Review: Subaru BS Outback (2014-on)

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• Refined 3.6-litre F6 petrol engine
• Comfortable ride (more so than the BN Liberty )
• All-wheel drive traction (via two different systems) makes for competent dynamics
• Spacious interior
• High standard of interior fit and finish

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• Turbo lag for 2.0-litre diesel engine
• Subaru’s ‘EyeSight’ safety technologies not offered for diesel models

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Review: Subaru BS.I Outback (2014-17)

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Overview

Released in Australia in December 2014, the Subaru BS Outback was an all-wheel drive wagon. Manufactured in Gunma, Japan, the BS Outback was available with 2.0-litre turbo-diesel, 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol and 3.6-litre six-cylinder petrol engines.

FB25, EZ36 and EE20 engines

For the Outback 2.5i, the 2.5-litre FB25 petrol engine had an open-deck aluminium alloy block, an aluminium alloy cylinder head, double overhead camshafts (chain-driven), four valves per cylinder, variable intake and exhaust valve timing (Subaru’s ‘Dual Active Valve Control System’) and a compression ratio of 10.3:1. For the BN Liberty and BS Outback, the FB25 petrol engine was updated and changes included:

• The introduction of an an ‘Automatic Stop Start’ system which enabled the engine to shut down when the vehicle was stationary in traffic to conserve fuel
• A thinner cylinder block (base thickness reduced from 3.5 mm to 3.2 mm);
• Larger intake valves (36 mm diameter, previously 34 mm);
• Increased valve pitch (41 mm, previously 39 mm);
• Reshaped valve position and intake ports for the Tumble Generator Valve (TGV);
• New pistons with raised crown surfaces for a higher compression ratio (previously 10.0:1) and new skirt coating to lower friction; and,
• A dedicated cooling circuit for exhaust gas recirculation (EGR).

For the Outback 3.6R, the 3.6-litre EZ36D engine had an open-deck aluminium block, an aluminium cylinder head with parallel-flow cooling, double overhead camshafts (chain-driven), four valves per cylinder, variable intake and exhaust valve timing (Subaru’s ‘Dual Active Valve Control System’ or ‘Dual AVCS’) and a compression ratio of 10.5:1. The EZ36D engine did not have an ‘Automatic Stop Start’ function.

For the Outback 2.0D, the 2.0-litre EE20 diesel engine had an open-deck aluminium alloy block, an aluminium alloy cylinder head, a variable geometry turbocharger, fourth-generation common-rail injection with solenoid injectors, double overhead camshafts (chain-driven), four valves per cylinder and a compression ratio of 15.2:1. [su_table responsive=”yes”]

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Transmissions

All engines were available with continuously variable transmissions (CVTs, or Subaru’s ‘Lineartronic’) which had six pre-set ratios and steering wheel gearshift paddles for sequential shifts; the EE20 diesel engine was also available with a six-speed manual transmission.

Dimensions and body

Compared to the Subaru BR Outback , the BS Outback was 25 mm longer (at 4815 mm), 20 mm wider (1840 mm) and 25 mm taller (1675 mm), though wheelbase length was unchanged (2745 mm); ground clearance was 213 mm. Inside, cargo space was 512 litres with the rear seats in position.

Significantly, the use of hot-pressed 980 MPa steels for the BS Outback contributed to torsional rigidity increasing by 167 per cent relative to its predecessor. Other design changes for the BS Outback included:

• A more raked windscreen, the base of which was brought forward by 51 mm;
• Improved aerodynamic efficiency, with 2.5i variants fitted with an Active Grille Shutter system as standard; and,
• Door-mounted side view mirrors.

Steering and suspension

The BS Outback had electric power-assisted steering, MacPherson strut front suspension and double wishbone rear suspension.

Symmetrical all-wheel drive (AWD)

Subaru BS Outback models with CVTs were fitted with Subaru’s ‘Active Torque Split’ all-wheel drive system which used an electronically-controlled, hydraulic multi-plate transfer clutch (instead of a centre differential). In normal conditions, the system provided a 60:40 front:rear torque split but sensors – measuring wheel slip, throttle position and braking – could anticipate a loss of front-wheel traction and increase torque to the rear axle.

For Outback models with the ‘Active Torque Split’ system, an ‘X-Mode’ function could be activated at speeds lees than 40 km/h to:

• Increase clutch-locking power by 25 per cent to limit wheelspin; and,
• Control engine torque to avoid rapid fluctuations.

A Hill Descent Control (HDC) function could also be activated for descents at speeds of less than 20 km/h.

The Outback 2.0D with a manual transmission had a ‘Continuous’ AWD system which utilised a viscous-coupling locking centre differential. In normal conditions, the system provided a 50:50 front:rear torque distribution. If traction was lost, however, up to 80 per cent of the engine’s torque could be directed to the opposing axle.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the Subaru BS Outback included dual front airbags, a driver’s knee airbag, front seat-mounted side airbags, full-length curtain airbags (i.e. for front and rear occupants), ABS, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist, electronic stability control, traction control and front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters.

