2010 Subaru Outback First Impressions

And even if they decided to retire the turbo version, we can still enjoy the 3.6-litre H6 coupled here with a five-speed automatic transmission.

These sufficiently powerful combinations get the Outback moving without too much hesitation in all situations, and the car only seems to huff a little in highway mode where acceleration and throttle response are slightly sluggish in the basic version.

The rear fascia borrows its light clusters from the new Legacy.

A true all-rounder
The Outback has evolved most in terms of style. Apart from its greater proportions, it boasts a more athletic and sophisticated countenance, at least up front. The rear fascia borrows its light clusters from the new Legacy, not the best news as the package remains rather nondescript.

On the flip side, the Outback, which Subaru is also trying to position as an SUV, has kept a higher ground clearance than most of its rivals (including crossovers like the Ford Edge) and a front and rear configuration capable of giving it good angles of approach.

The result is particularly apparent on the bumpy trails of the St. John's water reservoir, where a small test-drive station was set up from which the Outback emerged without trouble.

Well tooled
To play the part of versatile SUV the Outback has several tools at its disposal, from electronic hill descent and ascent control (to stabilize the vehicle on sharp inclines) to a VDC system that electronically limits possible losses of control.

And how to forget the all-wheel drive, Subaru's trademark feature, lightly modified (improved, they say, but that's impossible to prove for the moment) and very efficient.

A range of equipment is also standard on most models, from Blue Connect to more advanced multimedia systems according to the options ordered.

The Blue Connect and more advanced multimedia systems is also standard on most models.