are also commendable.

Therefore, the driver's seat will interfere with you. You don't even notice it when you look at it, because it is dressed in leather and at the same time electrically movable, but you can feel it because it is not movable longitudinally and does not hold well laterally. The steering wheel, which is only adjustable for height, also contributes to a rather unfavorable sitting position.

The fact that the designers really thought about the details is reminiscent of the wooden accessories that can be found on the steering wheel and center console and which, if they are imitations, are made very high quality. Unfortunately, one cannot help but notice that the air vent in the middle cannot be closed, that the automatic air conditioning is not dual-channel, that there is no on-board computer and that the transmission is provided by a completely classic four-speed automatic transmission. ... The latter is even more confusing when you consider that the 3-liter engine, which today represents the top of the range, is barely a year and a half old.

This means Subaru boasts a state-of-the-art boxer engine, four valves per cylinder and two camshafts on each side, and, just as important, power and torque that are completely comparable to the rest of the state of the art. -art 3-liter six-cylinder engines. They also note that the car has an extremely low center of gravity and symmetrical weight distribution at the bow thanks to an engine design that ensures an excellent driving position. This is truly undeniable, as the Outback behaves completely neutral even at high cornering speeds, which, along with the permanent yet flexible all-wheel drive, which basically transfers power to the front and rear wheels in a ratio of 0:45, also provides excellent VDC (dynamic vehicle control).

You only notice that the nose comes out of the curve slightly on short and closed turns. However, to know that the back of the car can also slip, find out the moment you turn off the VDC on slippery ground. But beware - the Outback is not an Impreza WRX! The fun you can expect quickly turns into a garage, and the gearbox takes care of it all. You can't really influence how it works because with the three programs (SUV - Hold, Normal and Sport - Power) you only choose which gear it can shift into. This is all! And so it can happen out of the blue that as long as you control the slip with the power of the engine in the corner, the transmission shifts into a higher gear. However, this is not a big problem, quickly enough to remove the steering wheel.

You feel worse if, in a closed corner, the moment you grab the rear end, it downshifts (read: first). Then, at first, for a moment, the power runs out, and then the car literally "catapults" out of the turn. And if this happens to you, only luck will save you. So the antics of rally racers with the Impreza WRC in this outback must be dealt with very carefully.

Even aside from the brutal indulgence, the four-speed automatic still does not leave a good impression on the driver. In normal mode, it turns out to be quite "lazy", as it reacts too slowly to commands from the accelerator pedal, but in sport mode, on the contrary, it becomes too alive. This quickly becomes annoying as it starts to drain nervously every time you add gas. And it is the gearbox that deserves the biggest criticism in this Outback, because, due to its design and performance, it also contributes to a fairly high fuel consumption.

Of course, we must not forget that the Outback H6-3.0 represents the highest step among Subaru cars. And so for anyone who might not like its features, there are still others, and above all cheaper models. This year they have taken over responsibility for this from Interservice, doo, where they already have rich experience in representing and selling vehicles. However, at least judging by the history that Subaru is writing on our soil, there is nothing to worry about - will Subaru finally return?

Matevž Koroshec

Photo: Aleš Pavletič.

Subaru Outback H6-3.0 – Price: + RUB XNUMX

Basic data

Sales:	Interservice doo
Base model price:	35.202,80 €
Test model cost:	35.202,80 €
Power:	154kW (209 KM)
Acceleration (0-100 km / h):	8,9 with
Maximum speed:	210 km / h
Mixed flow ECE:	10,5l / 100km
Guarantee:	General warranty 3 years or 80.000 km

Cost (up to 100.000 km or five years)

