Outback continues to impress in its 2015 popularity contest, collecting the winner’s sash for the $45-$60k category in the AMI Insurance NZ Autocar Car of the Year 2015 award.
NZ Autocar have published a comprehensive article on the award winners in its December edition and in the section comparing the Outback to a competitor model, the Subaru came up trumps.
The magazine’s editor Kyle Cassidy summarised by crediting the Subaru Outback for doing many things well as a wagon and much more as a crossover.
“It lives up to its Premium tag, and is better value, especially in 2.5i guise,” Mr Cassidy says.
He elaborates about Subaru Outback’s impressive list of features.
“We Kiwis like value no matter what strata of the market we shop in. When talking Outback Premium there’s little to want for; smart key; a self-opening boot; electrical adjustment for the leather trimmed and heated seats; LED headlights and a sun roof,” Mr Cassidy says.
Subaru of New Zealand is confident that we produce driver’s cars but it’s always encouraging when the automotive industry backs us up. Mr Cassidy outlines the Outback Premium’s engine credentials –a 3.6litre, six cylinder, producing 191kW and a smooth 350Nm of torque –and continues with a description of its superior performance.
“While the six puts more weight on the Outback’s front end, it also provides more punch out of bends.”
Mr Cassidy says that when its sportiest drive mode is selected, the Subaru Lineartronic auto “keeps the six surging along on its chunky midrange while the extra horsepower is telling, as highlighted by its snappier overtaking time.”
Mr Cassidy continues by explaining how Subaru Outback comes into its own off-tarmac courtesy of its All Wheel Drive system and added suspension travel.
“In Outback, you don’t have to end your journey at the first carpark up the mountain, while river crossings and beach runs are all in a weekend’s work too,” he says.
Subaru of New Zealand Managing Director Wallis Dumper believes NZ Autocar has hit the nail on the head in its assessment of the Subaru Outback.
“This has been such a popular model for us, as its record-breaking sales have shown throughout 2015. Subaru Outback represents everything Kiwis love in a car –great value, great engine and drive-feel, plus it can get you and a load of your gear anywhere you need to go in New Zealand. Unlike many of the competitor pretender SUVs, the Outback is 100% All Wheel Drive, just like all our other Kiwi Subarus,” Mr Dumper says.
He adds that Subaru Outback’s five-variant range is perfectly positioned for the category award win as it opens with the 2.5i Sport at $44,990, and goes right through to the 3.6R Premium at $59,990.
The public will find out whether Subaru Outback will be accepting bouquets for not only its $45-$60k category win but also the overall AMI Insurance NZ Autocar Car of the Year award next month, because of its eligibility as one of the six finalists. The supreme winner will be announced at an awards evening in Auckland on December 2.
Also to be announced at this function will be the new award for safety. It has been introduced primarily to recognise the recent advancements in active safety features. As a finalist, Subaru Outback is also a contender for this award.
Like every Subaru model, Outback has a five-star ANCAP safety rating. The three petrol variants have Subaru’s Eyesight technology, which has a total of nine driver assistance features, including Precollision Steering Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control and Brake Light Recognition.
CAPTIONS: NZ Autocar Editor Kyle Cassidy puts the Subaru Outback through its paces. Photo credit NZ Autocar magazine.
For further information, please contact Subaru of New Zealand Public Relations - Catherine Pattison (027) 4455 389 or email catherine.pattison@subaru.co.nz