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Subaru Canada Introduces All-new 2015 Outback(ENP Newswire Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) ENP Newswire - 18 April 2014 Release date- 17042014 - MISSISSAUGA - Subaru Canada, Inc. (SCI) is pleased to announce the release of the all-new 2015 Subaru Outback. Recently revealed at the 2014 New York International Auto Show, the adventure-ready mid-size SUV alternative provides stellar car-like handling with the versatility of an SUV. Offering a choice of 4-cylinder and 6-cylinder BOXER engines, the 2015 Subaru Outback comes standard with Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and a 6-speed manual transmission and a Lineartronic continuously variable transmission (CVT) is optional. Fuel economy ratings for the 2015 Outback have been improved in 4-cylinder and 6-cylinder iterations. The 2015 Outback 2.5i CVT models are estimated at 8.0 L/100 km city, 6.0 L/100 km highway and 7.1 L/100 km combined. Trims with the 6-cylinder engine have estimated fuel economy ratings of 11.2 L/100 km city, 7.4 L/100 km highway and 9.5 L/100 km combined. The all-new 2015 Outback arrives in Subaru dealerships this summer with the 4-cylinder models available in 2.5i, 2.5i Touring and 2.5i Limited trim lines, while the 6-cylinder models include 3.6 Touring and 3.6 Limited. The 2.5i has an available PZEV Package and a Technology Package is optional on the 2.5i Touring, 2.5i Limited and 3.6 Limited. The 2015 Outback marks the most well equipped version of the vehicle ever. Features such as a 10-way power driver seat with two memory storage, dual-stage heated rear seats, auto-dimming side view mirrors with approach lighting, a 12-speaker harman/kardon premium audio system with a 576-watt amplifier, rear seat heating and air conditioning ventilation and a power tailgate. A host of new safety features are now available on select 2015 Outback trims, including: Blind Spot Detection, Lane Change Assist, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, steering-responsive fog lamps and a standard reverse camera. These features not only exude Subaru's commitment to providing superior levels of safety, but also an increased comfort level for occupants that rivals premium offerings. Versatile form and efficient function The all-new 2015 Outback blends versatility and functionality in perfect harmony. A sporty, yet elegant exterior is achieved in the front with the use of a 'nosecone' front bumper that combines the grille into one smooth piece. An aluminum hood reduces weight over the front wheels while also enhancing steering response. The 2015 Outback's windshield is more raked, pulled forward 70 mm at the base. The new windshield angle, higher seating hip points, new front partition windows and door-mounted side view mirrors help to improve visibility. Although the 2015 Outback has a similar footprint as the outgoing model, strict detail was placed on improving fuel economy through aerodynamic efficiency and also the addition of an Active Grille Shutter on 2.5i trims, helping to reduce wind resistance when closed. New Levels of Safety and Security The 2015 Outback comes standard with a rear-view camera, now located closer to the centre of the car for more natural imaging. A new rollover sensor can deploy the side curtain airbags if an imminent rollover is detected. For added nighttime security, the 2015 Outback features new standard welcome lighting that automatically turns on cabin illumination and exterior lights as the driver approaches or departs the car. Vehicles equipped with the optional Technology Package offer a proximity key with push button ignition as well. A new rear radar system, standard on the 2015 Outback 2.5i Touring, Limited and 3.6 Touring and Limited, introduces the brand's next step toward full-perimeter preventive safety. The rear radar system offers three functions: Blind Spot Detection detects vehicles behind the C-pillars and in other blind spots; Lane Change Assist detects approaching vehicles when changing lanes, and Rear Cross Traffic Alert detects close vehicles while reversing, such as out of a parking space or driveway. LED indicators on the side mirrors paired with an audible warning alert the driver of vehicles travelling in their blind spots and when changing lanes. Rear Cross Traffic Alert uses an indicator in the rear view camera display. The EyeSight driver-assist system option available with the Technology Package on the 2.5i Touring, Limited and 3.6 Limited integrates Adaptive Cruise Control, Pre-Collision Braking and Vehicle Lane Departure Warning. EyeSight, which uses Subaru-developed stereo camera technology, is the highest-rated front crash prevention system by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The 2015 Outback is projected to achieve the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award. Choice of Subaru BOXER Engines The 2015 Outback 2.5i is powered by a double-overhead-cam (DOHC) FB series 2.5-litre BOXER engine that debuted in 2013 and now receives numerous enhancements for lighter weight, improved efficiency and quieter operation. Power is increased slightly, to 175 hp, up from the previous model's 173 hp. Peak torque remains at 174 lb.