Technical information

engine:	6-cylinder - 4-stroke - boxer - petrol - longitudinally mounted in front - bore and stroke 89,2 × 80,0 mm - displacement 3000 cm3 - compression 10,7:1 - maximum power 154 kW (209 hp) .) at 6000 rpm - average piston speed at maximum power 16,0 m / s - specific power 51,3 kW / l (69,8 l. light metal block and head - electronic multipoint injection and electronic ignition - liquid cooling 282 l - engine oil 4400 l - battery 7 V, 2 Ah - alternator 2 A - variable catalyst
Energy transfer:	the engine drives all four wheels - hydraulic clutch - 4-speed automatic transmission, gear lever positions PRND-3-2-1 - gear ratio I. 2,785; II. 1,545 hours; III. 1,000; IV. 0,694; reverse gear 2,272 - gearbox, gears 1,000 and 1,200 - gear in differential 4,111 6,5 - rims 16J × 215 - tires 60/16 R 2,00 V, rolling range 1000 m - speed in IV. gears at 42,1 rpm XNUMX km / h
Capacity:	top speed 210 km / h - acceleration 0-100 km / h 8,9 s - fuel consumption (ECE) 15,3 / 7,8 / 10,5 l / 100 km (unleaded gasoline, elementary school 95)
Transportation and suspension:	wagon - 5 doors, 5 seats - self-supporting body - Cx - no data - front single suspension, leaf springs, triangular cross rails, stabilizer - rear single suspension, spring struts, transverse rails, longitudinal rails, stabilizer - two-way brakes, front disc ( forced cooling), rear disc, power steering, ABS, rear mechanical parking brake (lever between seats) - rack and pinion steering wheel, power steering, 3,0 turns between extreme points
Mass:	empty vehicle 1610 kg - permissible total weight 2010 kg - permissible trailer weight with brake 1800 kg, without brake 750 kg - permissible roof load 50 kg
External dimensions:	length 4720 mm - width 1745 mm - height 1580 mm - wheelbase 2650 mm - front track 1460 mm - rear 1455 mm - minimum ground clearance 190 mm - driving radius 11,2 m
Inner dimensions:	length (dashboard to rear seatback) 1620 mm - width (at the knees) front 1430 mm, rear 1410 mm - height above the seat front 900-940 mm, rear 900 mm - longitudinal front seat 870-1100 mm, rear seat 930 -700 mm - front seat length 480 mm, rear seat 480 mm - steering wheel diameter 385 mm - fuel tank 64 l
Box:	(normal) 530-1645 l

Our measurements

T = 10 ° C, p = 1010 mbar, rel. vl. = 63%, Meter reading: 9212 km, Tires: Yokohama Geolander GO40
Acceleration 0-100km:	9,3s
1000m from the city:	30,8 years ( 172 km / h)
Maximum speed:	214km / h (IV.)
Minimum consumption:	14,5l / 100km
Maximum consumption:	17,1l / 100km
test consumption:	15,7 l / 100km
Braking distance at 130 km / h:	66,3m
Braking distance at 100 km / h:	39,4m
Noise at 50 km / h in 3rd gear	56dB
Noise at 50 km / h in 4rd gear	54dB
Noise at 50 km / h in 5rd gear	53dB
Noise at 90 km / h in 3rd gear	62dB
Noise at 90 km / h in 4rd gear	60dB
Noise at 90 km / h in 5rd gear	59dB
Noise at 130 km / h in 4rd gear	65dB
Noise at 130 km / h in 5rd gear	64dB
Test errors:	unmistakable

Overall rating (315/420)

• The Outback rightfully bears the name Subaru. This is not really surprising since it is at the top of the sales palette. This means that the customer receives a beautiful, powerful and at the same time quite useful car with it. He has only known him for many years, compared to his rivals.

• Exterior (13/15)

  The Outback has been on the market for five years now, but its design is still attractive enough.

• Interior (98/140)

  At first glance, the interior is pleasantly surprising, but the front seats are hardly average, and by the years it is already quite familiar.

• Engine, transmission (28
  
  
  / 40)

  The engine deserves the highest marks and, unfortunately, the final impression was heavily spoiled by the all-classic four-speed automatic transmission.

• Driving performance (82
  
  
  / 95)

  The Outback proves once again that Subaru has no performance issues.

• Performance (27/35)

  Considering the power and torque offered by the engine, its performance is hardly average.

• Security (28/45)

  The Outback does not lack security, only lacking airbags and a boot bulkhead.

• Economy

  Its economics is not written in leather. The price is high, and so does the fuel consumption.

We praise and reproach

brand reputation

engine design and characteristics

four-wheel drive vehicle

position on the road

VDC add-in work

beautifully designed trunk and interior

attention to detail (Momo steering wheel, alloy wheels ...)

automatic transmission operation

too short longitudinal movements and too weak lateral grip of the front seats

no on-board computer

the boot does not have a barrier net and a ski opening

too small fuel tank

fuel consumption

price