This video is related to the following article.

All-Wheel Drive Outback is Best Cars Winner

Subaru’s new generation all-wheel drive Outback 2.5i Premium has been named Australia’s Best All-Wheel Drive Sports Utility Wagon under $50,000 by the nation’s motoring organisations.

The all-wheel drive Outback continues Subaru’s remarkable run off success in the annual Australia’s Best Cars (ABC) awards.

In a Subaru-beats-Subaru scenario, Forester 2.5i-S placed a narrow second to the Outback.

Cars were evaluated by the NRMA, RACV, RACQ, RAASA, RACWA, RACT and AANT against a broad range of criteria including: value for money, design and function, and on- the-road performance.

Subaru Australia Managing Director, Nick Senior, said: “The ABC awards are Australia’s most coveted and are highly regarded by customers for their objectivity and the ‘real world’ nature of the testing and criteria by which the vehicles are judged.

“It’s no coincidence that Outback achieved its best-ever year in 2015, with 10,927 sold, so we’ve had a phenomenal response to the new generation.

“In many ways Outback encapsulates the broader Subaru appeal of great engineering, safety, durability, retained value and fun – all underpinned by full-time All-Wheel Drive.”

The award comes as Subaru announces further refinement to its Outback range for the 2016 model year, including the addition of the award-winning EyeSight® driver assist system to Outback diesel automatic variants, plus a variety of Vision Assist features in premium Outback variants.

Outback was regarded as the original crossover wagon when launched in 1996, establishing a whole new market niche.

It has gone on to be recognised several times with industry awards including:

• 2001: Outback H6 – Best All Wheel Drive – 4×4 Australia magazine awards
• 2009: Best SUV Under $40,000 – Fairfax’s Drive Car of the Year awards
• 2009: Outback 2.5i – Best Recreational 4WD – Australia’s best Cars

Every 2016 Subaru Outback automatic transmission Subaru Outback now has the award-winning EyeSight® driver assist system, with the addition of the innovative technology to Model Year 2016 diesel variants of the popular All-Wheel Drive wagon.

And in further proof of Subaru’s safety commitment, Vision Assist features are also added to Outback 2.5i Premium, 2.0D Premium and 3.6R variants, comprising:

• Blind Spot Monitoring
• Lane Change Assist
• Auto dimming rear view mirror
• High Beam Assist
• Rear Cross Traffic Alert
  • Detects passing vehicles when reversing from parking spaces

2016 Subaru Outback

Another safety development is the addition of an Emergency Stop Signal (ESS), which detects an emergency brake situation and flashes the hazard lights automatically, to warn following vehicles.

The front fog lights on every Outback variant now have integrated halogen Daytime Running Lights (DRLs) too.

Entry-level Outback 2.5i and 2.0D add electric folding door mirrors, while 2.5i Premium and 3.6R get a fresh grille finish.

Outback 2.0D also gets automatic headlights and front windscreen wipers.

The 2016 Subaru Outback 2.5i Premium, 2.0D Premium and 3.6R with factory fitted satellite navigation are also subject to the new Subaru Map Update Program. This includes the Latest Map Guarantee, ensuring the latest map version is installed before vehicle delivery. Also included is the Three Year Map Update Guarantee – a complimentary yearly map update during the program period, subject to the vehicle having its scheduled services performed through an authorised Subaru Service Centre.

A new colour in the range is Dark Blue Pearl.

2016 Subaru Outback

New generation Outback has proved a runaway success over the past 12 months, with best-ever sales of 10,927, since the original cross-over wagon launched in 1995.

Sales in 2015 were up 344.7 per cent year-on-year and Subaru Australia Managing Director, Nick Senior, said: “Outback’s appeal has never been greater.

“But with the strategic addition of EyeSight to our diesel variants, plus Vision Assist features in premium versions across the range, we can only see more growth opportunities for Outback.

“The combination of amazing long-range cruising and EyeSight in Outback diesel makes it an irresistibly safe package in rural and regional areas.

“The Vision Assist features also add to driver confidence in every premium variant and make Outback’s value an even more compelling proposition.”

2016 Subaru Outback

As with the entire Subaru new vehicle range, every Outback has a high five-star rating for occupant safety from the independent Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP).

EYESIGHT

The EyeSight driver-assist system includes multiple functions to help drivers potentially avoid collisions, or reduce damage.

The stereo camera achieves better active safety and less driver load.

