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Private Fleet Car Review: 2016 Kia Optima GT
Kia’s Optima nameplate has been with Australian drivers for well over a decade, being launched under that nomenclature in 2001. Based on Hyundai’s Sonata, it’s been a quiet seller yet has a high level of loyalty. When the third generation was released to the Aussie market in 2010, it quickly gained recognition for its slinky, sexy, good looks. The latest version with a mild reskin, now comes with the standard 2.4L in Si trim or a turbocharged four cylinder 2.0L engine. Called the Optima GT, it’s this that A Wheel Thing spent an enjoyable week with.
Torque is the now seemingly standard 350 Nm for 2.0L turbo engines, available between an immensely usable 1400 through to 4000 revs. Peak power is 180 kW, at 6000 revs. The engine itself is a square bore design, with bore and stroke at 86mm x 86 mm. Drive is put to the ground via the front wheels, through a slick six speed auto, complete with paddle shifts.
One of the more subtle yet noticeable things (once you give it some thought) about the GT’s driveability is the lack of torque steer. For a front wheel drive car, with a good dose of twist across such a rev range, Kia have performed some magic on the drive train. Under all forms of acceleration, there’s no noticeable pull, no is there any lack of traction from the 235/45/18 Michelin Sport rubber. Bluntly, it’s a superb piece of engineering and greatly aids the driving experience.
As a result, it goes like a hungry dog after a thrown bone. Sink the slipper and expect to see the rev counter’s needle zing around the dial. Expect the speedo to change numbers rapidly as well and potentially see Kia’s quoted fuel figure of 12.5L of 91 RON being slurped from the 70 litre tank. Even if you match that figure it’s still good for 560 kilometres. A Wheel Thing saw around 9.0L/100 in a predominantly urban drive. Hit the other extreme of 6.3L/100 km and that’s somewhere in the order of 1100 kilometres. That’s Perth to Kalgoorlie. And back. Overtaking? Simple. Safe. Belying the 1605 kg kerb weight, it’s a matter of correctly picking the moment and then it’s done.
Consider the dimensions of the Optima and you’ll quickly see why that although it slots into the medium segment because of the engine size, it’s a big car otherwise. It’s 4855 mm in length, 1860 mm wide yet sits close to the ground at just 1465 mm in height. Lob in a wheelbase of 2805 mm and what you’ll get is plenty of interior room, with rear seat passengers getting loads of head space and there’s oodles of shoulder room all round. Boot space? A mafia pleasing 510 litres.
It’s a long, low, slinky and very much an aero shape, the Optima, with swept back headlights, LED driving lights (and LED interior lights, by the way), a high belt line and an almost coupe swoop for the rear window line. The “tiger grille” is bracketed in the lower front bar by sporty looking intakes inserts, looking as if they’ll divert cooling air to the front brakes.
The tail lights have been modified slightly, as has the point where the rear door roof section meets the rear window, compared to the previous model. A minimum ground clearance of 135 mm has the Optima GT looking as if it’s a low riding European sports car, which isn’t far from the truth.
The chassis work that goes into a Korean designed, engineered and built car to have it suitable for Aussie roads is astounding. Get into one and you’ll be driving possibly the best handling and riding car in its class. A Wheel Thing has lauded the updated Subaru Liberty and Outback range for the on road abilities they have, however the Optima GT takes them on and wins.
It’s beyond precise in its handling; point it at any curve or turn and feel the nose tuck in exactly where you expect it to go. Come down to a tightening radius corner and there’s no need for brakes as the nose follows the line in, communicating back to the driver’s seat the subtle and not so subtle variances in tarmac conditions. Undulations in the road have the GT barely move in the suspension as it rolls untroubled across them whilst unsettled surfaces genuinely seem to be reduced in impact to the quiet cabin. Even with the low profile rubber (which certainly helps in handling) the ride is just simply superb.
