The Subaru all-wheel-drive wagon, long an iconic New England vehicle, has cut a swath through several niches of stereotypical buyers -- such as liberals and trust-fund Vermonters. But it also has made inroads among a wider audience, including older drivers looking for its sensibility and the safety of standard all-wheel-drive.
Today's test car, the 2008 Subaru Outback 2.5i Limited L.L. Bean model, bodes well for the company's popularity. It is the best Outback yet, and Subaru is so confident of its appeal that it will no longer build a sedan version, returning instead to its roots as a Legacy wagon-cum-early-crossover in a lightly recast form. Over time, the Outback has developed its own personality, with a raised stance, higher seating, a larger greenhouse for visibility, and more refined optional interiors.
While the exterior has the sweep of a rear air spoiler, slim side trim instead of fat plastic cladding, and an aggressive, shiny grille with bigger standard fog lamps, it is the interior that seems to make the greatest leap forward, especially with this optional L.L. Bean package ($1,600 with discount).
A large, leather-wrapped steering wheel rolls easily in and out of turns. The dash features a black textured top, and wood trim that horizontally bisects it before it diverges into tan, textured upholstery. The upholstery continues to the doors, which feature large black grips set at a vertical angle in deep cavities lined with faux brushed-aluminum.
The same material is used in the down-sweeping center control pod, where the ergonomics for sound, climate and the navigation system that is part of the L.L. Bean package are a study in simplicity. The gauges are sporty and chrome-trimmed. The large tachometer and speedometer are left and right at center. Scalloped onto their outer rims are the smaller engine temperature and fuel gauges. At center console between the seats is a storage bin with a segmented rollback cover reminiscent of grade school pencil boxes of old.
The 2.5i version of the Outback is powered by a horizontally opposed, four-cylinder engine with 170 horsepower, plenty for most folks who gravitate toward this car, but not enough for those who want their Outbacks with more sport and kick. For them, there is the turbocharged XT with 73 more horsepower than the 2.5i, and a 3.0-liter model with 245 horsepower.
The test model came with a standard four-speed automatic transmission with manual option, the latter a useful tool in bad weather because it allows the driver to use the engine rather than brakes to help with control. It is prone to lag, particularly on upshifts, in automatic mode. In manual, it is easier to control shift patterns and stick to choices longer than the automatic will allow. Of course, the automatic mode is more fuel-efficient.
Its handling is sedan-like, even with the extra height. It has virtually no body roll in fairly hard cornering and sits flat, front and rear, in hard braking. Besides AWD, important standard safety equipment includes a limited slip rear differential, antilock four-wheel-disc brakes, side curtain airbags and front seat side impact bags, a tire pressure monitor system, and active front seat head restraints.