KEY FUNCTIONS

• Adaptive Cruise Control
• Pre-Collision Braking
• Pre-Collision Braking Assist
• Pre-Collision Steering Assist
• Lane Departure Warning
• Front Vehicle Start Alert

Highlights of the current third-generation EyeSight in Outback include:

• Colour recognition – can see and interpret brake lights 

• Pre-Collision Steering Assist – augmented collision prevention, using Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC). If the possibility of collision with a vehicle or obstacle in front occurs, VDC activates to assist the driver in potentially avoiding it.

External sensor and 3D image processing performance mean the system can easily recognise lateral and distant vehicles, stabilizing control in all speed zones and improving pedestrian pre-collision detection.

Enhancements to the EyeSight system featured in every current model Outback and Liberty include:

ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL (ACC)

Performance is improved by expanded recognition range to the left and right, as well as distant wide range. Adaptive performance is enhanced when another vehicle cuts-in during traffic jams and on highways.

Engine, transmission, and braking are controlled based on information absorbed about the speed and distance of the vehicle ahead. Speed and inter-vehicle distance set by the driver are automatically maintained. Tracking is possible in a wide speed range between around 0-100 km/h. By maintaining adequate speed for automatic braking, stress-free tracking is achieved, even on urban roads when speed reduction of the vehicle ahead may be significant.

Operation may not be as expected depending on road, weather and vehicle conditions.

The supported speed range is 0-145 km/h.

DECELERATION CONTROL BY RED/BRAKE LIGHT ILLUMINATION

Brake response is increased by recognition of a moving vehicle further away, providing a greater sense of safety. EyeSight has the ability to recognize red brake lights, enabling smooth deceleration and acceleration.

When ACC is set, red brake lights are recognized at intersections too. A lane change or other manoeuvre by a vehicle ahead that enters EyeSight’s field of view, triggers an alert, while simultaneously inhibiting acceleration to the set speed.

EXPANSION OF PRE-COLLISION BRAKING CONTROL OPERATION RANGE

Expansion of vehicle recognition range to the left and right, as well as distant wide range, helps improve pre-collision brake performance when EyeSight “locks-on” to objects, ranging from cars and bikes to pedestrians.

When the system recognizes the possibility of collision with a vehicle or an obstacle ahead, it issues an inter-vehicle distance warning to the driver, to perform avoidance operations. If avoidance input is not detected, automatic braking is activated to lower the speed, helping avoid collision or reduce damage.

PRE-COLLISION BRAKING ASSIST

This reinforces braking force if EyeSight judges it is inadequate when the possibility of collision with a vehicle or obstacle ahead is recognized. For example, if abrupt braking is detected, automatic braking assist activates. This helps avoid collision or reduce damage.

UNINTENDED START PREVENTION

If an obstacle is detected in front of the vehicle, this restricts sudden movement by unintended depression of the accelerator, providing a warning display and sound.

LANE DEPARTURE WARNING

If there is a possibility of lane departure while driving, a warning display and sound alert the driver.

SWAY WARNING

If the system detects vehicle sway – often due to driver fatigue, inattentive driving, or cross wind – a warning display and sound occur. This feature works above approximately 38 km/h.

NOTIFICATION OF VEHICLE IN FRONT MOVING

If the EyeSight-equipped vehicle does not move when the vehicle in front sets off, a warning display and sound occur.

CONVENTIONAL CRUISE CONTROL

When conventional cruise control is selected, the vehicle travels at a constant speed and tracking is not performed by EyeSight’s stereo cameras.

EYESIGHT DISPLAY

EyeSight features four levels of inter-vehicle distance setting. The display of the driver’s own car appears when ACC is turned on. The system features a large 5-inch LCD display.

OUTBACK MY16 MANUFACTURER’S LIST PRICING*

Outback 2.5i CVT                               $35,990
Outback 2.5i Premium CVT               $41,990 (+$500)
Outback 2.0D manual                        $36,490 (+$1000)
Outback 2.0D CVT                             $38,490 (+$1000)
Outback 2.0D Premium manual        $42,990 (+$1500)
Outback 2.0D Premium CVT             $44,990 (+$1500)
Outback 3.6R                                     $48,490 (+$500)

*Prices are Subaru (Aust) Pty Limited’s Manufacturer’s List Prices only and include GST on the list price but exclude dealer delivery charges and all other government and statutory charges. For the drive away price of Subaru vehicles consumers should be advised to contact their local authorized Subaru dealer.