All of this can be enjoyed from the sumptuous cabin. Leather look stitching in the plastic on the dash, a sweet looking dash, spot on ergonomics, heating and cooling for the electric front seats (the driver gets eight way adjustable and four settings for the lumbar support), an updated look to the touchscreen (finally showing station info with RDS but no DAB, lacking that factor against its Euro and some Japanese competitors), 
the firm yet comfortable seats and the almost suede look and feel to the buttons. It’s fair to say the overall presence is better than its sibling, the Sonata. There’s the panoramic glass roof, dual zone climate control and a somewhat flat sounding Harman Kardon sound system.
The dash stays with mechanical needles for the dials; perhaps a move to LED screens would imbue the GT with a higher level of tech-look and ambience. What is techy is the wireless charging pad ahead of the gear selector, but currently only suitable for LG and Samsung phones. no surprises given the Korean origins. 
There’s also a heated steering wheel, surprisingly useful during the the cold snap Sydney experienced during the test. Yes, it might seem a bit wanky but cold leather look materials do benefit from heating on a cold day and this was a welcome addition.
Backing up the ride and handling is the comprehensive safety package: ABS, stability control, Hill Start assist, Emergency Stop Signal (flashing brake lights under emergency stopping), Blind Spot Detection and Lane Change Assist, an intrusive (but thankfully switch off-able) vocal speed alert, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, reverse camera, Autonomous Emergency Braking, Lane Departure Warning System, auto leveling and swiveling head lights, plus the usual curtain and front airbags (no driver’s knee bag?) and that seven year, unlimited kilometre warranty.
What should you expect to pay for the Optima GT? Kia says $43990 as the recommended retail price plus ORCs. That’s getting up there in price, thanks to the government charges, but there really is a fair amount of car for the money. Servicing costs aren’t bad either, with the first service due at six months or 7500 kilometres, oddly, not a gratis item, at $191.00. It’s $408.00 at two years/30000, about the same at three years/45000 but a hefty $769.00 at four years/60000…
At The End Of The Drive.
In simple terms, A Wheel Thing believes the Kia Optima GT is one of the best cars in its class currently available in the Australian market. It’s a gorgeous thing in the flesh, a superb handler, a great ride and except for those fuel figures, unacceptable in today’s environment, a cracker package overall.
There’s a wagon, a “shooting brake” in the works and potentially a slightly larger, more upmarket, REAR wheel driver version also.
The Kia Optima GT‘s details can be found here: Kia Optima GT details
Australian Aftermarket Association For Cars Seeks Better Protection
The aftermarket industry for the automotive field is a multi-billion dollar industry. It covers items such as oil, filters, light globes, seats and seat covers, wheels, tyres, roll bars, roo bars, lights and more. And there’s a push to make sure that you, the buying motorist, gets looked after. The Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association (AAAA) submission to the Australian Consumer Law Review demands better protection for Australia’s 17 million vehicle owners.
The AAAA wants a special focus on protection of vehicle owners’ consumer rights because of the high value of the initial purchase and ongoing maintenance, and the vital contribution vehicles make to consumers’ working and family lives and to the Australian economy.
Executive Director Stuart Charity said this Consumer Law Review is required because there is a significant power imbalance between consumers and the large global vehicle manufacturers and their dealer networks.
“AAAA is uniquely positioned as a technically astute observer of the consumer protection regime for new vehicle sales and their ongoing servicing and repair. The 21st century is bringing significant change to the way we buy and maintain vehicles,” he said.
“The AAAA observes that Australian Consumer Law, while successfully delivering improvements in consumer protection, does not currently adequately protect consumer rights in respect to car purchase and ownership.
“Recent examples include the behaviour of VW in their emissions scam, the slow and imperfect responses by Toyota to their poor pedal design and by General Motors to its ignition switch fault. These cases affected millions of vehicle owners.
“There are sections of Australian consumer law that are subject to ‘creative compliance’ rather than actual compliance with the letter and the spirit of the law,” said Mr Charity.
Lemon Law
Another key issue raised by AAAA in its Australian Consumer Law Review is the lack of a clear definition for what constitutes a “major failure” for motor vehicles. “We need what is commonly referred to as a “Lemon Law”. 
