What's the news?
The updated Subaru Outback Lineartronic 2.5i is going on sale for the 182-plate change with its prices held at those of the outgoing diesel model - meaning the Japanese crossover estate will start from €46,995 on these shores.
Revised and available in SE (€46,995) or SE Premium (€49,995) grades, the 2018 Outback has had 'a significant upgrade in technology and trim,' according to its maker.
Starting on the exterior, there's a redesigned hexagonal radiator grille with Subaru's 'wing' aesthetic, plus modifications to the headlights, bumper and door mirrors. There's also a new bit of equipment incorporated into the Outback's nose, which is the front-view camera - it's now below the marque's Pleiades constellation logo. This camera monitors a 180-degree area in front of the car that would normally be in the driver's blind spot, with the results displayed on the Subaru's in-cabin touchscreen.
Further safety equipment comes in the form of a side-view camera at the base of the passenger door mirror, Lane Keep Assist (bolstering the existing EyeSight drive assistance technology suite) and Steering-Responsive Headlights.
Inside, the Outback receives new decorative gloss-black panels and silver surrounds to improve the interior ambience, while the touchscreen grows in size from seven to eight inches. Under the bonnet, a naturally-aspirated 2.5-litre 'boxer' four-cylinder petrol engine is employed, which is installed low down and further back than a conventional 'upright' engine to give the Subaru a lower centre-of-gravity and increased passenger safety; in the event of a front-end accident, it is designed to submarine beneath the passenger compartment. The 2.5-litre 'FB25' engine delivers 175hp at 5,800rpm and 235Nm at 4,000rpm.
Anything else?
Subaru Ireland's two trim levels run as follows: SE models have EyeSight, adaptive cruise control, high-beam assist, Subaru's rear vehicle detection, automatic LED headlamps and headlamp washers, 17-inch alloy wheels, heated front seats, keyless entry and push-button start and privacy glass, as well as the eight-inch Starlink touchscreen infotainment system (which supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto), incorporating audio, smartphone connectivity and rear-, front- and side-view parking cameras; while SE Premium Outbacks add leather seats (in either Ivory or Black), 18-inch alloys, a sunroof, an electrically-powered tailgate, an eight-way adjustable driver's seat with memory function and lumbar support, and an electrically-adjustable passenger seat.