All-New 2015 Subaru Outback Launched In Malaysia: Single 2.5i-S Variant Offered, Priced From RM225k

Motor Image Malaysia has launched the all-new fifth-generation 2015 Subaru Outback in Malaysia. More crossover than SUV, the Outback resembles a Legacy that has been beefed up to be able to tackle off-road terrain more comfortably.

With a name that is linked to the vastness of the Australian interior, the Subaru Outback more closely resembles a rugged station wagon, able to tackle tarmac but also capable of going off-road as well.

Buyer’s Guide:

The Subaru Outback is offered here with only one variant on offer, the Outback 2.5i-S with a price tag of RM224,846.30 (inclusive of GST and insurance).

Performance:

Underneath the hood, you’ll find a 2.5-litre horizontally-opposed Boxer four-cylinder petrol engine which produces 175PS at 5,800 rpm and 235 Nm of torque at 4,000 rpm. The engine is mated to Subaru’s Lineartronic six-speed CVT transmission.

Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system sends drive to all four wheels while progressively adjusting the amount of torque sent to the front and rear via an Active Torque Split system.

To tackle off-road terrain, Subaru's X-MODE system with hill descent control works with the all-wheel drive system to handle rough terrain. The brand's Intelligent Drive (SI-DRIVE) is also found here, allowing for different driving modes.

KEY SPECS:

• Engine: Boxer 2.5-litre horizontally-opposed four-cylinder DOHC 16-valve petrol engine with Multi Point Sequential Injection
• Transmission: Lineartronic six-speed automatic transmission
• Power: 175PS @ 5,800 rpm
• Torque: 235 Nm @ 4,000 rpm
• Fuel economy: 7.7 litres per 100 km (combined)
• CO2 emissions: 177g/km

Exterior Styling:

Robust is the best way to put the Outback’s styling. With a high ground clearance (213mm), roof rails, and bumper guards front and rear, the crossover certainly looks the part should it decide to leave the comfort of tarmac.

At the front, the Outback gets automatic LED headlamps with integrated daytime-running lights and just beneath them, you’ll find fog lamps in chromed enclosures. The front-end also features the Active Grille Shutter which opens and closes to improve fuel consumption.

Moving along the side of the 4,815mm long vehicle, we see chromed side sills with 'Outback' etched on them as well as 18-inch alloy wheels are fitted, wrapped in 225/60 series tyres.

At the rear, a powered tailgate opens with the push of a button on either the remote unit or just below the dashbboard for ease of access. The top of the car houses a power sliding, tilt-adjustable sunroof as well.

Interior Design:

Inside, the Outback is upholstered in leather, including the seats and steering wheel. The seats at the front are both power adjustable but only the driver’s seat comes with lumbar support. At the rear, you’ll find 60/40 split folding and reclining rear seats.

To keep the occupants cool, a dual-zone automatic air-conditioning system with anti-dust filter comes as standard with heater ducts for rear passengers should the need arise.

Infotainment is handled by a premium audio system with Bluetooth, USB (2), CD player, and voice recognition system, displayed through a seven-inch LCD touch-screen that doubles as a screen for the rear view camera. Audio playback is sent through a 12-speaker Harman/Kardon sound system.

For the driver, a 3.5-inch colour LCD screen displays various driving information while for convenience, there are on-wheel steering controls for the multimedia system and cruise control function. Said steering wheel is also adjustable for tilt and reach but is done so manually.

Safety Features:

Rated with a maximum five-star ANCAP occupant safety rating, the Outback features a vast list of safety systems. Within Subaru’s Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) system, there are: Electronic Stability Control (ESC), anti-lock braking system (ABS) with electronic brake-force distribution (EBD) and brake assist (BA), traction control system (TCS) with limited slip device, and an Active Torque Vectoring system.

Add to this an airbag count of seven, four-wheel disc brakes, hill hold function, ISOFIX child-seat anchors, and a rear view reverse camera and you’ve got yourself a pretty impressive safety package.

Other Information:

Each purchase of the 2015 Subaru Outback 2.5i-S will come with a five-year or 100,000 km warranty (whichever comes first).