The absence of an Australian Lemon Law leads to significant consumer disadvantage. Under current regulations, car owners are forced to return to the point of sale repeatedly for ‘repairs’ and often do not achieve a satisfactory outcome over an unreasonably long period.
“The AAAA supports the clear definition of ‘motor vehicle major failure’ used to protect consumers in the USA,” he said.
Unsafe products.
From the perspective of road safety, AAAA is concerned that there is no rigorous consumer protection to ensure owners learn about vehicle recalls and technical service bulletins in a timely manner. Mr Charity said: “At present, there is a voluntary industry code in place, which requires car manufacturers to advise vehicle owners in the event of a safety recall.”
“However, the manufacturer is not obligated to maintain contact with vehicle owners should they change address, or to advise the new owner when a vehicle is sold.
“Technical service bulletins include information on known vehicle faults and fixes that are not deemed by the car manufacturer to warrant a full safety recall. These important bulletins are not shared with the owners or independent repairers working outside the authorised dealership networks.
“The AAAA calls for a mandatory process to ensure car manufacturers notify vehicle owners and the entire service and repair industry of all safety recalls and technical service bulletins. Only a robust advisory process will ensure that Australians owning new and second hand vehicles are travelling in safe vehicles.”
Promote competition to empower consumers.
AAAA strongly advocates the principle that car manufacturers must provide consumers with access to data related to the service and repair of their vehicles and control over the data generated by their vehicles. “Currently there is no legal protection for consumer access to data stored in electronic log books or data exchanged via telematics,” said Stuart Charity.
“For example, AAAA believes that the owner should be able to assign permission to access and update their cars electronic log book to their repairer of choice, be that a dealer or an independent (non-dealership) workshop.
“Since 2009, AAAA also has advocated for a mandatory industry code that ensures manufacturers make service and repair information available to independent workshops for a fair price.
“A mandatory code will create a level playing field with both dealerships and independent workshops able to operate using the latest technical data. Consumers will then benefit greatly because they will have genuine choice of repairer opportunities.
“Current Australian consumer law is not sufficiently protecting vehicle owners’ rights. In many comparable international jurisdictions, the issue of vehicle data ownership is recognised and is protected through special provisions to ensure competition is maintained in this important market.
“Australia has made great progress in protecting markets and consumers, but in respect of vehicle ownership, we must do better.”
With thanks to AAAA Communications Adviser Barry Oosthuizen
The SUV 40 mpg Club
It’s a growing trend that more and more of us are choosing to buy a new SUV vehicle over a more conventional sedan or wagon. There is a lot of sense in buying these as they usually perform well in crash testing, have a higher ride height, often offer more room and practicality, and are comfortable. Having AWD is nice for the odd light off-road excursion, but how good are they on fuel though?
There is a load of new SUV vehicles available, but interestingly there are an increasing number of relatively fuel efficient SUVs coming onto the market. A true SUV is one that is described as being a Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV). It’s a vehicle that is similar to a station wagon or estate car but comes, more often than not, equipped with four-wheel drive for both good on-road or off-road capability. Some of the best fuel efficiency is not always associated with diesel engines. Some hybrid vehicles and even petrol versions can be amazingly frugal, too.
Let’s see what are the most fuel efficient SUVs in the real world; SUVs that you can currently buy on the market and are able to obtain 7 litres/100 litres or 40 mpg. But bear in mind that it’s hard to relate a Mini Countryman or even a Fiat 500X with an SUV label, even though their manufacturers think that they fall into the mini SUV bracket. If a vehicle is going to be an SUV it really has to be able to perform the utility side of the deal, like being able to take plenty of luggage and occupants on or off-road or even be able to tow a trailer without looking stupidly overladen and out of puff. Realistically, to have a useful SUV you need one that has a strong chassis, good space and at least a modest bit of grunt under the bonnet. So with this in mind, you may not find the likes of a mini hatch on steroids seriously considered as part of this mix of possible fuel efficient SUVs.
Here are some of the top picks that I’ve managed to put together that, in the real world, are returning around 7 litres/100 km or better – that’s equivalent to 40 mpg on average.