From launch, the Subaru BS Outback 2.5i and 3.6R were fitted with Subaru’s EyeSight driver-assist system which used a stereo camera to provide the following functions –

• Adaptive Cruise Control: could maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front by braking and/or accelerating as required to maintain the driver-selected target speed and travelling distance. ACC could operate at speeds up to 145 km/h and could detect the red brake lights of the vehicle ahead for smoother deceleration and acceleration;
• Pre-Collision Braking: could detect if a collision was imminent with an object in front of the vehicle and autonomously apply the brakes to avoid or minimise the severity of the collision. Pre-Collision Braking could detect objects if the relative speed difference to the vehicle ahead was less than 50 km/h or if the speed difference to a pedestrian was less than 35 km/h;
• Pre-Collision Braking Assist: could increase braking assistance if the driver’s braking input was insufficient;
• Pre-Collision Steering Assist: if there was a possibility of colliding with a car or object in front and the driver used the steering wheel to take evasive action, Pre-Collision Steering Assist could alter the stability control settings to assist the driver to avoid the collision;
• Pre-Collision Throttle Management: if the driver mistakenly selected drive instead of reverse when the vehicle was stationary or travelling slowly, and objects were detected in front of the vehicle, Pre-Collision Throttle Management would 1) emit visual and audible warnings, and, 2) restrict engine output;
• Lane Sway Warning: Lane Sway Warning operated at speeds of approximately 60 km/h and could detect if the vehicle was wandering or drifting in its lane. If detected, Lane Sway Warning would warn the driver with a buzzer and flashing indicator;
• Lane Departure Warning: Lane Departure Warning, however, operated at speeds of approximately 50 km/h and above and would warn the driver (with a buzzer and flashing indicator) if the vehicle was about to depart from its lane without signalling; and,
• Front Vehicle Start Alert: when stationary and traffic ahead had started to move, Lead Vehicle Start Alert would prompt the driver to take action with a buzzer and flashing indicator.

From February 2016,

• EyeSight included ‘Unintended Start Prevention’ which would provide audible and visual warnings in the event of sudden movement – such as may occur by unintended depression of the accelerator – when an object was detected in front of the vehicle;
• Subaru Outback 2.0D variants with the ‘Lineatronic’ (CVT) transmission were also fitted with EyeSight; and,
• The Outback 2.5i Premium, 2.0D Premium and 3.6R were equipped with Subaru’s ‘Vision Assist’ package which included:
  • Blind Spot Monitoring;
  • Lane Change Assist;
  • Rear Cross Traffic Alert;
  • High Beam Assist; and,
  • An auto-dimming rear view mirror.

ANCAP and Euro NCAP testing

In ANCAP testing , the 2014 Subaru BS Outback received a five star adult occupant protection rating with a score of 35.99 out of 37. In the offset crash test, occupant protection for the driver’s head, thighs and feet were rated as good, though chest and lower leg protection were rated as acceptable (i.e. a slight risk of serious injury). In the side impact and pole tests, maximum points were awarded.

In Euro NCAP testing , the 2014 Subaru BS Outback received a five star safety rating which included an 85 per cent adult occupant protection rating and an 87 per cent child occupant protection rating. In the offset crash test, protection of the driver’s head, thighs and feet were rated as good, though chest and lower leg protection were rated as adequate (i.e. a slight risk of serious injury). In the side impact test, driver protection was rated as good in all areas. In the more severe pole test, however, protection of the driver’s chest and abdomen were rated as adequate.

Features: Outback 2.5i and 2.0D (Diesel)

Standard features for the Subaru BS Outback 2.5i and 2.0D included alloy wheels, a six speaker sound system with a CD player, MP3-compatibility, auxiliary inputs (3.5 mm/USB/iPod), Bluetooth mobile phone connectivity and audio streaming, dual-zone climate control air conditioning, cruise control, front fog lights, a reversing camera, automatic headlights, rain-sensing wipers, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with gearshift paddles, 60/40 split and folding rear seats, remote central locking, power windows and mirrors, a height and reach adjustable steering column, a height adjustable driver’s seat, rear privacy glass, roof rails, vanity mirrors, a trip computer and an immobiliser.

While the 2.0D had 17-inch alloy wheels with 225/65 R17 102H G98C Yokohama tyres, the 2.5i and 3.6R had 18-inch alloy wheels with 225/60 R18 100V Bridgestone Dueler H/P Sport tyres.

Features: Outback Premium and 3.6R

Compared to the standard 2.5i and 2.0D, the Outback 2.5i Premium and 2.0D Premium were further equipped with 18-inch alloy wheels, an enhanced infotainment system, a factory-fitted satellite navigation system with Pandora, leather trim, power adjustable and heated front seats, LED low beam headlights with washers, keyless entry (i.e. proximity key), power folding and heated mirrors, front wiper de-icer, push-button start, power sunroof, a powered cargo door and piano black interior trim. Visually, the Premium and 3.6R variants could be identified by their wheel arch cladding.

The Outback 3.6R was distinguished by its harman/kardon sound system with twelve speakers and subwoofer, silver roof rails and chrome side sill garnish.

