Subaru's remarkable range of Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive recreational vehicles is set to achieve even greater heights with the launch of the all-new Outback.
The third-generation Outback is bigger, stronger and better equipped and builds strongly on the heritage of an original that made history as the world's first cross over wagon.
It is a formula many have tried to emulate but few are likely to equal with the launch of the Model Year 2004 Outback – a highly capable Sports Utility Vehicle that underlines Subaru's strong grip on its market segment.
New Outback is available in three variants:
- Outback 2.5i
- Outback 2.5i Luxury Pack
- Outback 2.5i Premium Pack
Significantly, despite the vast number of advances across all Outback models there are no price increases in equivalent 2.5 litre manual variants. There is a slight increase on automatic models, which now have a sophisticated four-speed Sportshift transmission.
Outback is 10 mm longer with 20 mm more cabin space and 25 mm wider.
There is more power – 121 Kilowatts at 5,600rpm. Torque is also up, to 226 Newton metres at 4,400rpm.
Centre of gravity has been lowered by 22mm delivering an even better balanced ride, without compromising ground clearance.
Nick Senior, General Manager, Subaru Australia, said: "Outback has a more distinctive personality in its latest guise.
"This larger, more powerful wagon will have broader appeal. It offers an even higher level of quality that adds to its reputation for distinctive design in a wonderfully engineered vehicle.
"We have no hesitation in comparing Outback against the best all-terrain wagons that both Europe and Japan have to offer.
"In many cases, this is with a huge price advantage for Outback, when compared against the likes of Volvo Cross Country models, their new XC90 or even the BMW X5, which was used by Subaru's engineers as a benchmark in the vital areas of engineering, safety and specification.
"Outback combines great handling and driveability with dirt road credentials.
"Extensive testing was carried out in Australia to produce a set-up that makes Outback a delight to drive in all conditions. It's a very responsive wagon that inspires driver confidence and makes for a fun drive too."
Standard features at a glance
Outback range – the detail
The entry-level Outback 2.5i features include:
Safety
- ABS brakes with four-wheel discs and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution
- Child seat anchor points
- Dual front airbags
- Front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters
- Rear door child lock
- Seatbelt indicator lights – all seats
- Side intrusion bars
- Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive
- Three-point A/ELR rear centre seatbelt
Interior
- Adjustable steering column
- Air conditioning – climate control
- AM/FM radio/CD
- Six speaker stereo
- Cargo area light
- Cargo security blind
- Cloth trim
- Cruise control
- Cup holders
- Height adjustable driver's seat
- Immobilisor security system
- Intermittent windscreen wiper control
- Leather steering wheel, gear shift, park brake handle
- Map lights (2)
- Multi-function trip computer
- Power steering, mirrors and windows
- Two remote central locking keys
- Remote fuel lid release
- Seatback storage nets
- Sportshift on automatic
- Sports seats
- Vanity mirror
- 60/40 split/fold rear seat
Exterior
- 16 inch alloy wheels – full size alloy spare
- Colour-coded mirrors and door handles
- Dual exhaust
- Grille design unique to Outback
- Headlights auto off
- Rear roof spoiler
- Rear wiper
Other features
- Auto unlock on tailgate, using key transmitter
- DataDot security technology
- Dual range – manual only
- Electronic throttle control
- Three-year unlimited kilometre warranty
Outback 2.5i Luxury Pack adds:
- Self-levelling rear suspension
- Eight-way adjustable power driver's seat
- Leather trim
- Sunroof - dual
Outback 2.5i Premium Pack adds (to 2.5i specification):
- Curtain airbags – full length
- Dual front side airbags
- Eight-way adjustable power driver's seat
- Self-levelling rear suspension
- Leather trim
- Sunroof - dual
Exterior
Outback features a streamlined front and rear design, with sloping roof line that highlights the wedge shape.
It has a transparent headlamp design and combination rear light clusters.
Indicators are integrated into the door mirrors for added visibility when the vehicle is turning.
The dual exhaust outlet adds to the distinctive look.
Body size
Outback is 10 mm longer with 20 mm more cabin length, 25 mm wider and 40 mm lower.
Centre of gravity has been lowered by 22mm delivering an even better balanced ride.
Weight Reduction
A weight reduction of approximately 60 kilograms has been achieved by rationalizing the vehicle structure, improved rigidity of the ring shaped reinforcement body frame, using new technology such as tailored blank welding and hydro forming, and use of new materials such as high tensile steel and aluminium.