Audi offer the Q3 with a punchy 2.0 TDI engine in either 140 or 150 kW output. Both of these models are very stylish and comfortable. Packed with features and handy off-road, the Q3 is definitely a real compact SUV and one that can frugally carry you about at better than 40 mpg.
Any of the BMW X1 Diesel powered models are truly remarkably frugal compact SUVs. Each of these in the real world can get well under 7 litres/100 km. The much larger X5 sDrive25d has loads of space and off-road ability – not to mention comfort and performance. This is returning 7.5 litres/100 km not far from the magical 40 mpg, so if you are wanting heaps of AWD/off-road potential and space, the BMW X5 sDrive25d should be on your radar. There is also the attractive and capable BMW X3 18d and X3 20d that are hitting way better than the 40 mpg mark in the real world.
Ford’s 2.0 TDCi engine is used in the very good Ford Kuga compact SUV. All the usual luxury features are available in this handy soft-off-roader. Nice dynamics and comfort levels make this a great alternative, practical SUV. Most FWD Kuga models with the 2.0 TDCi engine are easily bettering 7 litres/100 km in the real world.
Hyundai Tucson’s 1.7-litre CRDi is proving very efficient. This is a sharp looking, well-priced drive. The 2.0-litre CRDi AWD is not far off the 40 mpg mark, too. These AWD versions are good off-road, so be in and enjoy.
Superbly equipped for tough 4WD challenges, the all-conquering Jeep Cherokee is a roomy and comfortable 4WD, large SUV that is returning better than the 7 litres/100 km when equipped with the 2.0 CRD engine. This is as good as it gets for efficiency, comfort and tough off-roading. Jeep also has the new Renegade that is roomy, very capable off-road and provides exceptional fuel efficiency with the 1.6 Multijet turbo-diesel engine – built by Fiat. The Jeep Compass boasts a powerful 2.2-litre diesel engine that hits on or close to 40 mpg in the real world. This model has full time AWD, the strong chain cam 2.2-litre diesel engine, and decent handling and grip. One would suggest the Jeeps are well worth a look if you need to get out in the bush and bash occasionally.
I’m really pleased to find that the new Land Rover 2.0 litre TD4 engine has the goods in the real world to match 40 mpg. The engine is providing the classy looking Range Rover Evoque with 7 litres/100 km efficiency. Of course, you can head Outback with this one – such is the superior off-road capability of the Evoque. And, when you are way Outback in the Evoque, you’ll be doing the hard yards in premium comfort.
A winner as an efficient compact SUV in the real world is the Nissan’s Qashqai. To drive, the new Qashqai is one of the best crossovers. Running with punchy and very frugal 1.5 dCi and 1.6 dCi turbo-diesel engines that emit very little carbon, you are promised way better than 7.0 litres/100 km regularly. A comfortable interior, top features and a quiet ride is part of the Nissan Qashqai experience. Again, Nissan have the remarkably practical, roomy and comfortable Nissan X-Trail that tackles any off-road terrain fully laden. The X-Trail uses the 1.6 dCi turbo-diesel engine used in the Qashqai. These are highly recommended efficient SUV drives.
Subaru has the legendary Forester that is now even more efficient than ever with their new 2.0-litre diesel powering it. This is a capable soft-roader SUV. It is well equipped and spacious. You can pull a trailer and the vehicle cruises well at speed. Definitely, the Subaru Forester 2.0D is a real useful wagon that boasts a decent drive. Proving to be both very fuel efficient and reliable, the Forester 2.0D needs to be on your list of frugal SUV wagons to check out. The Lineartronic 2.0i Forester petrol version is not far off the magical 40 mpg mark either – just thought I’d throw that in there. If you need even more space, the very comfortable and capable Subaru Outback 2.0D is excellent on secondary roads and for light off-roading duties. The wagon is spacious and solidly built. Also, for something a little different and in the mould of the Nissan Qashqai but with more power, the 2.0D Subaru XV is vailable, too. Do check out any of these Subaru models with the smooth Lineartronic gearbox.
