If brand image isn't a priority, the Subaru Outback can be considered as an alternative to European SUVs.
WHAT'S NEW?
The Outback is the third model in the Legacy lineup, essentially being the SUV version of the estate variant. With bigger fenders, bumpers and a raised height, the Outback is slightly bigger than the load-lugging Wagon.
And because of more weight the Outback needs to carry around, it gets a 167hp 2.5-litre non-turbo petrol engine; the other two Legacys (see sidebar) have a smaller 150hp 2.0-litre flat-four.
But there's a price to pay for the bigger 2.5, which needs to be subject to 35% excise tax _ 5% higher than the other two. This means the Outback is a good 500k more in price than its two siblings.
The CVT automatic is the same across the range. Likewise, navigation system cost an extra 100k.
The Outback rightfully gets a bigger 2.5 flat-four engine.
WHAT'S COOL?
For those who find the Wagon a little too unconventional, the Outback scores with a slightly more adventurous _ if still kinda bland _ body. The higher body also yields merits for light off-roading (wading through floods could be more relevant to Thais) and more commanding driving position.
The Outback has a spacious and versatile interior to put all European compact SUVs to shame. When it comes to space-to-baht ratio, this Subaru wins hands down.
You might question Subaru's lack of premium image, but the Outback is equipped with all kinds of safety and convenience features to match, thus slightly helping compensate for its imported price status.
Thanks to the bigger 2.5-litre engine, the Outback is hardly without any grunt. In combination with the CVT auto, performance is linear, ample and refined at any speed you can take the Outback up to.
Despite the higher body, stability in a straight line is still commendable and adds up to the fine cruising abilities the Outback has for moving families over the weekend.
The Outback has prices starting from 2.54 million baht.
WHAT'S NOT?
As said earlier, the Outback can still be considered a dull SUV. That's because it isn't a standalone SUV model from Subaru and is essentially a jacked-up estate _ similar to the Audi A4/A6 Allroads and Volvo XC70 of yore.
And despite moving up the ranks in cabin quality, some materials inside have yet to match the plusher counterparts found in Audis, BMWs and Volvos. The Outback's interior, it seems, is more about function rather than aesthetics.
However sufficient the Outback may be in terms of road-holding ability, its higher stance can be felt during hard-braking and cornering where the vehicle dives and rolls significantly. If you really hate these factors, you should sacrifice grace for the Wagon model instead.
Interior space and versatility are the Outback’s strong points.
BUY OR BYE?
Body style is merely a matter of buyer preference, so it will be up to you whether you want to part with more cash for the Outback.
But if you'd ask us whether the Outback can be recommended over a European SUV like a BMW X1 or X3, the answer might be yes _ if you don't count the brand factor.
True, the X3 (and the Land Rover Freelander and Volvo XC60) has efficient diesel tech to boast, but they are less practical and higher priced than the Outback.
Despite being some 300k more in price than the petrol-powered X1, the Outback is far roomier, comfier and quicker on the move.
To sum up, the Outback is the SUV for the thinking man.
The ride is supple, if a little harsh.
THE LEGACY FAMILY
WAGON
With estates rapidly disappearing from the Thai market, this load-lugging Legacy is practically in a class of its own. It's just 70,000 baht more than the four-door saloon _ and bigger, more comfortable and quicker than the 1.799 million Volvo V50.
OUTBACK
Essentially a jacked-up version of the Wagon, the Outback extends the Legacy appeal with a higher-riding body and more potent 167hp 2.5-litre engine (the Sedan and Wagon gets a 150hp 2.0). But due to taxes, it costs 482,000 baht more than the Wagon.
SEDAN
Priced from 1.988 million baht, this four-door model really can't justify its position against Thai-built rivals like Honda Accord, Nissan Teana and Toyota Camry _ all priced some 800,000 baht lower in 2.0-litre forms. The Scooby has four-wheel-drive, though.
Credit: Bangkok Post (www.bangkokpost.com)
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