2014 Subaru Outback: Ruggedly versatile, powerful yet efficient

• Higher ground clearance than many SUVs and crossovers with a low step-in height.
• Crisp car-like handling with the versatility of an SUV.
• Standard full-time All-Wheel Drive with impressive fuel economy of 6.5 L/100 KM.

MISSISSAUGA, ON, July 8, 2013 /CNW/ - Subaru Canada, Inc. (SCI) is pleased to announce the release of the 2014 Subaru Outback. As the adventure-ready SUV alternative, the Subaru Outback provides crisp car-like handling with the versatility of an SUV. Standard Subaru symmetrical full-time All-Wheel Drive distinguishes Outback from crossover competitors, which generally offer all-wheel-drive at an additional cost. Plus its 220 mm of ground clearance is higher than even many large SUVs and crossovers, while still maintaining a low step-in height.

Dynamic Performance with an Eye on Efficiency
Under the hood, 2014 Outback 2.5i Convenience models offer a double-overhead camshaft (DOHC) 2.5-litre SUBARU BOXER engine producing 173 hp and 174 lb.-ft. of torque for increased performance and fuel efficiency, while the 2014 Outback 3.6R is offered with a 256-hp 3.6-litre 6-cylinder SUBARU BOXER engine.

The Outback 2.5i Convenience offers a choice between a standard 6-speed manual transmission as well as the second-generation Lineartronic CVT (continuously variable transmission), whereas the Outback 3.6R comes equipped with a 5-speed Electronic Direct Control Automatic Transmission with Manual Mode (5EAT). A downshift blipping feature enhances its sporty feel when using the paddle shift controls.

Models equipped with the Lineartronic CVT will see fuel efficiency of 6.5 L / 100 km on the highway and 8.6 L / 100 km in the city. Models equipped with a 6-speed manual transmission will see fuel efficiency of 7.1 L / 100 km on the highway and 9.4 L / 100 km in the city.

Greater Availability of Subaru's EyeSight Driver-Assist System
The 2014 Outback gains the option of Subaru's EyeSight driver assistance system on its Outback 2.5i Limited Package in addition to its Outback 3.6R Limited Package, which integrates Adaptive Cruise Control, Pre-Collision Braking and a Vehicle Lane Departure Warning. This preventative safety technology - which uses a stereo camera design developed by Subaru to provide a detection angle wider than that of radar-based systems - can detect obstacles in front of a car and limit potential damage in an impact.

Five Trim Levels
The 2014 Subaru Outback is available in five trim levels - 2.5i Convenience, Touring and Limited Packages as well as a 3.6R model available with or without the Limited Package. The Outback 2.5i Convenience is also available with a PZEV option, while the Outback 2.5i and 3.6R with Limited Package features an optional EyeSight driver assistance system. The entry 2.5i Convenience model features a long roster of standard features, among them power-adjustable, foldable, heated body-colour door mirrors, fully automatic headlights, a 10-way power driver's seat with heated front seats, voice-activated Bluetooth mobile phone connectivity and streaming audio, a USB charging port, steering wheel cruise control and audio switches, a 60/40-split flat-folding rear seat, and an electronic parking brake with Hill Holder system. The electronic Hill Holder system holds the vehicle in place until the driver applies the throttle to pull away from an inclined stop.

Outback models with the Touring Package add additional amenities such as a power tilting and sliding glass sunroof, windshield wiper de-icer, leather-wrapped steering wheel, dual-zone automatic climate control, a 6-speaker system and a cargo tray.

Additionally, Outback 3.6R models also include a power tilting and sliding glass sunroof, leather-wrapped steering wheel, a 6-speaker system and dual-zone automatic climate control.

Both Outback 2.5i and 3.6R models with the Limited Package additionally come equipped with leather upholstery, an auto-dimming rearview mirror with HomeLink, a touchscreen GPS navigation system with 7.0-inch LCD display, voice-activated controls and navigation, XM Satellite Radio (subscription required), rear-vision camera, an SD card slot for convenient navigation map updates, harman/kardon speakers and amplifier, and a 4-way power front passenger seat.

Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle Technology
PZEV is a designation awarded to vehicles that meet strict emissions standards set by the California Air Resources Board (CARB). Subaru PZEV vehicles in Canada comply with the CARB Super Ultra-Low Emission Vehicle tailpipe standard (SULEV) and virtually eliminate fuel-system evaporative emissions. Compared to an average new vehicle, Subaru PZEV vehicles have significantly cleaner exhaust emissions. In certain cases, vehicles meeting PZEV emission standards are even cleaner than hybrid or alternative fuel vehicles.