Bumper beams and bonnets are aluminium, together with the tailgate.
This delivers enhanced driving performance, acceleration and stability, enhanced braking, improved fuel economy and reduced emissions.
Colours
All Model Year 2004 Outbacks feature a monotone colour scheme.
Arctic White Pearl
Atlantic Blue Pearl
Brilliant Silver Metallic
Champagne Gold Opal
Obsidian Black Pearl
Interior
The interior design focuses on the integration of soft and sharp surfaces to produce a spacious cabin.
Outback's cabin has a high quality feel, through the clean design of the instrument panel and the round, expanding lines of the door trim and centre console. The package produces a sophisticated interior.
The driver's seat has been lowered by 5 mm and the steering wheel brought forward by 10 mm to further refine optimum driving position.
A large centre console is used, with unified audio and air conditioning control panel.
The high centre console promotes ease of function, with all controls falling easily to hand.
High quality components are used throughout, underlining the sophisticated design.
To promote high visibility and a sporty look, red illumination is used on the center console instruments.
To reduce eye fatigue, white is used for the speedometer and tachometer instrument scales.
Seats
Scientific analysis of the seating has resulted in improved comfort, support and the optimized spread of body pressure across the seat back and cushion for a more supportive, comfortable ride for drivers and passengers alike.
All Outback models are equipped with sports seats designed for support and long trip comfort.
The Outback 2.5i Luxury Pack, and Premium Pack are equipped with eight-way electronic adjustable driver's seats.
A 60/40 split fold rear seat has been incorporated for convenience.
Usability of the cargo space has been optimized. The design allows four large suitcases to be loaded, or four golf bags.
Entertainment
All Outbacks have high-quality Kenwood sound.
The sound system is now integrated in the centre console.
Base audio equipment is a six-speaker CD/AM/FM player with in-glass antenna.
Air Conditioning
Climate control air conditioning has a six-speed fan system. It has been developed with improved location and functionality.
Security
All Outbacks are equipped with the latest advanced engine immobilisers and DataDot theft protection.
For added security, all models have only one barrel lock, located in the driver's door.
They have remote tailgate unlocking.
Noise, vibration and harshness
The engine and transmission's mounting position are lowered by 10 mm to optimise drive shaft and tail shaft alignments.
This creates a simple, lightweight mechanism with less noise and vibration, without the need for dampers.
The front and rear drive shaft joints are changed to a low-friction type to reduce vibration and noise in the drive train.
New generation hubs with integrated bearings are used for the front and rear axles. This lightweight, high strength and low-friction hub reduces the noise and vibration level and fuel consumption.
Engine
The 2.5 litre SOHC engine produces 121 kW of power at 5,600 rpm – five per cent more powerful – and 226 Nm of torque at 4,400 rpm.
80% of all engine components have been redesigned to further enhance driving pleasure under any conditions.
A revolutionary new engine exhaust system has been added to improve efficiency and deliver high torque in both low and high revolution ranges.
The exhaust system features equal length header pipes for improved exhaust efficiency. This creates a sporty and light revving new Subaru Boxer engine sound.
An electronically controlled (fly by wire) throttle optimises torque delivery in response to the level of acceleration.
Engine and transmission mix
Model |
Engine |
Transmission
|
|
|
Manual
|
Automatic
|
2.5i |
2.5 litre SOHC |
5MT
|
4AT Sportshift
|
2.5 litre H4 SOHC
The naturally aspirated engine provides a well-balanced drive that delivers low fuel consumption and practical power with excellent acceleration off the mark.
New Engine Details
All models |
Cylinder head and block |
Weight reduction (by eliminating excessive reinforcement and mass) |
Cylinder liner |
Improved roundness |
Throttle valve |
Electronic Throttle Control System |
Muffler |
Twin mufflers |
Crankshaft journal |
Sintered journal, casted cylinder block (less vibration and noise) |
Cylinder liner |
Thinner and lighter, with improved roundness (block reinforcement) |
Valve bucket |
Shim-less type |
Exhaust system |
Same length, constant pulsation (4-2-1 exhaust pipe) |
Intake system |
New shape intake manifold (better intake efficiency) |
Camshaft |
Hollow type |
Oil filter |
Compact type |
Electronic Throttle Control System (ETCS)
Known as "drive by wire" technology, the new throttle control system provides a more linear acceleration/deceleration feeling that corresponds naturally to the driver's expectation.