-ft. but is spread over a broader engine speed range for more responsive performance. The 2.5i Outback is outfitted with a 6-speed manual transmission as standard and an optional Lineartronic CVT is available. The 3.6-litre BOXER engine produces 256 hp and 247 lb.-ft. of peak torque. For 2015, 3.6-litre engine equipped models now come standard with a high-torque Lineartronic CVT. Changes made to reduce friction in the CVT contribute to improved fuel efficiency in the 2015 Outback. All models are equipped with Incline Start Assist and the electronic Hill Holder System that holds the vehicle in place until the driver applies the throttle. Enhanced Agility The Outback offers an even smoother, quieter ride for 2015 thanks to a new acoustic windshield, liquid-filled engine mounts, thicker panels in key locations (floor, toeboard, rear wheel apron, inner fenders) and expanded use of foam insulation and floor damping material. New quick-ratio electric power-assisted steering delivers outstanding feel and also reduces fuel consumption. Revised spring and damper tuning, altered geometry and standard 17-inch wheels (and new 18-inch wheels on Limited Package models) endow the 2015 Outback with greater handling agility. First introduced on Subaru's high-performance 2015 WRX and WRX STI models, Active Torque Vectoring - an enhancement of the Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) stability and traction control system - can apply brake pressure to the inside front wheel to facilitate more neutral cornering. The 4-cylinder Outback now uses the same ventilated rear disc brakes as the 6-cylinder model, in place of solid discs used previously. More Room, Greater Refinement With nearly the same exterior footprint as the previous Outback, the 2015 model offers a roomier passenger cabin with gains in rear-seat legroom measuring a generous total of 967 mm. The Outback's trunk has been enlarged to 1,005 litres, up considerably from 857 litres in the 2014 model, a significant point considering that the standard symmetrical full-time AWD system requires packaging for the multilink rear suspension, a rear differential and drive axles. Standard 60/40 split folding rear seats expand cargo-carrying capacity even further. The driver faces a decidedly sporty instrument panel in the 2015 Outback, highlighted by two binocular-style gauge pods with centre LCD information display and measuring 3.5 inches on cars without the EyeSight driver-assistance system and 5 inches on EyeSight equipped vehicles. On all models, an ECO gauge promotes fuel-efficient driving habits using coloured bars. Touring and Limited Package models feature electro-luminescent gauges with elegant blue-ring illumination. The 2015 Outback also offers new levels of interior refinement. A combination of new soft-touch materials, thicker cushioning for armrests and the centre console and new trim styles give the Outback a more premium feel. The heater control panel integrates the digital clock and outside air temperature displays. A new one-touch lane changer function for the turn signals has also been added. Outback models also come equipped with standard auto up/down driver and front passenger windows offering pinch protection. New Amenities Subaru significantly upgraded almost all entertainment features in the 2015 Outback. The Outback 2.5i system provides AM/FM stereo with SiriusXM satellite radio, Radio Data Broadcast System, in-dash CD player, 6.2-inch multi-function touchscreen display, Subaru STARLINK connectivity with Aha smartphone integration, rear-view camera, Bluetooth hands-free phone connectivity and audio streaming, iPod control capability, a USB port and an auxiliary input jack. The multi-touch display offers swipe and scrolling gestures, similar to smartphones and tablets. The upgraded system in Outback Limited Package trims adds a 12-speaker harman/kardon audio system, including a front centre speaker and a rear subwoofer, a 7-inch touchscreen display, SMS text messaging and iTunes tagging capability. The 7-inch touchscreen display on the Limited Package models features an interactive voice command system that accepts natural language and phrases and also operates the dual-zone automatic climate control system. A new covered storage bin at the front of the centre console incorporates the standard USB port, 3.5-millimetre AUX jack and a 12-volt power port. Models with high-grade audio or navigation feature two USB ports, making it possible to listen to music and charge two connected devices. Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive Subaru Outback models outfitted with a 6-speed manual transmission are connected to a viscous-coupling limited-slip centre differential that provides near neutral handling and maximum control for the driver. Outback models equipped with Subaru's Lineartronic CVT gain a newly refined version of the Active Torque Split version of Symmetrical AWD. An electronically managed continuously variable transfer clutch actively controls torque distribution in response to driving conditions and wheel slippage. The system can send additional torque to the rear wheels either proactively or in response to slippage at the front wheels. Taking input from acceleration, steering angle and yaw rate sensors, Active Torque Split AWD optimizes traction and steering response when accelerating through turns and curves, particularly when the road surface is slippery. (c) 2014 Electronic News Publishing - |