SA Roadtests
South Africa
ctjag8
This is the home of automobile road tests in South Africa. We drive South African cars, SUVs and LCVs under South African conditions. It also just happens that most of the vehicles we drive are world cars as well, so what you read here probably applies to the models you can get at home.
*To read one of our road tests, just select from the menu on the left.
*Please remember too, that prices quoted were those ruling on the days I wrote the stories.
Pics by motorpics@subaru
Published in Weekend Witness Motoring on Saturday April 10, 2010
New Legacy and Outback ranges were introduced last October, boasting more space for passengers and luggage, enhanced performance, more advanced technology, better safety equipment (seven airbags are now standard) and even higher quality than before. With Lineartronic Constantly Variable Transmission, electronic handbrake operation and some revisions to both the 2.0-litre and 2.5-litre Boxer engines, Subaru confirmed its intention to use a mixture of evolution and revolution with these new generation designs.
New flagship models were introduced to the mix this February, with the Legacy 2,5 Premium getting the 195 kW, 350 Nm motor from the WRX and the Outback gaining 600 cc to increase its muscle power to 3 630 cc and 191 kW/350 Nm. In other words, you have the choice of almost identical outputs in different body styles, via two different routes. Variable valve timing on intake and exhaust valves allows power delivery to be optimised across a broad operating range while maintaining fuel efficiency.
Comfort and convenience features abound: full leather, windscreen wipers and headlights that activate automatically when conditions dictate, electrically-adjusted seats for passenger as well as driver (who also gets a memory function), electric sunroof, Xenon HID headlights and dual-zone climate control with separate rear vents are all included.
There’s also smart keyless access and a push button start system, with the driver able to unlock the car and start the engine as long as the communicator is close by. Using this ‘smart key’ to open the door automatically adjusts the seat to the position stored on the key memory.
The model we drove recently is the Outback XUV (what we jaded hacks would simply call a station wagon) with the above-mentioned 3,6 naturally aspirated motor and CVT. This is probably the model most family-oriented folk would choose for a bit more space and more genteel appearance, coupled with the assurance that there is no expensive turbocharger to possibly replace one day. I accept that modern turbos are a lot more reliable than in days past, but we are never totally convinced are we?
Don’t get the idea that the plain Jane motor is a sissy: it spanks the pants off the turbo in both acceleration and maximum speed, albeit with a small penalty in fuel usage, claiming 10,6 l/100 vs 9,1 for the turbo.
The CVT unit is coupled with Subaru Intelligent Drive (SI-Drive) with three modes selected via a rotating dial on the centre console. These offer Intelligent (softer ride and better fuel economy), Sport (better response in flowing traffic) and Sport Sharp (getting a move on). The default setting is Sport, which is a lot more satisfying to use day-to-day than Intelligent and makes the car drive like a Subaru, rather than Granny’s Yawnmobile.
The gearbox itself is one of the better CVTs, reacting quickly, almost intuitively, to driver input. Some I have driven recently are as slippery as old-fashioned slush boxes, hence the special mention. Manual override, selecting “M” on the gate and using the steering wheel paddles, is excellent as always.
Inside, you find a somewhat conservative look coupled with high, perceived build quality. Controls are well placed and easy to use, the front seats adjust ten ways for the driver and eight for the passenger and there is a feeling of almost limousine-like space in leather-clad comfort. Luggage space is generous at 1 690 litres, with the usual pull-out cover to hide valuables from prying eyes.
While luxury and comfort are integral to the Outback lifestyle, the wagon layout permits large loads to be carried with the rear seats folded. To this end the ‘R’ version also gets self-levelling rear suspension, an automatic tailgate unlocking feature and roof rails for carrying accessories.
For some reason, upscale cars such as this seem to be made for people who primarily use the radio and CD player. The only music box fitting on this one, is the default minijack socket. Mainstream vehicles, on the other hand, usually offer more. There’s a separate article in there somewhere – must pursue it sometime.
The numbers
Price: R459 000
Engine: 3 630 cc horizontally opposed DOHC 24 valve six cylinder
Power: 191 kW at 5 600 rpm
Torque: 350 Nm at 4 400 rpm
Zero to 100 km/h: 7,5 seconds (claimed)
Maximum speed: 230 km/h (claimed)
Real life fuel consumption over 230 km of mixed testing: 11,5 l/100 km
Emissions standard: Euro 4
Tank: 65 litres
Ground clearance: 213 mm
Warranty and Subaru Assist: 3 years/ 100 000 km
Maintenance plan: 3 years/63 000 km, extendable to 5 years/200 000 km
This is a one-man show, which means that road test cars entrusted to me are driven only by me. Some reviewers hand test cars over to their partners to use as day-to-day transport and barely experience them for themselves.
What this means to you is that every car reviewed is given my own personal evaluation and receives my own seat of the pants judgement - no second hand input here.
Every car goes through real world testing; on city streets littered with potholes, speed bumps and rumble strips, on freeways and if its profile demands, dirt roads as well.
I am based in Pietermaritzburg, KZN, South Africa. This is the central hub of the KZN Midlands farming community; the place farmers go to to buy their supplies and equipment, truck their goods to market, send their kids to school and go to kick back and relax.
So occasionally a cow, a goat or a horse may add a little local colour by finding its way into the story or one of the pictures. It's all part of the ambience!
Want to ask a question, comment or just tell me you thoroughly disagree with what I say? That's your privilege, because if everybody agreed on everything, the world would be a boring place. All I ask is that you remain calm, so please blow off a little steam before venting too vigorously. Contact me here
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SA Roadtests
South Africa
ctjag8