Viewed on first glance, the Outback now takes after the US market Ascent and features changes in the form of redesigned front and rear bumpers, more cladding around the wheel arches, down the side and on the bumpers, Subaru's now trademark hexagonal grille with integrated camera, updated Hawkeye headlights with integrated LEDs, a side view camera and 18-inch alloy wheels in two contrasting designs.
In addition to improved noise, vibration and harshness levels, a more powerful air-conditioning system and tweaked electric power steering as well as brakes, Subaru has reserved most of the updates for the interior with pride of place going to a new seven-inch touchscreen infotainment system incorporating satellite navigation, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Bluetooth.
Building on this is a new dashboard housing the same vehicle information display screen as the XV, a new multi-function steering wheel, two additional USB ports, a digital climate control display with new graphics and on top-spec models, an eleven speaker Harman Kardon sound system.
As for safety, the Outback joins the XV in getting Subaru's EyeSight driver assistance system, which consists of Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Departure Warning, Pre-Collision Braking, Blind Spot Detection, Pre-Collision Throttle Management, Steering Responsive Headlights, Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Sway Control.
Matters are however unchanged underneath the bonnet where the Outback is again offered with a choice of two petrol engines, mated to a Lineartronic CVT gearbox, with drive going to all four wheels via Subaru's rally-derived Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system in addition to standard Torque Vectoring.
Serving as a base engine, the 2.5-litre flat-four Boxer mill churns out 129 kW and 235 Nm of torque, while the flagship 3.6-litre flat-six produces 191 kW and 350 Nm. On both models, ground clearance is rated at 213 mm with an off-road specific X-Mode, which activates the Hill Descent Control and ups the Vehicle Stability Control, also standard.
A five year / 150 000 km warranty and three-year / 75 000 km service plan are included in the sticker prices of both models, which kicks-off at R579 000 for the 2.5 and ends at R649 000 for the 3.6.