The new Toyota Rav4 2.0-litre and 2.2-litre turbo-diesels are very durable, comfortable and genuine medium-size SUVs. Get one with either of these engines and you have yourself a tough, off-roader with handy practicality and style. Both engines return better than 7.0 litres/100 km on a regular, real-world basis.
Volvo XC60 models with the D3 and D4 engines are solid SUVs with premium safety, luxury and comfort. All XC60s are very capable off-road and can pull a decent load on a trailer. And with around 7.0 litres/100 km in the real world, the Volvo XC60 is a highly desirable, luxurious SUV drive. Again, the Volvo XC70 is a smart-looking high-riding AWD wagon with a decent level of off-road ability. It is comfortable, safe and practical, and again is available with engines that put it in the frugal SUV bracket bettering 40 mpg with Volvo’s D3, D4 and 2.4D engines. The hybrid Volvo XC90 T8 is the super luxurious SUV that everyone will want. Truly a magnificent and award winning vehicle, the very powerful, incredibly refined and quiet drive boasts a premium high quality cabin with room for seven. Even with standard features, the XC90 T8 is lavish. This is a big, roomy, luxurious, safe and efficient real-world efficient SUV.
The new Honda CR-V models with 1.6 and 2.2 litre iDTEC diesel engines are highly efficient in the real-world. Expect great build quality, comfort, luxury and punchy performance. The other beauty of the new CR-V is that they are reliable and relatively well priced. The diesel engines are impressively refined and quiet. This is another highly recommended SUV that’s efficiently returning well above the 40 mpg mark. Even the 2WD 2.0 iVTEC petrol version is very close to meeting 40 mpg – just to let you know.
Kia has the Sportage compact SUV that, when fitted with the 1.7 CRDi or similar, and in 2WD form slips into the 7.0 litre/100 km on average. These are a nice vehicle to drive, are stylish and have good quality features all round.
Mercedes Benz has nice looking SUV vehicles, and there are a few of them which can happily return 40 mpg in everyday use. The new GLC220d and GLC250d with their automatic gearboxes have excellent refinement and a very composed ride on any surface. You have superb luxury that is of the highest quality. It has the goods to tackle some tougher off-road work, and it seats four in amazing comfort.
Mitsubishi has a really nice SUV that is stylish, very modern and economical. The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV is a Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle and is the first SUV of its kind anywhere in the world. With its all-electric i-Miev technology, space and the legendary off-road ability of the Pajero, the Outlander is a fantastic vehicle that easily betters the 40 mpg mark. The Outlander is a comfortable and solid real SUV type vehicle with five-star safety. The 2.2 turbo-diesel engine that is also fitted in the Outlander comes very close to meeting 7 litres/100 km, as well. Also, the Mitsubishi ASX SUV is a compact SUV with a solid build quality, impressive fuel economy, plenty of room for five plus luggage. It also boasts a five-star Euro NCAP safety rating and is decent value for money. There is a 1.6-litre petrol, 1.6-litre Diesel and 1.8-litre Diesel that all meet the fuel economy mark we’re after. Check the Mitsubishi SUVs out!
Suzuki has the ever-ready Vitara. The new Vitara is smaller, lighter, more refined, more economical and better to drive than its predecessor. It also boasts a five-star Euro NCAP rating. Both the 1.6-litre petrol and 1.6-litre diesel variants meet the magical 7 litres/100 km in everyday driving. The sharp styling looks great, while the vehicle’s off-road ability is excellent.
Mazda has their fabulous CX-5 models that come with a 2.0-litre petrol or a 2.2-litre diesel engine, both of which will get you 40 mpg and better on real-world drives. Dynamic styling and loaded with features, these are very nice to drive. The larger Mazda CX-7 SUV looks amazing and handles extremely well for a 4×4. Off-road excursions are a breeze for this big comfy model. It’s the 2.2-litre diesel that meets, or gets very close, to the 40 mpg target we’re all after for economic SUV travel.