February 2016 update

From February 2016,

• ‘Emergency Stop Signal’ (ESS) brake lights were introduced which would flash rapidly during emergency braking manoeuvres to warn following traffic;
• The front fog lights had integrated halogen daytime running lights (DRLs), while the Outback 2.5i Premium and 3.6R had a new front grille finish;
• The Outback 2.5i and 2.0D were further equipped with power folding door mirrors;
• The Outback 2.0D also gained automatic headlights and rain-sensing wipers; and,
• For the Outback 2.5i Premium, 2.0D Premium and 3.6R with satellite navigation, a new ‘Subaru Map Update Program’ was introduced which provided for the latest map version to be installed before vehicle delivery and a three year subscription to map updates.

Paint finishes

The Subaru BS Outback was available with the following paint finishes:

• Crystal White Pearl;
• Platinum Gray Metallic;
• Tungsten Metallic;
• Lapis Blue Pearl;
• Ice Silver Metallic;
• Dark Gray Metallic;
• Crystal Black Silica;
• Venetian Red Pearl; and,
• Deep Sea Blue Pearl.

Brochure

• Brochure: Subaru BS Outback (December 2014)

Review: Subaru BS.II Outback (2018-on)

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Overview

Released in Australia in February 2018, the Subaru BS.II Outback range was simplified as six-speed manual transmissions were no longer available for Outback 2.0D variants. Visually, the BS.II Outback could be identified by its revised front bumper, grille, headlights and more aerodynamic door mirrors which had 20 mm shorter stems and integrated LED indicators. Other changes included new alloy wheel designs and paint finishes (Crimson Red Pearl and Wilderness Green Metallic). Inside, stitching was added to the instrument panel, the centre dashboard panel had gloss black surrounds and a silver frame, while there were also changes to the steering wheel, air conditioning panel and vents.

Other changes for the Subaru BS.II Outback included:

• Revised shock absorbers to reduce body roll;
• The electric power-assisted steering (EPS) was EPS tuned to respond ‘in a more linear fashion to driver input’, particularly during lane changes at highway speeds; and,
• Changes were made to the braking system for more ‘linear response’ and ‘higher rigidity pedal feel’.

Mechanical changes: Outback 2.5i

For the Subaru BS.II Outback 2.5i, the following changes were introduced for the FB25 engine:

• The mass of the crank pulley, crankshaft and connecting rods was reduced;
• Mirror surfacing was introduced for all intake and exhaust valves to reduce friction; and,
• Ignition timing was adjusted to reduce engine noise.

For the BS.II Outback 2.5i’s continuously variable transmission (CVT):

• A seven-speed manual mode was introduced. In manual mode, torque reduction control was changed to improve upshift response;
• The range of ratios was expanded to improve fuel economy;
• A short pitch chain was introduced to reduce cabin noise;
• Changes to the shifter assembly provided ‘smoother, natural shifting from Park to Drive or Reverse’;
• A lighter transmission case (by 470 grams) was introduced; and,
• Rear differential oil was changed from 75W90 to 75W80 to reduce resistance and improve fuel efficiency.

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Safety equipment

The Subaru BS.II Outback was equipped with Subaru’s third-generation ‘EyeSight’ driver assist system which used a CMOS (complementary metal-oxide semi-conductor) camera for improved recognition of low-contrast objects.

For the BS.II Outback, changes included –

• Lane Keep Assist (LKA): fitted as standard, LKA operated at speeds above 60 km/h and would provide corrective steering assistance to keep the vehicle in its lane if it was about to drift outside of it and the turn indicators had not been applied;
• The pre-collision braking system could detect relative speed differences up to 50 km/h (previously 30 km/h);
• The introduction of Subaru’s ‘Vision Assist’ technologies –
  • Front View Monitor (FVM): operating at speeds under 20 km/h, images from a front-mounted camera could be shown on the Multi-Function Display. As such, the Front View Monitor enabled the driver to check for approaching vehicles or pedestrians at intersections with poor visibility;
  • ‘Side View Monitor’ (SVM): operating at speeds under 20 km/h, SVM used a camera in the passenger side mirror and showed – on the multi-function display – the distance from the kerb (or a parked vehicle) when reversing into a parking space; and,
  • For the Outback 2.0D Premium, 2.5i Premium and 3.6R variants, new LED high and low beam headlights would change direction with the steering wheel (Subaru’s ‘Steering Responsive Headlights’ or SRH). Like the BS.I Outback, the LED headlights continued to have an adaptive function to avoid dazzling other drivers.

Features

The Subaru BS.II Outback introduced a new touchscreen audio unit that featured Apple CarPlay and Google Android for smartphone integration. For the Outback 2.0D and 2.5i variants, the touchscreen had a 6.5-inch diameter; for the Outback 2.0D Premium and 2.5i Premium, the touchscreen had an 8.0-inch diameter and a factory-fitted TomTom navigation system. For the BS.II Outback, the rear of the centre console had two USB ports that were accessible to rear seat passengers.

For a complete list of features for the Subaru BS.II Outback, please refer to the ‘Specifications’ document, below.

BBrochure

• Brochure: Subaru BS.II Outback (February 2018)

Related links

• Subaru Australia: Subaru Outback
• Wikipedia.org: Subaru Liberty