2013 Subaru Outback: Redesigned Styling, More Powerful and Efficient Under the Skin

MISSISSAUGA, ON, July 18, 2012 /CNW/ - 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 Exterior
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 Comfort 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 Levels
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.

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.

Image with caption: "2013 Subaru Outback 2.5i Convenience Package (CNW Group/Subaru Canada Inc.)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20120718_C9155_PHOTO_EN_16295.jpg

Image with caption: "2013 Subaru Outback 2.5i Convenience Package (CNW Group/Subaru Canada Inc.)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20120718_C9155_PHOTO_EN_16297.jpg

Image with caption: "2013 Subaru Outback 2.5i Limited Package (CNW Group/Subaru Canada Inc.)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20120718_C9155_PHOTO_EN_16299.jpg

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