Australia's Easy Reading New Car News Home | News | Road Tests Subaru Outback gains diesel auto variant MY13 SUBARU OUTBACK 2.0D CVT PRICING* Outback 2.0D CVT $42,490* Outback 2.0D Premium CVT $45,490* Home > News > Subaru Recent new car releases ..... here Upcoming new car releases ..... here 9th April, 2013 Subaru has added automatic diesel variants to its Outback All-Wheel Drive (AWD) line-up. The new variant offers outstanding driving range and efficiency. For the first time, Subaru has matched a Lineartronic™ Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) to its turbocharged horizontally-opposed Boxer diesel engine, resulting in a capable AWD package. One highlight is the Adaptive Transmission Control, which delivers highly responsive driving, in tune with engine speed changes. There is also a seven-speed Manual Mode, achieving faster, smoother gear changes compared to conventional automatic transmissions. Outback 2.0D CVT is priced from $42,490* (MLP*), $2,500 more than the manual version. The Outback 2.0D Premium with CVT is priced from $45,490* (MLP*). 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 horizontally-opposed Boxer diesel engine, producing 110 Kilowatts of power at 3600 rpm and 350 Newtonmetres of torque between 1800-2400 rpm. In the combined cycle, fuel consumption is 6.5 litres per 100 km and carbondioxide emissions 172 grammes/km. The Outback 2.0D CVT variants offer high levels of noise suppression, great take-off acceleration and linear steering, with minimum body roll, for stable driving. TRANSMISSION The Outback 2.0D automatic uses a high-torque version of Subaru’s Lineartronic™ Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT), offering smooth driving, optimum control and direct acceleration. It is strengthened to suit the high torque output of the turbo diesel engine. The new transmission control system switches seamlessly from variable mode to stepped gears, in response to accelerator use, while maintaining engine speed. It is designed to compensate for the typically narrow usable power band of diesel engines that would otherwise require drivers to constantly change gears. The system selects the ideal gear from countless ratios available from the variable transmission. Driving normally in “D” reverts to smooth, variable shifting – but pressing firmly on the accelerator will switch to fixed, stepped gear ratios, offering acceleration similar to that of a traditional “cog” automatic. Downshift control during deceleration ensures a lower gear ratio is used for the road ahead, producing swift acceleration the moment the accelerator is pressed again. In addition to the seven-speed Manual Mode, there is a Second Gear Takeoff Mode, allowing secure take-off on roads with low friction, such as snow and mud. This mode is activated by pressing “+” on the steering column paddle shift, when the car is stopped in Manual Mode. Adaptive Control means the driver can select the optimum gear ratio for their own style or road conditions. Among the Adaptive Control characteristics: Stepped gear changes – pressing the accelerator hard automatically switches from variable transmission to stepped gear changes. This gives drivers the choice of smooth drivability from the CVT or the characteristics of a traditional geared transmission. Uphill control – the transmission shifts down a gear automatically when driving uphill, suiting the gradient and vehicle speed, preventing unnecessary increase in accelerator use. Downhill control – the transmission shifts down a gear automatically when driving downhill, suiting the gradient and vehicle speed, ensuring the appropriate amount of engine braking. Braking and corner gear hold – the system determines if the car is being driven in a sporty fashion, with the brakes heavily used, and switches to Stepped Gear Change Mode. To ensure the car accelerates again to the driver’s intended speed, the system shifts down a gear during deceleration and maintains the same gear when cornering. Torque coordination when upshifting – Torque coordinate control activates when upshifting with the accelerator fully open,  when using stepped gear changes in “D” and Temporary Manual Mode, producing quick, smooth gear changes. The transmission offers improved environmental performance, with decreased spin loss and a greater ratio coverage. Among the transmission enhancements: Larger torque converter with twin dampers – in line with higher torque output Increased case thickness – better strength and reduced vibration Changed primary reduction ratio – final gear: 4.111 Oil pump – added control plate, for reduced vibration. Mechanical noise is reduced too. The reinforced transmission case suits the diesel engine’s high torque output. The new torque converter features a larger facing diameter, with a higher friction coefficient, for greater capacity. A new lock-up damper is designed so the inner and outer spring both function in series, ensuring high reliability, covering vibration and noises at both low and high engine speed. The transmission’s short pitch chain increases ratio coverage, reducing engine speed at high vehicle speeds, improving efficiency and noise suppression. The shorter pitch chain and additional rocker pins also reduce the contact surface area of each pin, reducing vibration and chain noise. A special type of CVT fluid has been developed to suit the engine’s high torque ability. In the oil pump, a vibration damping plate is added to the mounting parts around the case, lessening noise. Precision of the hydraulic line pressure sensor is increased too, reducing operating loss and aiding fuel efficiency. Low viscosity oil has been developed for the front differential, reducing agitation resistance, for better efficiency. NEW GENERATION ACTIVE TORQUE SPLIT ALL-WHEEL DRIVE CONTROL Modified input torque and differential correction are achieved across all four wheel speeds. Precision of torque distribution is also enhanced thanks to steering wheel angle, yaw rate and lateral acceleration signal information from the Vehicle Dynamics Control system. This improves