Subaru is adding automatic diesel variants to its Outback line-up, for the first time mating its CVT transmission and turbocharged boxer diesel.
Nick Senior, managing director, Subaru Australia, says the significant success of the manual Outback diesel promises even greater inroads for the CVT version, which has been strengthened to handle increased torque levels.
“The Outback diesel CVT plugs a gap in our model line-up. A significant proportion of large SUV sales are automatic diesels and we have not played in this space.
“In some months, the manual diesel has accounted for up to 20% of Outback sales, so pent-up demand for the auto is likely to see our diesel success story soar even higher.
“We expect it to sell in both city and rural environs, to private buyers and company fleets alike.”
Outback 2.0D CVT is priced from $42,490 MLP, while the 2.0D Premium with CVT is priced from $45,490 MLP.
A seven-speed manual mode also features, achieving faster, smoother gear changes compared to conventional automatic transmissions.
The entry-level Outback 2.0D CVT includes factory-fitted satellite navigation, while the 2.0D Premium with CVT adds a variety of features including:
– Electric sunroof
– Leather trim
– Eight-way power driver’s seat with memory function
– Electroluminescent gauges with colour information display.
The automatic diesels share a wide range of other changes to the Outback Model Year 2013 line-up, including a revised grille, front bumper, foglight surrounds and wheel patterns.
All Outback 2.0D CVT variants are powered by a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder Boxer diesel engine, producing 110Kw@3600rpm and 350 Nm between 1800-2400rpm.
In the combined cycle test, fuel consumption is 6.5 litres per 100 km and carbon dioxide emissions are 172 grams/km.
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