Last year, Subaru gave us a six cylinder version of its legendary flat-four boxer engine and it was a welcome component that gave more life to the maker's beautiful station-wagon, the Outback. But that was the problem. The H6 was only available in the wagon. Not any more since in 2002, it is possible to order the Outback sedan with the H6. This new mill pumps out a serious 212 horsepower, and that is quite enough to carry the 1,547 kilos car around with ease. Unfortunately, it is only available with a four-speed automatic transmission. A five-speed manual tranny would be more convincing here.
I drove a 2002 H6 3.0 VDC sedan for two weeks in and around Montreal in winter (the car was now equiped with very adequate Bridgestone Blizzak winter tires) and I had a hard time bringing it back. I simply loved the car. This Subaru was a fine vehicle with a great looking body. Actually, I thought of it as Subaru's new flagship. The car does not bear exaggerated lines yet they are distinctive. Interior is mostly classic but very well designed and five people can ride in great comfort in the car though at a certain point while driving to Sherbrooke, I found the seat to be a little hard. The trunk is large enough for big luggage.
Driving the car was an easy experience. The all-wheel drive system (all Subarus are all-wheel driven) helped on slick roads but if you pushed the car a little too hard, the VDC (Vehicle Dynamic Control) system kicked in to re-establish the car's balance. It works by applying a little braking effort to the wheel or wheels that might help bring the car back on its tracks. Curiously, the VDC system cannot be disactivated.
I drove a 2002 H6 3.0 VDC sedan for two weeks in and around Montreal in winter (the car was now equiped with very adequate Bridgestone Blizzak winter tires) and I had a hard time bringing it back. I simply loved the car. This Subaru was a fine vehicle with a great looking body. Actually, I thought of it as Subaru's new flagship. The car does not bear exaggerated lines yet they are distinctive. Interior is mostly classic but very well designed and five people can ride in great comfort in the car though at a certain point while driving to Sherbrooke, I found the seat to be a little hard. The trunk is large enough for big luggage.
Driving the car was an easy experience. The all-wheel drive system (all Subarus are all-wheel driven) helped on slick roads but if you pushed the car a little too hard, the VDC (Vehicle Dynamic Control) system kicked in to re-establish the car's balance. It works by applying a little braking effort to the wheel or wheels that might help bring the car back on its tracks. Curiously, the VDC system cannot be disactivated.