initial steering response when entering a corner, plus precise control, limiting noise when turning and tight corner braking. The system also controls rear wheel spin on take-off on slippery surfaces, such as snow, improving stability. ENGINE The turbocharged four-cylinder 2.0 litre horizontally-opposed Boxer engine includes several refinements from the superseded Model Year 2012 version. These include: Elimination of piston pin bushes Changed valve springs Changed oil seals – reducing friction and ensuring smooth revving to help improve fuel efficiency Changed sound absorbing material on the engine collector cover - improves noise suppression Changed starter motor – to suit the CVT Changed alternator – to meet increased electrical load Changed Engine Control Unit (ECU) – to match the CVT Addition of air-cooled oil cooler – improves cooling efficiency Turbo cover – added to prevent fire risk if the CVT sprays out oil in a heavy collision CHASSIS AND BODY Parts of the Outback 2.0D CVT suspension system have been changed to cater for increased weight over the front axle, associated with the high-torque CVT. The changes avoid any front-heavy sensation and ensure great turning. Strut damping force and the front strut mount characteristics are changed to provide appropriate levels of roll, response and stability. Steering is fine-tuned too, ensuring linear delivery. The electronic power steering gearbox assembly cannon mount bush uses harder rubber than manual Outback diesel, for added response. In the drivetrain, propeller shaft centre mounting bushes are used, benefiting driving characteristics. In the body, reinforcement has been added to the bulkhead floor, ensuring strength in collisions. Increased soundproofing is applied to the front under cover, reducing cabin noise when idling or accelerating. Other areas to have greater soundproofing applied include the upper front guards and the toe board. MODEL YEAR 2013 SUBARU OUTBACK 2.0D CVT SPECIFICATIONS AT A GLANCE: SAFETY ABS anti-lock brakes with four-wheel discs and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) Brake Assist Child seat anchor points Curtain airbags – full length Driver’s knee airbag Dual front airbags Dual front side airbags Engine cradle – helps isolate the engine from the passenger cabin in heavy crash Fog lights – front Front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters. Double pretensioners on driver’s seat belt Rear bumper reflectors Rear door child lock Reversing camera Seatbelt indicator lights – all seats Side intrusion bars Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive Three-point A/ELR rear centre seatbelt Vehicle Dynamics Control electronic stability programme Self-Catering Holiday Accommodation in Denmark, WA ..... more INTERIOR Bluetooth compatibility Climate control air conditioning – dual zone Cargo area light Cargo security blind Cup holders Electric parking brake Factory-fitted satellite navigation with voice control Height and reach adjustable steering column Height adjustable driver’s seat Immobiliser security system iPod/MP3/WMA/DIVX-compatible single CD six-speaker audio system with USB and AUX jack Leather trim gear shift (manual) Map lights (2) Leather steering wheel with audio and cruise control buttons Multi-function trip computer Power steering, mirrors and windows Rear air conditioning vents Rear seats auto fold function Rear seats recline function Remote central locking Remote fuel lid release Seatback storage nets Lineartronic™ Continuously Variable Transmission Two remote central locking keys Vanity mirrors - illuminated 60/40 split/fold rear seat EXTERIOR 17-inch alloy wheels – full-size spare Chrome-surround grille Colour-coded mirrors and door handles Headlights auto off Privacy glass (rear) Rear roof spoiler Rear wiper OTHER FEATURES Auto tailgate unlock DataDot DNA security technology Electronic throttle control Self-levelling rear suspension Three-year unlimited kilometre warranty 2.0 litre DOHC horizontally opposed turbocharged boxer engine - 110 Kilowatts of power at 3,600 rpm and 350 Newtonmetres of torque at 1,800-2,400 rpm. OUTBACK 2.0D PREMIUM ADDS: Electric sunroof Electroluminescent gauges and colour LCD information display Leather trim Power driver’s seat with memory function Rear air vents MY13 SUBARU OUTBACK 2.0D CVT PRICING* Outback 2.0D CVT $42,490* Outback 2.0D Premium CVT $45,490* MY13 OUTBACK 2.0D CVT TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS Type Cylinders Displacement Bore x stroke Compression ratio Cam-train system Fuel system Maximum power Maximum torque Horizontally opposed Four 1,998 cc 86.0 mm x 86.0 mm 16.3 DOHC Common rail direct injection 110 kW/3,600 rpm 350 Nm/1,800-2,400 rpm TRANSMISSION RATIOS D range 3.505-0.544 First 3.505 Second 2.305 Third 1.567 Fourth 1.179 Fifth 0.910 Sixth 0.723 Seventh 0.582 Reverse 2.345 Final reduction 4.111 DIMENSIONS Overall length mm 4,790 Overall width mm 1,820 Overall height mm 1,615 Wheelbase mm 2,745 Tread – front mm 1,535 Tread – rear mm 1,530 Min. ground clearance mm 213 Tare weight kg 2.0D – 1,606. 2.0D Premium 1,628 Fuel consumption and emissions (L/100km/CO2 g/km): Combined   6.5/172 Fuel tank capacity (litres) 65 Fuel requirement Diesel Steering Electric power steering Turning circle 11.0 metres, kerb to kerb diameter Suspension: Front Rear   Coil MacPherson strut-type Double wishbone type independent Brakes: Front Rear   Vacuum assisted ventilated discs Vacuum assisted ventilated discs Tyres/rims 225/60 R17x7.0J Yokohama Geolander Towing capacity kg: With/without brakes   1,700/750 NOTE: * Manufacturer's List Price (MLP) excludes dealer delivery fees and the numerous statutory charges (commonly known as on-road costs). Additionally, please note that all prices, fees and charges are subject to change without notice, as are the specifications. E&OE. Hear Chris Goodsell Talk Motoring On Radio & Internet ..... more More Subaru News ..... here Top of page About | Car Clubs | Home | News | Road Ramblings | Road Tests | Subscribe | Top Drive ©   2013   All rights reserved.   Next Car Pty. Ltd.