Skip advert
Advertisement

Subaru Outback 2.0D

New diesel widens appeal of the legacy 4x4.

Overall Auto Express rating

4.0

How we review cars
Find your Subaru Legacy
Compare deals from trusted partners on this car and previous models.
Or are you looking to sell your car?
Value my car
Fast, no-nonsense car selling
Value my car

In the past, the Legacy Outback has been bought by a core of mainly rural-based Subaru enthusiasts – but this new diesel means its appeal is much wider. While Audi’s A6 Allroad and the Volvo XC70 are still better all-rounders, the diesel Outback is economical, refined and very capable in the rough stuff – and for those reasons it’s a viable choice in today’s market.

Advertisement - Article continues below

It’s easy to underestimate the importance of Subaru’s new diesel engine. In the current climate of rising fuel prices and CO2-based taxation, the firm would be in trouble without it.

We’ve already tested the 2.0-litre flat-four cylinder unit in the Legacy Sport Tourer, but how does it fare in the crossover Outback model? Well, producing 150bhp and 350Nm of torque from a lowly 1,800rpm, it’s not short of pace.

The benchmark sprint from 0-60mph is dispatched in less than nine seconds, and there’s decent in-gear flexibility, thanks to its turbo-assisted urge. The five-speed gearbox has long ratios, though, and there’s no doubt that a six-speed transmission would make the Outback even more responsive.

However, buyers can make useful savings at the pumps. Official combined fuel economy is 48.7mpg, and with CO2 emissions of 153g/km, the diesel costs £65 a year less in road tax than the 2.5-litre petrol model. In 2009, the difference will be £210. But perhaps the best feature of the new engine is its refinement. Subaru has added lots of sound deadening, so from the inside the unit has the note of a gruff petrol motor, with the firm’s characteristic flat-four cylinder ‘warble’ present under acceleration.

As for the rest of the Outback experience, it’s business as usual. The raised suspension and 4x4 transmission mean a comfortable ride and decent off-road traction. But on tarmac, there’s lots of body roll, grip from the front wheels is in short supply and the steering lacks feedback.

Inside, you get plenty of kit, build quality is solid and boot space is reasonable. Yet it’s the engine that’s the real star.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Renault Clio

Renault Clio

RRP £16,160Avg. savings £2,921 off RRP*Used from £8,600
Audi A3

Audi A3

RRP £26,295Avg. savings £2,527 off RRP*Used from £11,590
Omoda 5

Omoda 5

RRP £23,990Avg. savings £2,192 off RRP*Used from £20,921
Dacia Spring

Dacia Spring

RRP £14,995Avg. savings £4,500 off RRP*
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Car Deal of the Day: a potent 335bhp Volkswagen ID.7 GTX for a rock bottom price
Volkswagen ID.7 GTX - front static

Car Deal of the Day: a potent 335bhp Volkswagen ID.7 GTX for a rock bottom price

GTX Plus gives some extra punch to an already excellent electric saloon. It’s our Deal of the Day for 20 June.
News
20 Jun 2025
Citroen recall sees owners told to stop driving “immediately”
Citroen C3 Mk2 - front tracking

Citroen recall sees owners told to stop driving “immediately”

A ‘Stop-drive’ order has been issued by Citroen following a fatality that may have been caused by a faulty Takata airbag
News
20 Jun 2025
New Skoda L&K 130 shows us what a Superb pick-up truck looks like
Skoda L&K 130 - front static

New Skoda L&K 130 shows us what a Superb pick-up truck looks like

Skoda’s 10th ‘Student Car’ is a plug-in hybrid that would be an ideal support vehicle for the Tour de France
News
20 Jun 2025