It is achieved by providing a programmed "relationship" between throttle pedal and throttle valve.
This means the driver's intentions are conveyed from the throttle pedal to the engine electronically rather than via the cable used previously. This provides optimum throttle opening for any given operating condition.
This is a similar concept to the system used in the Subaru World Rally Car and is the same as that used in the new Forester XT.
Drivers feel no difference between the ETCS and a traditional throttle control.
Transmission
Smooth Sportshift transmissions are standard for all automatic models.
Shifting has been improved through the adoption of direct hydraulic control. This also improves response as well as reducing shift shock.
The overall result is a much sportier drive for those choosing the automatic.
The new transmissions have been carefully matched to the engines.
The 2.5i variant four-speed automatic with Sportshift provides excellent shifting quality, fuel economy and weight reduction of approximately three kilograms.
The intelligent Sportshift system takes into account cornering, braking and acceleration rate in making optimum gear selection and Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive torque split.
In manual transmissions, low viscosity oil and selector mechanism are used to decrease the force required for operation. This enhances the sporty feel.
Gears are strengthened for improved durability.
A dual mass flywheel is used in all manual models for a smooth feel and reduced noise and vibration at slow engine speeds in high gears.
Chassis
Chassis weight has been reduced overall by 60 kg while rigidity has been increased by 10 per cent.
Chassis solidity has been greatly increased for greater stability and outstanding handling-performance.
Suspension
All suspension components and geometry have been completely fine-tuned to achieve a sophisticated high-quality ride.
The multiple phase valves in the shock absorbers have been further improved for better ride quality.
The front and rear roll centres have been lowered to improve the steering response and rear trailing.
Front suspension
The castor angle has been changed to improve the response and stability during cornering.
A completely new rigid front cross member has been used to improve response at the start of a steering manoeuvre.
The steering rack has been solidly mounted to produce sharper response, particularly around the steering neutral position.
Brakes
Improvements have been made in braking performance and feel.
The brake booster is fixed to the bulkhead with penetrating bolts (tie-rods) that minimise the expansion of the booster while the brake is being applied.
The pedal stroke has been refined, with the aim of improving initial braking force and the braking linearity.
All Outback models have 294 millimetre ventilated front disc brakes and 274 mm rear discs. They have ABS four-wheel disc brakes with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD).
Safety
As a result of the increased body width, the new ring-shaped reinforcement body structure is completely revised to absorb impact more effectively while achieving a reduction in weight.
A cross member is added to the toe board area with the aim of improving the efficiency of impact absorption in frontal collisions.
The sunroof design is an integral part of the safety structure, ensuring no compromise to crashworthiness.
Impact absorption has been improved by expanding the use of tailored-blank welding.
For added visibility, indicators are built into the door mirrors.
Pedestrian protection
In addition to the bonnet energy absorbing design and detachable type modular wipers similar to those used on the second generation Forester, new features have been added to improve pedestrian protection.
The top mount of the front suspension is lowered, and clearance has been maintained between the engine and the bonnet.
This provides better energy absorption if a person strikes the bonnet, potentially decreasing injury.
Detachable front wipers, impact absorbing fenders and hood hinges are used.
Pedestrian leg protection has also been improved in the front spoiler area using advanced technology, which is expected to lead to an improved pedestrian safety result in crash tests.
Airbags
All Outbacks have dual front airbags, which work in conjunction with the front seatbelt pretensioners.
A new two-stage inflator is used for both front airbags, to control the opening of the airbags in accordance with the force of the impact, in the event of a collision.
In the case of a relatively minor impact at low or medium speeds, the airbags inflate in two stages, whereas in the case of a more severe impact at high speed, both inflators deploy simultaneously.
Because the airbags open in response to impact severity, the chance of passenger injury is reduced.
SRS dual front side airbags on Outback 2.5i Premium Pack variants offer greater head protection for front seat occupants in the event of side collision.
SRS curtain airbags (front/rear passenger protection) are also features of 2.5i Premium Pack.
A sensor located inside the centre pillar senses the impact at the time of side collision. The SRS curtain airbags are deployed from the side roof rails to protect the occupants' heads. They remain inflated for several seconds to prevent occupants' from being thrown out of the vehicle.
Safety Pedals
To reduce the chance of injury to the lower limbs during a collision, the brake pedal is equipped with a mechanism to prevent it from being pushed back.
