Subaru’s latest Outback offroad estate is to go on sale later this month, bringing a heavily revised engine and increased safety and comfort.

The new Outback is on sale later this month

Priced from £33,995, the sixth-generation Outback is built on the new Subaru Global Platform (SGP), enabling increased passenger protection alongside the latest driver assistance and collision avoidance technology.

It features a substantially revised version of the brand’s 2.5-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder ‘Boxer’ engine; about 90% engine parts have been redesigned and it gets a higher compression ratio. This is married up with all-wheel drive as standard and a latest CVT transmission, providing enhanced driving performance and increased torque control.

Handling performance and ride comfort have also been increased with significant improvements made to the suspension and chassis, and the range also introduces a new X-Mode with Hill Descent Control for more reliable control on steep, wet, or slippery terrain.

Ground clearance is now up to 213mm and the Outback has a 2,000kg braked towing capacity or 750kg unbraked.

The new Outback also provides increased interior space, said to be class-leading. The rear features 60/40 fold down seats and a wider boot opening, providing access to up to 522 litres of boot space. Practical features include integrated roof rails as standard, an electronic tailgate and enhanced hooks and pockets in the boot.

The new Outback has also been designed for increased safety, thanks to a lighter but stronger body; it’s the first Subaru designed to withstand collision impacts under new Mobile Progressive Deformable Barrier (MPDB) testing.

It’s equipped with next-generation EyeSight Driver Assist Technology with 11 new or improved safety functions, including advanced adaptive cruise control with lane centring function and emergency lane keep assist. The Outback also now gets a new driver monitoring system as standard, alerting the driver when distracted.

The Outback is available in three trim levels; Limited, Field and Touring. All get a completely redesigned next-generation infotainment system, featuring an 11.6-inch full HD vertical display and with voice controls. The interior has also been designed with upgraded materials and ‘fatigue-reducing’ seats.