Actually, you can make that the G.O.O.A.T tag, says colleague Sean Willmot after returning from the launch drive programme in the Nevis Valley.

G.O.A.T right. You know, sports jock jargon. Think what Tiger Woods is (or rather was) to golf. What Jeremy McGrath and Ricky Carmichael were to Supercross. And Valentino Rossi is (still) to MotoGP. You know, It’s short for Greatest Of All Time.

That – in a nutshell – is how Subaru here sees the new – sixth-generation – Outback, as its G.O.A.T, or G.O.O.A.T (for Greatest Outback Of All Time).

Goats, themselves are well known for inhabiting New Zealand’s adventure type terrain, the natural habitat of the Subaru Outback so, the marketing kind of works.

Just go see your Subaru dealer if none of this makes sense. You really need to see the TVC or the clever two stage billboard advertising for it all to really scan. Alternatively, you can read all about it here.

To whit; this year sees the 25th anniversary of the Outback name, and in quarter of a century and six iterations, Subaru ‘s latest is the biggest, safest, most advanced and luxurious Outback yet.

Range ‘rationalised’

The Outback range itself has now been rationalised into three models, all of which are mechanically the same – under the bonnet is an improved version of the 2.5-litre, four-cylinder, normally-aspirated Boxer engine, mated to an upgraded eight-speed Subaru Linear-tronic transmission and of course, there is the surety of symmetrical All-Wheel-Drive.

The engine is 90 per cent new and uses direct injection, which increases its power and torque significantly, from 129kW and 235Nm to 138kW and 245Nm of torque and reduces fuel consumption with a claimed 7.3 litres per 100km across the board.

But hang on, wasn’t there a 3.6-litre engine in the older model? Yes, and (sadly, Ed) this is no longer available.

In saying this, the 3.6’s big advantage came to the fore with its towing ability, something Subaru NZ says has been addressed with the new 2.5-litre engine, all three new Outbacks rated to pull a (braked) load of 2000kg, with a 200kg down ball load.

Following on from this, and contributing to it, is the noticeable change in the Outback’s proportional body size and while it is larger, aesthetically speaking, Outback looks a lot sleeker.

Global Platform

New sixth-gen Outback is based on Subaru’s Global Platform, giving it greater ride control, improved strength, lower centre of gravity and reduced noise, vibration and harshness. The SGP can be adapted to suit a diverse range of body-styles and sizes and allows for future alternative powertrains.

So, the engine and transmissions are the same across the board? Yes, with the differences seen in the equipment levels.

At entry level, there is the Outback, priced at $49,990, which showcases the new in-cabin tech – highlighted by an intuitive11.6-inch tablet-like (vertical) touch screen, power driver and passenger seats, Driver Monitoring System (DMS), 18” grey alloy wheels, smart entry and push-button ignition.

Up from this is the $54,990 Outback X, a vehicle which we saw a taste of in 2020 and designed for the more adventurous Outbacker, with water resistant seat upholstery, 18” dark grey alloy wheels, heated front and rear seats, handsfree power rear tailgate, and sat nav.

Then there is the line-topping Outback Touring priced at $57,490 and which comes complete with all the luxury bits: a heated steering wheel, an electric sunroof, Nappa leather seat upholstery and a Harman Kardon audio system.

Way back when…

Outback was originally launched in 1996 and you can see the heritage in design even today. The last generational update came in 2015 and since then, Subaru has added a wealth of off-road, technology, infotainment, safety enhancements and luxury fe atures.

Technology upgrades have been made to the EyeSight driver assistance package, the Driver Monitoring System and Dual Function X-Mode, as detailed below.

Subaru’s 2021 Outback also marks some firsts for the model and the brand. This is the first Subaru to be equipped with a front passenger seat cushion airbag, taking the airbag total to eight.

It is also the first Subaru specifically designed to withstand collision impacts under new Mobile Progressive Deformable Barrier (MPDB) testing.

And Outback is the first Subaru to incorporate Speed Sign Recognition, which helps drivers remain within the speed limits as it recognises speed limit signs and visually notifies the driver.

Outback also builds on its genuine All-Wheel Drive credentials – combining them with a 213mm ground clearance.
 

I’ll take the high road thanks!

Subaru NZ revisited the Nevis Road in Central Otago for the launch of its latest Outback.

The Nevis Road is not to be taken lightly; think of it as the dirt version of the Crown Range road. You don’t quite run out of mountain, but you get pretty darn close, to a place where the wind chiselled bones of the earth cut into the clean crisp sky. 

We made our way into the Remarkables Conservation area and past the Nevis Cemetery – not quite in the dead center of town but… on the left a house has a prosaic hand-painted sign: Welcome to Nevis. We have no pub, no church, no gas and one cemetery… hmm.

After Commissioners Creek, however, the road literally take a nasty turn. Forget the nice smooth metal that any 2WD rental can deal to, now we have sump-destroying sized rocks (no Outbacks were harmed in the making of this launch – drowned and towed out yes, but not harmed and no, it wasn’t me!) blind fords with deep water, big, submerged holes and VERY steep entry points.

Combine this with some seriously boggy mud – we thank you Subaru, for Dual Mode X-Drive as well as symmetrical All-Wheel-Drive, amen – and deep ruts even the 213mm of ground clearance of the Outback is challenged by – the Nevis well and truly lives up to its fabled reputation. 

At about 63kms, you come to the last of 25 fords and crossings then it’s an easy descent into the Kingston/Garston valley and an abrupt farewell to the legendary Nevis Road as you head along Highway 6 to the Devils Staircase and Frankton alongside Lake Wakatipu and eventually Queenstown. 

And yes, it’s a trip I’d buy an Outback for, just so I could do it all over again…