Independent Suspension for Flatter Cornering
All Subaru models feature a strut-type front suspension with a wide track and long wheel travel. The double-wishbone rear suspension, also on all models, handles rough roads and sharp corners with both poise and precision - ensuring maximum tire contact, minimum vibration and significantly improved ride quality. Together, these characteristics deliver flatter cornering as well as a quieter, more comfortable ride over a variety of road surfaces.

Vehicle Dynamics Control
Standard on every Subaru, the Vehicle Dynamics Control system monitors and analyzes if the vehicle is following the driver's intended course via an array of smart sensors. If the vehicle approaches the limits of stability, the AWD torque distribution, engine output and brakes at each wheel adjust automatically to assist in keeping the vehicle on course. A Vehicle Dynamics Control 'off' switch is useful for driving out of slushy roads, deep snow or very loose gravel. The 'off' position deactivates the system's torque-reduction control, while the ABS and traction control remain active.

Subaru's Safety Leadership
At Subaru, confidence is inspired through peace of mind on the road. When the unthinkable happens, Outback's engineering provides an inside-out approach to protecting its occupants with celebrated Subaru safety. Subaru's dedication to comprehensive all-around protection has helped the Outback achieve an IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) TOP SAFETY PICK (TSP). In fact, all Subaru models have been recognized as IIHS TOP SAFETY PICKS for four consecutive years. The Subaru Outback has also achieved the IIHS' TSP+ distinction. The newly created TOP SAFETY PICK+ award requires good ratings for occupant protection in at least four of five IIHS evaluations, including the new Small Overlap test, with no less than acceptable in any test.

The extensive roster of dynamic safety technology in the 2014 Outback includes standard 4-wheel disc brakes with Subaru's four-wheel, four-channel, four-sensor Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) electronic stability system, as well as symmetrical full-time All-Wheel Drive and Brake Assist. In emergency braking, drivers usually apply less pedal force than needed even if they react quickly. Brake Assist detects how quickly the driver has pressed the pedal, and if pedal velocity exceeds a certain level, Brake Assist immediately applies system hydraulic pressure up to the ABS limit to help increase braking effectiveness.

Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) is also standard. The EBD system automatically adjusts front/rear brake proportioning based on vehicle load and is more effective than conventional brake proportioning valves.

In all Subaru models, the foundation for outstanding occupant protection is the advanced ring-shaped reinforcement frame unibody structure with a front-end configuration that disperses collision energy in three directions. This design forms a series of rings around the passenger compartment, providing protection in a variety of collision types. High-tension steel side-impact door beams and impact-absorbing foam materials enhance side-impact safety performance.

Standard passive safety technology includes the Subaru advanced frontal air bag system (SRS), driver and front passenger seat-mounted side-impact air bags, and standard side curtain air bags. A rollover sensor can deploy the side curtain air bags if it detects a potential vehicle rollover.

Whiplash-reducing front seats help reduce potential whiplash injury in a rear collision, while a collapsible brake pedal and impact-absorbing driver's footrest help reduce lower leg injury in a frontal collision.

Award-winning Value
Adding to its massive versatility, unexpected car-like handling and all-weather capability is the Outback's multiple award-winning history over the past year. In addition to being named an IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK and TOP SAFETY PICK+, the Outback also received ALG's (Automotive Lease Guide) Best Midsize Utility for the third year in a row as well as Canadian Black Book's award for Best Midsize Car for Retained Value for the fourth year in a row. The Car Guide also recognized Outback in its Best Buys Best Crossover under $50,000.

About Subaru Canada, Inc.
Subaru Canada, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. of Japan. Headquartered in Mississauga, Ontario, the company markets and distributes Subaru vehicles, parts and accessories through a network of over 85 authorized dealers across Canada. For additional information, please visit www.pr.subaru.ca or www.subaru.ca.

* EyeSight is not designed as a substitute for due care and attention to the road. The system may not react in every situation. There are certain operational limitations, such as when weather conditions obscure the view of the cameras. Finally, even with the advanced technology used, a driver with good vision and who is paying attention will always be the best safety system.

SOURCE Subaru Canada Inc.

Image with caption: "2014 Outback (CNW Group/Subaru Canada Inc.)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20130708_C5999_PHOTO_EN_28840.jpg

Image with caption: "2014 Outback (CNW Group/Subaru Canada Inc.)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20130708_C5999_PHOTO_EN_28842.jpg

Image with caption: "2014 Outback (CNW Group/Subaru Canada Inc.)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20130708_C5999_PHOTO_EN_28844.jpg