2004 Subaru Outback 3.0R

On the road

Fuel efficiency

The Outback's light weight - only 1540 kg - contributes to fuel efficiency, countered to a certain extent by the engine's performance characteristics and the need for premium unleaded fuel.

It certainly uses less fuel than 1800-2200 kg tonne crossover wagons. On the highway, it will return 9-11 litres/100 km; in town, this increases to 13-16 litres/100 km.

Performance

The 3.0 litre six has the same basic dimensions as its predecessor. A new cylinder head, with variable valve timing and lift, plus an electronic accelerator and more efficient exhaust contribute to a substantial power increase.

It now produces 180 kW at 6,600 rpm (previously 154 kW/6000.) Peak torque rises only marginally, from 282 Nm to 297 Nm, at 4,200 rpm.

Add the close ratio five-speed automatic, and the leanest kilo count in the class, and the result is quick acceleration.

The 3.0 litre goes very hard from 3500 rpm, and harder again from 5500, however it is still quite weak where it counts - the 2000-3500 rpm lower midrange. Here, it lacks the long legs and low rev pulling power expected from six cylinders.

The Outback cruises across flat country easily at 100 km/h, where the 3.0 litre is turning over at a smooth, busy 2,200 rpm in fifth.

Hit a hill and the five-speed automatic starts shuffling up and down the gears, almost as though it's bolted to a four cylinder engine. You can use the manual shift feature to overcome this tendency, but it still doesn't disguise the engine's lack of accessible torque.

Subaru claims that the 3.0 litre Outback will now tow up to 1800 kg.

However the engine's peaky nature is not conducive to easily hauling such a load.

Shifts are quite smooth in Drive, though occasionally flared. In change gears yourself mode, shifts are crisp, and the lower ratios will run to the 7200 rpm redline.

Ride

Ride comfort is a highlight. The suspension is firm but always compliant. Across the full range of road conditions it efficiently and quietly absorbs impacts before they reach the body.

Handling and steering

The Outback's light weight, rigid body, low centre of gravity and suspension tuning finesse produce excellent handling in the 4WD wagon context.

It is slightly less taut than the Liberty, and you notice the extra weight of six cylinders up front when turning into tight corners, but the Subaru's balance, agility, responsiveness and steering precision - on bitumen or dirt - are superior to larger, heavier, taller crossover wagons.

Yokohama Geolander tyres provide adequate grip.

The Outback's realistic adventuring limit is a dirt road. Minimal clearance and underbody protection, substantial overhangs at both ends and no low range prohibit ambitious off-roading.

The 3.0 R Premium has stability control, with a high intervention threshold. The Outback's composure and seamless all-wheel-drive delivery on any surface are such that it is only required if things go seriously wrong.

Braking

The brakes are effective on sealed surfaces, where there's plenty of power at light/moderate pedal pressures and emergency stopping distances are short. Some fade was evident on a long downhill run.

The test car's ABS sensitivity was appropriate on loose dirt and gravel, but when activated it allowed the car to roll for far too long after releasing the brakes in response to initial wheel lockup, before reapplying them more aggressively, as required on such surfaces.

Summary

The Outback 3.0R's chief attraction is the fact that it drives more like a car than a 4WD, due to its compact size and light weight. Quality, ride comfort, resale values and refinement are other virtues; on the debit side, the 3.0 litre six misses out on the all important midrange torque which many buyers want, and which is much more useful in everyday driving than outright top end power.