Looking into Peugeot’s showroom reveals that the 2008 is a handy SUV that, with Grip Control, can get over some pretty slippery surfaces – perfect for heading off to the snow. Its upmarket styling is striking and unique – both inside and out. Peugeot’s frugal engine range (diesel and petrol) and low running costs gives this model the big tick for economic SUV transport. There’s also decent space for adults in the back, and excellent luxury features.
All diesel engines that power the modern and capable Renault Koleos SUV hit the magical 40 mpg mark. The cam chain diesels are smooth and the ride very comfortable. The elegant styling looks nice, too.
Volkswagen has their stylish Tiguan SUV that is comfortable to ride in. The 2.0-litre TDI Diesel engine is particularly economical when linked to the Tiguan drivetrain. This is a decent SUV with a smooth diesel automatic option, and AWD versions are capable off-road. Volkswagen’s Passat Alltrack wagon is classy and remarkably capable off the beaten track, and it’s also blessed with the 2.0-litre TDI engine for frugal performance.
If I’ve missed any other models that should be in the 40 mpg or 7 litres/100 km club, let us know. Hope this helps, too…
Private Fleet Car Review: 2016 Subaru Outback Premium Diesel & 3.6R
It’s fair to say that the Subaru Outback is a popular car, with owners in Australia always warm and fuzzy about theirs. It’s also fair to say that Subaru is still seen as a niche manufacturer and it’s also fair to say that that niche is getting bigger with the brand recognition really achieving cut through. The now twenty year old nameplate, WRX, has gone a long way to contributing to that, but there’s the Liberty, Forester and the Outback to thank as well. In February of 2016, A Wheel Thing attended the launch of the updated Liberty, Forester and Outback and recently sampled the 2.0L diesel and 3.6L petrol powered versions of the Outback Premium.
Of note were the subtle changes to the suspension in the wagons. It’s A Wheel Thing’s opinion that the Outback is one of the best in the medium wagon class for ride and handling. There is a bit of competition out there such as the Mondeo, Superb, and Octavia, just to mention a couple, but the incremental development work that Subaru Japan and Subaru Australia have jointly been involved it has paid off.
Tested on dirt and tarmac roads in South Australia during the launch, and driven hard in its most likely environment, suburbia, both versions exhibited the kind of ride a discerning driver looks for. On undulating roads,there’s no sense of continuing the motion, with the Outback simply following the up and down movement while simultaneously isolating the cabin from it.
Shopping centre car park speedbumps were ignored, with only the barest thump transmitted through at low speed (say two or three kmh) and at around 20 kmh there was a short, sharp, jolt which was instantly damped. The larger rubber based units on some back roads were noticeable in the relative lack of impact felt inside, with the compliant suspension taking up most of the shock and minimising any bodily movement. It’s well tied down and lacks the floatiness found in others.
It’s also quiet on the road with tyre, road and wind noise very quickly becoming forgotten. This helps in regards to fatigue on a drive, as does the ride quality. It’s a tight handler, with just a hint of understeer in slow 90 degree corner turns but tucks the nose in nicely in roundabouts. Steering is responsive, perhaps moreso in the 3.6R, with the load building up left and right from centre in a progressive manner.
The transmissions provided were CVT for the diesel, standard six speed auto for the petrol. There is a manual option available, as well as a 2.5L four potter. The range starts at $35990 for the entry level 2.5L with CVT with the range topper 3.6R at $48490.The diesel premium CVT is $44490, with that price being an increase of $1500 over the outgoing model whilst the 3.6R seeing an increase of just $500.
The difference in the drive between the two is astounding; the traditional auto leaves the CVT to eat its dust. A Wheel Thing has not been a fan of CVT, for the most part, as the CVT added to the WRX is simply superb. There’s a discernable lag in acceleration, a lag in switching from Reverse to Drive before forward motion is engaged, a lack of smoothness in doing so as well. The 3.6R’s gearbox however is zippy, instantaneous response is given when asked for, and there’s more of a sense of the engine working firmly hand in hand with the gearbox.
