December launch confirmed for all-new Subaru Outback

A redesigned interior, new technology and a more rugged design give the Outback its biggest update yet.

1 hour ago

Charl Bosch 1 minute read

All-new seventh-generation Outback will arrive later this year. Photo: Subaru

An apparent time of reveal of the seventh-generation Subaru Outback has reportedly been set after its local market arrival was confirmed in April, reports The Citizen.

Revealed just over a year ago in the United States, the Outback makes the transition from estate to a crossover, despite having been sold separately from the model it had been based on, the Legacy, since 2009.

Dimensions

Based on a revised version of the Global Platform shared with the new Forester, the Outback’s dimensions amount to the following:

Length: 4 880mm;
Wheelbase: 2 745mm;
Height: 1 715mm;
Width: 1 880mm.

Reportedly able to tow 2 000kg, the Outback offers up 530 litres of boot space, which expands to 1 211 litres with the split rear seats folded.

All-new Subaru Outback revealed — _{Rear-end styling, though largely new, still has element from the outgoing Outback. Photo: Subaru}

It is unknown whether the more hardcore off-road-focused Wilderness variant will be added to the local line-up.Read more Updated Nissan X-Trail gets more for less than before

Inside

Debuting an equally new interior, the South African-spec Outback is expected to feature the new 12.1-inch infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as the equally new 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and centre console.

Subaru confirms South Africa launch time for new Outback — _{Centre stage inside goes to the new new 12.1-inch infotainment system. Photo: Subaru}

Along with the former system marking the return of physical buttons, the latest generation EyeSight system is also set to feature, with its respective upgrades comprising an improved forward-facing and surround-view camera system, plus a first-time hands-free autonomous driving setting.

Power options

Up front, the Outback is anticipated to retain the same engines as the outgoing Outback, namely the normally aspirated 2.5-litre flat-four that produces 137kW/254Nm, and the turbocharged 2.4 rated at 194kW/382Nm.

Both units will be mated to a recalibrated Lineartronic CVT, with drive going to all four wheels.

Arriving when?

According to a report by CAR Magazine, the Outback will make its market debut in December, with final price and spec to be announced then.

At present, the local line-up spans three versions, the 2.5-litre engined Field and Touring priced at R839 000 and R889 000 respectively, and the turbocharged XT stickered at R999 000.

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