Subaru Outback 2006: Get a grip on life

The history

Japanese carmaker Subaru: an eccentric niche player in the automotive kingdom with a knack for selling strangely-styled pieces of machinery to really specific demographics.

Born in 1990 as a version of the Legacy, this creation set many firsts for Subaru - starting on a path of discovering its Jekyll-Hyde personality. This new fourth-generation model is a reflection of Subaru's knowing what it is and what the Outback should be. Available in 2 versions - the 2.5i and the 3.0R - the Outback is essentially a Legacy, only 8.7 inches higher up. That's the essence of Subaru's 'Crossover' concept, personified in Outback. A city-slick, country-wise combination of sports car performance and SUV versatility, the Outback enjoys all those advantages.

The look

The large, drop down fog-lamps, larger than Legacy headlights and a 3-tier grille give a richer look to the Outback. Futuristic, tear-shaped backlights that go all the way to the side, linear backing lights that are totally separated from the tail light cluster and a seamless, frameless window setting all give the Outback a sportier, yet more rugged look.

The power within

From the lighter engine, to drivetrain, suspension and transmission, the Outback has benefited from its cousins' improvements. Safety features include all-seat 3-point belts and head restraints (the fronts are active), collapsible brake pedal, front-side and all-curtain air bags, and new dual-stage front air bags that turn off the passenger's if none is present.

The inside story

Opening any of the frame-less doors is a pretty ethereal experience. Once seated, though, it's all substance, and 2006 brings a much-needed splash of style. The good-feeling 3-spoke leather wheel is new and the more artful center stack is new. Crisp electroluminescent gauges light up the dash, well-placed cupholders, an upper-dash console (where next year's navigation system will go), rich leather with seat heaters, and a good mix of leather/wood/chrome make this the best Subaru interior you've yet seen.

As one of the four remaining wagons in its class, you can easily toss 33.5 cubic feet of junk in the Outback's back, plus there's a handy under-the-floor compartment for small items, tie-down hooks galore, and a 12V power outlet. The easily folded second row expands space to 66.2.

The verdict

A practical, performance machine at an agreeable price.