What’s damning about the way the CVT dulls the diesel compared to the petrol, are the torque figures: both engines produce 350 torques, with that number for the petrol being a peak figure and at 4400 rpm but the diesel shows that between 1600 to 2800….The 3.6R is more free spirited in its revvy nature, seeing 191 kilowatts at 6000 and showing no restraint in how it spins. The diesel is, naturally, lower on peak power, with 110 kilowatts at 3600 revs but it just lacks character and a seeming willingness to put that grunt down through the all wheel drive system due the CVT. There is the question of economy, with 6.3L per 100 km for the diesel (combined)versus 9.9L/100 km for the 3.6R, however.
Apart from the all wheel drive system marketing that Subaru has steadily built its following on, there’s been the step by step increase in standard technology. All diesel auto Outbacks get the EyeSight collision avoidance system, with stereoscopic forward looking cameras and also now with colour recognition programming. 
The 2.5i Premium, 3.6R and 2.0D Outbacks also get the Vision Assist package, giving the driver: Blind Spot Monitoring, Lane Change Assist, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, high beam assist and self dimming rear vision mirror.
The colour recognition shakes hands with the ACC, Adaptive Cruise Control, by recognising brake lights being activated in vehicles ahead, and will slow the Outback. It’ll also recognise lane changing vehicles ahead, adding to the five star safety rating the range has. A very handy feature is what’s called Unintended Start Prevention, where it’ll hold the vehicle if the accelerator is pressed but the sensors read an object in front of the car.
Subaru have also tossed in the Euro style emergency brake light system, which flashes the brake lights when the computer senses input that would be an emergency stop situation. All Outbacks now get halogen DRLs integrated into the fog lights, the 2.5I and 2.0D have electric folding mirrors as standard plus teh diesel also gets auto headlights and wipers. A Wheel Thing is of the opinion that auto headlights shouldn’t be seen as a luxury or optionable item, they should be standard across the board.
The interiors of both are identical, down to sunroof, somewhat slabby seats, lack of detail on the leather, no cooling for the pews (surely a must for Aussie spec cars with machine made leather seats?), the SI Drive system (which changes the engine mapping and shift points in the autos), the StarLink touchscreen satnav and infotainment system…you get the picture. A Wheel Thing still feels the location of the clock has it lost within the aircon controls, not exactly an ergonomic or safe feature…Of course you’ll get Bluetooth handsfree phone connection, audio streaming and, being wagons, plenty of storage space with over 500L of cargo and enough bottle holders to suit the family.
You’ll get curtain airbags, side airbags, driver’s knee airbag, power seats (heated only…sigh), powered rear ‘gate, and Subaru’s X-Mode (auto only) for when a bit of soft roading is called for.
The exterior hasn’t come in for any major do-overs; there’s a new Dark Blue Pearl paint (verra noice) and a retrimmed grille for the 2.5i and 3.6R aside from the aforementioned driving light change. It’s a handsome looking vehicle, with just enough black polycarbonate to remind people of the soft road ability the Outback has, along with good looking 18 inch alloys and 225/60 Bridgestone rubber. It’s a good size overall, too, with a total length of 4815 mm encompassing a wheelbase of 2745 mm and tracks of 1570/1580 mm. And if you do wish to try out the off road ability, you’ve got over 200 mm of ground clearance to play with.
At The End Of The Drive.
Subaru’s Outback is a good and solid seller for the Japanese brand, with just under 11000 units sold in 2015 and the brand had a massive 344.7% sales increase as well. There’s a three year warranty on offer, which some would say lacks compared to some of the other brands out there. But the brand and the Outback have a strong, fiercely loyal following and there’s little doubt an extra year or two warranty makes little difference to that loyalty.
What the Subaru Outback trades on is a good look, solid engineering, dependability and with the 2016 model, some of the best handling in its class, with the MacPherson struts and double wishbone rear. It’s a pity the CVT nobbles the diesel compared to the 3.6R as the economy of the diesel will always be a winner there but the 3.6R wins thoroughly in the performance stakes. Head across to www.subaru.com.au and follow the links for information on the vehicles available.
Level 2, 9 Help Street