2013 Subaru Outback: Redesigned Styling, More Powerful and Efficient Under the Skin
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MISSISSAUGA, ON--July 18, 2012: Subaru Canada, Inc. (SCI) is pleased to announce the release of the 2013 Subaru Outback. With more modifications than a typical model year change, the 2013 Subaru Outback has undergone an extensive facelift with revised styling, chassis enhancements to improve ride quality, new amenities and audio capabilities as well as the new EyeSight Driver Assist system.
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.
The 2013 Subaru Outback features a restyled front end for a sportier, more powerful appearance, including new headlights, grille, front bumper and fog lights. Numerous enhancements to the body structure, suspension, and steering give the Outback an even smoother and quieter ride for 2013, while also helping to increase handling agility. Body roll has also been reduced by up to 40 percent.
Increased Performance and Fuel Efficiency
Under the hood, 2013 Outback 2.5i Convenience models debut a new
double-overhead camshaft (DOHC) 2.5-litre
SUBARU BOXER engine for increased
performance and fuel efficiency. This new engine produces
173 hp and 174 lb.-ft. of torque, as compared to 170 hp and 170 lb.-ft.
from the outgoing model. More importantly, the new engine produces
greater low-end torque across a broad speed range, making it more
responsive in everyday driving.
The 2013 Outback 3.6R continues to be offered with a 256-hp 3.6-litre 6-cylinder SUBARU BOXER engine and 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.
For 2013, the Outback 2.5i Convenience offers a choice between a standard 6-speed manual transmission that's been redesigned for 2013 as well as the second-generation Lineartronic CVT (continuously variable transmission), which offers more responsive and quieter operation compared to the transmission it replaces.
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 7.0 L / 100 km on the highway and 9.8 L / 100 km in the city.
An Even More Capable E
xterior
For 2013, Outback receives a facelift as the bumper, headlight, fog
lights all contribute to a more refined yet go-anywhere exterior
presence. Along with its many other exterior enhancements, the front
grille has also been updated to better reflect the design
characteristics of the Subaru brand. All 2013 Subaru Outback models now
feature a new rim design with a more pronounced style, while 2.5i
Limited Package, 3.6R Limited and 3.6R Limited with EyeSight option
models receive a machine-finished rim, further enhancing Outback's
already distinguished appearance. The Outback was the first in its
class to feature standard raised-profile roof rails with integrated
swing-in-place crossbars. For 2013, a new adjustable design allows the
rear crossbar to be moved further rearward to carry longer items such
as kayaks or other outdoor gear.
Increased Interior Comfo
rt and Convenience
New seat fabric feels more comfortable, while a new matte wood-grain
trim provides a sophisticated appearance on Limited Package models.
Outback Limited models for 2013 will offer a new electro-luminescent
instrument cluster that has been integrated within the
multi-information display, which also shows EyeSight functions when the
car is so equipped.
New EyeSight Driver-
Assist System
The 2013 Outback will also debut Subaru's new EyeSight driver-assist
system, which integrates Adaptive Cruise Control, Pre-Collision Braking
and a Vehicle Lane Departure Warning. This new 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 L
evels
The 2013 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
3.6R with Limited Package will also feature an optional brand new
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 The extensive
roster of dynamic safety technology in the 2013 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.
* 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.