The 2016 Subaru Outback MY16 MODEL SPECIFICATIONS AT A GLANCE:

OUTBACK 2.5I

SAFETY

• ABS anti-lock brakes with four-wheel discs and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD)
• Brake Assist
• Child seat anchor points – ISOFIX
• Curtain airbags – full length
• Driver’s knee airbag
• Dual front airbags
• Dual front side airbags
• EyeSight driver assist system
• Fog lights – front
• Front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters.
• Hill holder
• Rear door child lock
• Reversing camera
• Seatbelt indicator lights – all seats
• Side intrusion bars
• Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive
• Three-point A/ELR rear centre seatbelt
• Vehicle Dynamics Control electronic stability program
• X-Mode

INTERIOR

• Bluetooth/MP3/WMA/AUX/CD/voice command compatible six-speaker audio touchscreen system
• Climate control air conditioning – dual zone, with rear vents
• Cargo area light
• Cargo security blind
• Cup holders
• Electric parking brake
• Height and reach adjustable steering column
• Height adjustable driver’s seat
• Immobiliser security system
• Leather trim gear shift
• Map lights (2)
• Leather steering wheel with audio, Multi-Function Display and cruise control buttons
• Multi-information display
• Paddle shift gear change
• Power steering, mirrors and windows
• Rain sensing auto windscreen wipers
• Rear air vents
• Rear seats auto fold function
• Rear seats recline function
• Remote central locking
• Remote fuel lid release
• Seatback storage pockets
• Silver interior trim highlights
• Two remote central locking keys
• Vanity mirrors
• 60/40 split/fold rear seat

EXTERIOR

• 18-inch alloy wheels – full-sized alloy spare
• 213 mm ground clearance
• Chrome-surround grille
• Colour-coded mirrors and door handles
• Headlights auto off – dusk sensing
• Light sensing headlights – auto on/off
• Privacy glass (rear)
• Rain sensing wipers
• Rear roof spoiler
• Rear wiper
• Roof rails with integrated crossbars
• Silver under guards

OTHER FEATURES     

• Active grille shutter
• Auto Stop-Start
• Auto tailgate unlock
• Cruise control – adaptive option with EyeSight
• DataDot security technology
• Electronic throttle control
• EURO 6 compliant
• Lineartronic Continuously Variable Transmission
• SI-Drive (two-mode)
• Three-year unlimited kilometre warranty
• 2.5 litre DOHC horizontally opposed boxer engine – 129 Kilowatts of power at 5800 rpm and 235 Newtonmetres of torque at 4000 rpm.

OUTBACK 2.5I PREMIUM ADDS:

• Electric adjustable driver and front passenger seat – driver’s lumbar support
• Electric sunroof
• Enhanced infotainment system
• Folding mirrors – powered and heated
• Front wiper de-icer
• Heated front seats
• Keyless entry
• Leather trim
• LED low beam headlights with washers
• Piano black trim highlights
• Powered cargo door with memory function
• Push button start
• Satellite navigation – factory-fitted, with Pandora
• SI-Drive
• Smart key
• Vision Assist features:
  • Blind Spot Monitoring
  • Lane Change Assist
  • Auto dimming rear view mirror
  • High Beam Assist
  • Rear Cross Traffic Alert
• Wheel arch cladding – front and rear guards

2016 Subaru OUTBACK 2.0D ADDS (TO 2.5I SPEC* – manual diesel variants do not include EyeSight):

• 2.0 litre turbocharged diesel horizontally opposed Boxer engine – 110 Kilowatts of power at 3600 rpm and 350 Newtonmetres of torque from 1600-2800 rpm
• Engine cover

*Does not include: Auto Stop-Start, SI-Drive, X-Mode on 2.0D manual, blue gauge illumination; substitutes 17-inch alloy wheels and different cloth trim pattern.

2016 Subaru OUTBACK 2.0D PREMIUM ADDS (TO 2.0D SPEC):

• 18-inch alloy wheels
• Electric sunroof
• Folding mirrors – powered and heated
• Front wiper de-icer
• Heated front seats
• Keyless entry
• Leather trim
• LED low beam headlights with washers
• Light sensing headlights – auto on/off
• Piano black trim highlights
• Powered cargo door
• Power driver’s and front passenger seat – driver lumbar support
• Push button start
• Satellite navigation – factory-fitted, with Pandora
• Smart key
• Wheel arch cladding – front and rear guards
• X-Mode (CVT-only)

2016 Subaru OUTBACK 3.6R ADDS (TO 2.5i PREMIUM SPEC*):

• Chrome side sill garnish
• Engine cover
• harman/kardon 12-speaker sound system – with sub-woofer
• Silver roof rails
• Six-cylinder 3.6-litre engine produces 191 kW of power at 6000 rpm and 350 Nm at 4400 rpm
• Three-mode SI-Drive

*Does not include Auto Stop Start