Subaru Outback test drive since 2009
Subaru Legacy Outback test drive report
Meet: Legacy C! The fifth generation of Subaru Legacy, which made his debut in May 2009, grown to the level of C. among the fans of Legacy, and the owners of Subaru in general, often mention the mysterious models of Legacy B and Legacy C. For those who are not in the subject, I will explain: so Subarists The models of this series that underwent annual changes were nicknamed.
Subaru, trying to keep up with leading European manufacturers, every year pleases users of all their models at least small modifications and innovations. Of course, such an attitude towards their customers is worthy of praise. Nevertheless, a small problem arises: in the appearance of the same machines have completely different fillings, and the name for everyone is one. So ordinary users have to come up with their own designations.
The gradation of the Legacy series is as follows: a model, which debuted in 2009, in the May 2010 model, which had undergone annual changes, and, finally, with an updated model, published in June of this year. Already in the model the steering wheel was equipped with an electric power, a system of Eyesight was also used here, which allows maintaining a safe distance before the vehicle walking in front of the entire range.
Now a few words about what has appeared in the S. model S. The change in the exterior will probably notice, only the owner of the previous version changed only the design of the rotary signs located on the side mirrors of the rear view. Much more surprises are fraught with a car filling hidden from the eyes: the Eyesight system was significantly finalized and the chassis was updated. Separately attention is deserved by the sports equipment of Outback S Package (series Special Edition).
Military to Eyesight To begin with, consider the modified Eyesight system, which today is equipped with all models of the Legacy series, including Outback.
The quality of the system has improved significantly since Legacy B. Particular attention, in particular, paid the development of the function of automatic cruise control, which allows you to follow ahead of the running machine at any speed. You can set the distance between the cars by choosing one of the three modes. So, for example, if you activate the mode with the shortest distance, the system will hold the car at such a distance from the car walking in front that no one can wedge between you.
Many other manufacturers equip their models with a similar system, but most of them have one common drawback: even with a minimum given distance, the distance between the machines remains too much. Theoretically, this should contribute to a safer environment on the road, but in practice, someone is constantly wedging in this gap, and the system automatically reduces speed. The function that is designed to make the driving process more convenient and enjoyable is in reality it is effective only on unloaded tracks.
However, the Eyesight system is able to maintain a minimum safe distance and this is its main feature. In addition, the new Legacy are equipped with a modified and significantly smart overwhelming brake system, and speed adjustment is carried out more than ever smoothly and clearly. On the high-speed highway, for the sake of the experiment, I decided to drive the segment to the nearest traffic light, fully trusting the control of the cruise control, even if I have other cars in front of me. Throughout the way, the system brilliantly coped with its task, and I could completely rely on it with a calm soul.
The system automatically notes the slightest change in the distance between two cars and, using electronic speed adjustment, tries to maintain a given value. The brake system acts so smoothly that it is impossible to even understand when the machine began to slow down, and when it began to gain speed again.
To prevent the possible motion of passengers, the machine has a function of rigid speed changes that allows you to feel when the brake pedal is pressed or released. However, the developers undertook everything possible to prevent the motion. I used to believe that the cruise control is almost useless in the city in the conditions of a constantly changing traffic flow, but having experienced Eyesight, I first wanted to have a similar system in my car.
What did the changes affect? At the moment, most of the new Legacy directly from the assembly line goes to customers, since due to the consequences of the earthquake on March 11, the company had to temporarily suspend production. Therefore, for a test drive, we were allocated only Outback.
The developers increased the rigidity of the front stabilizers, and the side bushings of the rear stabilizers were replaced with bearing. In models B4 (sedan) and Wagon reduced the weight of the suspension levers. Bilstein damping the damping force of shock absorbers was improved in S Package, due to which this equipment must surpasses any other outback. Unfortunately, I did not manage to test B4 and many other models, but already on the example of only Outback, which, by the way, the changes affected the least, we can evaluate the entire scale of the innovations.
Having passed only a couple of meters, I have already noted how comfortable it is to feel behind the wheel of this car. Model owners will immediately pay attention to this. The back suspension is very soft, it extinguishes even the slightest shocks. In particular, you pay attention to this while driving along an uneven road, especially if you are sitting in the back seat. The seat of the side passenger is very convenient and quite suitable for long trips. Noise insulation in Outback is also not heard at the height of any extra knocks and noise.
I also drew attention to the improved handling of the machine and its high stability on the road. At the wheel of this car you feel reliably. Outback is distinguished by a rigid mounting of the rear suspension, the chassis began to function much better. The strength of tire adhesion with the road has increased significantly, due to which the stability of the machine increased during movement. Despite the rather large body height, you feel quite safe on a winding highway. It is only a little turn the steering wheel, the car immediately obediently reacts to the team. The combination of a protracted rear suspension and an obedient steering wheel makes driving a car extremely clear even in steep turns. And the new all -season tires provide comfort and stability during a dynamic driving.
Sports equipment OUTBACK
In addition to the annual renewal of the series, there is another innovation that can attract the attention of many Subaru fans for the first time OUTBACK will be represented by Sports Semetation S Package. Let's get to know her better.
A stylish sports bumper completely transforms the appearance of Outback, gives it an atmosphere of street racing. The tires are also paid attention: while in the standard outback wheel size is 16-17 inches, S Package is equipped with 18-inch summer tires. The minimum road clearance here is all the same 200 mm, while the chassis is equipped with BillStein shock absorbers. The dashboard made in a coal-black color sets the mood for the entire cabin. The first thing I paid attention to was the driver's place: landing here is as high as in the standard configuration, in the driver's seat you feel comfortable and free. However, while driving in the cabin, a barely noticeable sound is heard and a small vibration is felt the result of the transition to 18-inch wheels. Nevertheless, Billstein shock absorbers are perfectly extinguished by all kinds of shocks, and the sensations from the trip here are not inferior to the standard model.
I want to pay special attention to the handling of the sports version. The suspension has a long move, the load on the tires is small, while the wheels very accurately react to the steering wheel. It is worth turning the steering wheel and the car with a sharp jerk will change the direction. Despite its greater height, S Package copes with winding tracks perfectly. The rolls are present here, but not strong.
Nevertheless, the sports version is significantly inferior to the standard model in stability on the road. This drawback is partially compensated by the presence of summer tires. It is worth considering this difference when choosing a model. If standard equipment is suitable for those who prefer a stable ride, then S Package is a great alternative for lovers of cars with a sports slope.
Technical characteristics of Subaru Legacy Outback 2.5i Eyesight S Package Limited
Total length: 4775 mm
General width: 1820 mm
Total height: 1605 mm
Wheel base: 2745 mm
Equipped mass: 1540 kg
Drive: complete
Engine: 2.5-liter 4-cylinder horizontal-opposition DOHC, maximum output power 125 kW (170 hp) at 5600 rpm, maximum torque 229 nm (23.4 kg-m) at 4000 rpm. min.
Transmission: CVT (CVT)
Cost: 3 171 000 yen (about $ 42,280)
A source: carView.co.jp
