Nobody was expecting to see the all-new Outback when Subaru pulled the covers off the new iteration of its rural favourite at the
New York Auto Show, but its surprise unveil couldn't mask the newcomer's quite standard issue set of improvements.
That's not to say it looks bad - far from it in fact. The cross-country estate gets improved visuals courtesy of steeply raked headlamps and a strong shoulder line, though it's still very much the function-over-form crossover. The increased ground clearance over its predecessor is plain to see - so it should still prove to be the discerning farmer's wagon of choice - and it gets a roomier cabin and more boot space.
Continuing the theme of minor improvements everywhere is the engine line-up, which retains the 2.5-litre four-cylinder boxer engine, with 168bhp, but adds a range-topping 252bhp 3.6-litre six-cylinder unit - labelled the 3.6R. It gets a five-speed automatic, though there's a six-speed manual and a 'Lineartronic' CVT for whiney-yet-economical progress.
The SUW - that's Sport Utility Wagon to you and I - comes as standard with four-wheel drive, and of course it gets an improved cabin, which by Subaru standards could mean it's moved out of child's toy territory and into the lofty realms of moulded garden furniture. We'll find out soon enough.
Meanwhile, and as expected, the new Legacy saloon also made an appearance in the Big Apple. We've
already seen it so there's no need to go over too much old ground, but it promises more space, refinement and quality. It also looks better than
its predecessor and has a bigger boot. It gets the same 168bhp 2.5-litre flat-four engine as its entry-level. Oh, and it gets the 3.6-litre V6. And the CVT gearbox, and the six-speed manual. To be honest, we could be talking about the Outback again in terms of upgrades, but then again they're all nice improvements. That said, there is a turbocharged 2.5-litre for the Legacy that the Outback doesn't get, with 261bhp, and we reckon the 148bhp four-cylinder diesel will make an appearance too.
