Subaru has expanded the choice of All-Wheel Drive Outbacks with the launch of an entry-level six-cylinder model powered by its 3.0 litre Boxer engine.
The latest automatic transmission six-cylinder option means there are now four variants in the Outback range:
* Outback - with 2.5 litre four-cylinder engine
* Outback H6 - with 3.0 litre six-cylinder engine
* Outback Luxury Pack - with 2.5 litre four-cylinder engine
* Outback H6 Luxury Pack - with 3.0 litre six-cylinder engine
Nick Senior, General Manager, Subaru Australia said: "We've had considerable feedback that there's great interest in an entry-level Outback with the six-cylinder engine.
"We're pleased to meet that demand with an All-Terrain Wagon that's well specified, yet practical, for those wanting a workhorse with a high degree of comfort, safety and pulling power. "Ever since releasing the original Outback H6 we've had customers in rural areas in particular expressing a desire for a six-cylinder Outback without the full package of luxury items.
"We've listened, the factory has listened and the result is a value-for-money six-cylinder Outback.
"Although this model will have appeal throughout Australia, its real impact will be in the rural market.
"Many rural buyers cover large distances and have always said they need six-cylinder power. Now we can fulfil that need but with the added benefit of Subaru's All-Wheel Drive system, Japanese build quality and the highest levels of active and passive safety.
"At $43,990 this Outback H6 offers incredible value. For instance, a two wheel drive Holden Berlina wagon is $43,730 and a Mitsubishi Verada wagon is $43,490.
"For just a few hundred dollars more than these vehicles, we can now offer an All-Wheel Drive vehicle with All-Terrain capabilities."
Mr Senior said regional and rural markets are among those where the entry level Outback H6 will have great appeal.
"The integrity, strength and longevity of Subaru models have taken on almost legendary status in rural communities and the entry-level Outback H6 will develop that relationship even further," he added.
"Our build quality and durability is appreciated and the addition of this model will, for instance, expand our popularity with people wanting a reliable family wagon with the extra power of a six-cylinder engine."
The Outback H6 has a comprehensive specification underpinned by Subaru's unique combination of symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system and horizontally opposed Boxer engine. This produces optimum weight distribution and centre of gravity, for added safety, grip and driving pleasure.
The engine produces 154 Kilowatts of power at 5,600 rpm and 282 Newton metres of torque at 4,400 rpm.
As with all Subarus, safety is a high priority. The Outback H6 draws on the company's safety philosophy that states a one-metre tall child must be visible to the driver through the rear window when reversing.
That is why the rear windows of Subaru wagons are U-shaped and spare wheels are stored beneath the cargo floor, rather than hung on the cargo door.
The frameless windows of the Outback also enhance driver visibility.
Occupant safety is a priority too. ABS anti-lock brakes, dual front airbags, side intrusion bars and front seatbelts with pretensioner and load limiter, and rear centre lap-sash seatbelts are standard.
Outback H6 also features self-levelling rear suspension, meaning the car always maintains its optimum ride-height, even under heavy cargo load.
The list of standard features in the entry-level Outback H6 includes:
* ABS anti-lock brakes
* Adjustable steering column
* Air conditioning/climate control
* All-Wheel Drive
* Alloy wheels
* AM/FM radio, CD, cassette player - six-speakers
* Cargo area light
* Cargo security blind
* Cloth trim
* Cruise control
* Cup holders
* Dual adjustable driver's seat
* Dual front airbags
* Electro-luminescent instrumentation
* Fog lamps - front
* Front seatbelts with pretensioner and load limiter
* Immobiliser security system
* Intermittent wipers
* Leather steering wheel, gear shift and park brake handle
* Map lights (2)
* Power steering, mirrors and windows
* Rear mudflaps
* Rear wipe
r * Remote central locking with visual cues - two keys supplied
* Roof rails
* Self-levelling rear suspension
* Side intrusion bars
* Three-year unlimited kilometre warranty
* Three-point A/ELR rear centre seatbelt
* Twin trip meters
* Vanity mirror in sun visor
* 60/40 split fold rear seat
Outback 2.5 litre four-cylinder shares the same specification, with the exception of the engine, electro-luminescent instrumentation and self-levelling rear suspension.
The Outback range-topping H6 Luxury Pack adds (to the entry level Outback H6 specification):
* Dual front side airbags
* Dual sunroof
* Electronic adjustable driver's seat
* Leather trim
* Momo steering wheel
* Six-stack CD
* VDC (Vehicle Dynamics Control) safety system
Outback 2.5 Luxury Pack shares the same specification as the H6 Luxury Pack, with the exception of the engine, dual front side airbags, electronic adjustable driver's seat, mahogany steering wheel and VDC.
All Outbacks have alloy wheels, although there are slight design differences between the four and six-cylinder pattern.
Towing capacity with brakes on Outback H6 models is 1,600 kilograms and 1,400 on four-cylinder variants.
Unbraked towing capacity on all Outback models is 500 kilograms.
Pricing
Outback 2.5 manual $38,180
Outback 2.5 automatic $40,180
Outback 3.0 H6 $43,990
Outback 2.5 with Luxury Pack manual $42,480
Outback 2.5 with Luxury Pack automatic $44,480
Outback 3.0 H6 with Luxury Pack $51,990