The footrest of automatic transmission models is also equipped with an impact absorbing mechanism.
Active Headrests
The active headrest mechanism is used in the front seats of all Outback models. This mechanism reduces the chance of whiplash injuries in the event of a rear end collision.
When impacted from the rear, the headrests move quickly forward to support the front occupants' heads and reduce the chance of whiplash injuries.
Outback MY04 pricing
Outback 2.5i manual |
$38,180 |
Outback 2.5i automatic |
$40,680 |
|
Outback 2.5i Luxury Pack manual |
$42,480 |
Outback 2.5i Luxury Pack automatic |
$44,980 |
|
Outback 2.5i Premium Pack manual |
$43,980 |
Outback 2.5i Premium Pack automatic |
$46,480 |
Outback Highlights
Exterior
- Bigger car, less weight – 40 mm longer, 45 mm wider
- Leading aerodynamics - drag coefficient of .30
- Aluminium bonnet, bumper beams and wagon tailgate
- Turn indicators built into the door mirrors
- Five new colours
Engineering
- Average weight reduction of 60 kilograms
- Rigidity increased by 10 per cent
- Front tread increased by 35 mm, rear tread by 30mm
- Centre of gravity lowered 22 mm delivering even better balanced ride
- Suspension - front and rear roll centres lowered to improve steering response and rear trailing
- Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive
Engine
- Improved performance
- Better fuel economy, reduced emissions
- 2.5 litre five per cent more powerful
- 80 per cent of the engine components redesigned
- Redesigned exhaust on all models - improved engine exhaust efficiency and higher torque in low and high rev ranges
- Electronically controlled "drive by wire" throttle - optimises torque delivery
Transmission
- Sportshift transmissions standard for all automatic models
- Four-speed automatic weight reduction of approximately three kilograms
- Dual mass flywheel used in all manuals - high class feel, reduced NVH
Interior
- Roomy new cabin
- High quality components used throughout – underline sophisticated design
- Scientific analysis of the seating has resulted in improved comfort, support
- Luxury and Premium Pack variants equipped with eight-way adjustable power driver's seat.
- Air conditioning controls optimised for efficiency and functionality
- Noise, vibration and harshness reductions
Safety
- Ring-shaped reinforcement body structure completely revised to absorb impact more effectively while achieving weight reduction
- Increased body rigidity
- Improvements made in braking performance and feel
- Improved pedestrian protection
- Two-stage inflator used for dual front airbags – adjusts to severity of impact
- SRS curtain airbag (front/rear occupant protection) for Outback 2.5i Premium Pack variants - remains inflated for several seconds to prevent occupants being thrown from vehicle
- Active front head rests - reduce the chance of whiplash in rear end collision
Security
- Immobilisers and DataDot protection for all Outbacks
Outback engine specifications
OUTBACK MY04 ENGINE SPECIFICATIONS |
|
Outback 2.5 naturally aspirated: |
Type |
Cylinders |
Horizontally opposed
|
Cylinders |
Four
|
Displacement |
2457 cc
|
Bore x stroke |
99.5 mm x 79.0 mm
|
Compression ratio |
10.0
|
Cam-train system |
SOHC
|
Fuel system |
Multi Point Sequential Injection
|
Maximum power |
121 kW/5,600 rpm
|
Maximum torque |
226 Nm/4,400 rpm
|
|
OUTBACK DIMENSIONS |
Overall length mm |
4730
|
Overall width mm |
1770
|
Overall height mm |
1545
|
Wheelbase mm |
2670
|
Tread - front mm |
1495
|
Tread - rear mm |
1485
|
Min. ground clearance mm |
200
|
Unladen mass kg |
Manual - 1430
Auto - 1440
|
Fuel consumption (L/100km):
Combined
|
9.1
|
Fuel tank capacity |
64 litres
|
Minimum fuel requirement |
91 RON
|
Steering |
Engine speed sensitive power assisted rack and pinion
|
Turning circle |
10.8 metres curb to curb
|
Suspension:
Front
|
Coil MacPherson strut-type
|
Rear |
Coil multi-link type
|
Brakes:
Front
|
Vacuum assisted ventilated discs
|
Rear |
Vacuum assisted discs
|
Tyres |
215/60 R16 95H
|
Towing capacity kg |
1500 - with brakes
|
|
750 - without brakes
|