Colin-on-Cars - More powerful Subaru Outback

An XT version of the Subaru Outback has been added to the local spread, upping the choices to three variants.

The flagship XT is powered by a new 2,4-litre, turbocharged Boxer engine that delivers 183 kW and 350 Nm of torque and this engine is culled from the WRX model, tuned to be better suited to the versatility of the Outback.  

The engine is paired with a lightweight Lineartronic CVT driving all four wheels via Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system. Due to the increase in power and torque, the Outback XT has improved towing capacity of 1 800 kg.

Nteo Nkoli, Marketing Manager at Subaru SA says: “Our customers know how capable the Outback is and what ‘XT’ stands for and this car is a real showcase of that - Subaru’s most advanced engineering and technology with much more power.” 

Aesthetically, the Subaru Outback XT is differentiated by new 18-inch black alloy wheels. Besides this, the Outback XT remains feature-filled and brimming with the latest Subaru technology on offer. It is the safest and most capable Outback ever produced, built upon the Subaru Global Platform and with greater improvements to structural, primary, passive and active safety.

The latest generation of EyeSight Driver Assist Technology is a key feature on the new Subaru Outback XT, now with a wider field of view and smarter control software. The system can detect other vehicles, cyclists and pedestrians from further afield and within a wider area.

EyeSight Driver Assist also allows for smarter Adaptive Cruise functions with speed limit recognition, Lane Centering and Lane Keep Assist.

As with the other Outback models, other key features include Subaru’s Driver Monitoring System and DriverFocus Distraction Mitigation System as well as the convenient hands-free tailgate opening function.

The portrait-oriented 11,6-inch infotainment system now comes standard with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a feature that will be offered on all new MY2023 Outback models going forward. 

Pricing:

- Subaru Outback 2.5i-Field ES         R779 000

- Subaru Outback 2.5i-Touring ES    R829 000

- Subaru Outback XT                          R959 000

The Subaru Outback is sold with a 3-year/75 000 km Maintenance Plan as well as a 5-year/150 000 km Warranty.

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Colin-on-Cars - Car of the Year contenders announced

The South African Guild of Mobility Journalists’ has announced the list of semi-finalists for the 2022 Car of the Year competition - the oldest car competition in the country, with its inaugural event taking place in 1986.

Over the years, the COTY competition has evolved based on changes in the automotive industry.

Honda Fit

“The impact of COVID-19 on the automotive industry has also seen changes in car launches and the allocation of fleet vehicles over the last year, necessitating modifications to the 2022 COTY competition,” says Graham Eagle, Chairman of the 2022 COTY committee.

This year has also seen the increased importance of online scoring by Guild members. As in 2021, this year will also not see a physical event where winners will be announced; the winners will be announced on the Guild’s digital platforms.

Categories

The 39 semi-finalists represent 10 categories launched between March 31 and December 31, 2021. Four contenders tied with identical scores in the final 35th semi-finalist position and were all included.

Subaru Outback

A total of 65 new vehicles launched in South Africa during this period were considered for this year’s COTY competition.

Energy

For the first time in the competition’s history, the decision was made that vehicles launched with both regular and new energy derivatives would be entered into both their relevant vehicle category and the New Energy Category. Vehicle ranges that only launched a new energy derivative were also included in the ever-growing New Energy Category.

The recently announced 25 juror and trainee juror teams will vote for the 2022 COTY competition finalists in 10 categories.

The categories are: Budget, Compact, Compact Family, Midsize, Premium, Luxury, Performance, New Energy, Adventure SUV and 4X4 Double Cab.

Hyundai Palisade

 Toyota dominates with seven semi-finalists competing in five categories, but there is also strong representation by Audi and Hyundai. Surprisingly, the Performance Category has nine contenders, the most in many years. This year there are no contenders in the Budget category.

Audi A3

Shortly the jurors will narrow the field of semi-finalists to worthy finalists. They are given eight weeks to assess vehicles, after which the final scoring will commence, determining the 2022 SA Car of the Year.

“The overall 2020 SA Car of the Year winner remains the most coveted of all automotive competition titles in South Africa and enjoys international recognition,” concludes Eagle.

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