Subaru has announced significant changes to its Model Year 2013 All-Wheel Drive Outback line-up, including a $4000 price drop on the ultra-efficient 2.0 Diesel Premium variant.

The variant adds new design alloy wheels and a colour information display, but its Manufacturer's List Price\* (MLP) is reduced to $42,990.

The standard Outback 2.0 Diesel also reduces - by $1000 to $39,990 - yet adds factory-fitted satellite navigation.

The price of entry to the Outback range drops by $500 too, with the cloth-trim Outback 2.5i priced from $38,490.

A value-filled Outback 2.5i option pack includes leather trim, factory-fitted satellite navigation, rear air conditioning vents, powered driver's seat, electroluminescent gauges and colour information display for $39,990 - just $1500 more than the entry-level car.

There are multiple technical refinements, benefitting efficiency, handling and steering.

All Outback 2.5i variants feature the new, more fuel-efficient, FB horizontally-opposed Boxer engine.

Outback's revised All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system improves precision in torque distribution between front and back wheels, refining handling and stability.

Outback 2.5i Premium gains Subaru's award-winning EyeSightâ„¢ driver assist system in addition to the colour information display. All EyeSightâ„¢-equipped Outbacks feature front sun visor extensions, dusk sensing headlights and rain sensing wipers.

The EyeSightâ„¢ system adds refinements to collision avoidance on corners and with slow-moving pedestrians.

Every Outback features a new grille and foglight-surround, plus new look alloy wheels.

Outback 2.5i with optional leather trim, plus the 2.5i Premium and range-topping 3.6R Premium also add the colour information display.

Nick Senior, Subaru Australia Managing Director, said: "Outback represent tremendous value and fuel efficiency, whether with petrol or diesel power.

"We've added to the specification while reducing price on some variants, which makes Australia's original crossover wagon an even more compelling package."

The FB 2.5-litre engine is designed to improve drivability in the mid to low-speed torque range. The new LineartronicTM CVT is quieter, lighter and more compact.

The changes produce a power increase while improving fuel efficiency and environmental performance.

Other Outback changes include the electric park brake control relocated to the centre console.

The SI-Drive controls are moved to the steering wheel on Outback 3.6R Premium.

ALL-WHEEL DRIVE, SUSPENSION AND STEERING CHANGES

Outback's revised All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system improves precision in torque distribution between front and back wheels, benefitting handling and stability.

Subaru Intelligent (SI) AWD uses signal inputs from the Vehicle Dynamics Control system - including steering wheel angle, yaw rate and lateral acceleration - to improve steering reaction and handling, even in extreme conditions such as accelerating on snow-covered or slippery roads and lane changing.

Suspension is enhanced - bushings are changed for improved stability and Noise, Vibration and Harshness (NVH) performance, while the front stabilizer is thicker too.

Damper and spring rate settings are changed for stability benefits and to control roll speed, Outback has a new valve construction.

Welding is added to the cradle frame and support added to the sub-frame, also aiding maneuverability.

A lighter rear upper arm assembly uses stronger materials with decreased thickness.

Steering response is improved through introduction of a non-contact torque sensor.

Changed construction of the steering reduction gears also aids NVH, while the cannon mount bushing is revised to help responsiveness.

New electric power steering control logic in the Engine Control Unit of diesel variants helps steering performance too.

New colours for Outback are dark grey metallic, deep sea blue pearl, Venetian red pearl and burnished bronze metallic.

OUTBACK MY13 MANUFACTURER'S LIST PRICING\*

\*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.

For further information, contact:

David Rowley
National Corporate Affairs Manager
Subaru Australia
Telephone: (02) 8892 9853
Mobile: 0418 237 252
Fax: (02) 8892 9121
E-mail: david.rowley@subaru.com.au