Outback 2.0d Navplus Tourer

I'd rather have good Engineering than soft plastic dash.

The first few reasons I did bought this car are, Local dealer with a good reputation, chunky looks with flared arches and Subaru Air scoop..just thought it looked more interesting than the wind tunnelled Passats and Skodas.
AWD is reassuring, although I live in London, I do go everywhere else in all weathers. The raised height is useful for Londons endless speed humps.
Insurance for this top of the range model is low, meaning I can save over a£1000 per year compared to my old Mercedes. I think because it has really good security including deadlocks.
And my key points..
The fuel consumption is excellent and accurate.
The engine is very smooth and turbo lag free, using Porsche like variable turbo geometry though it is noisy, when pushed. Though on the motorway its settled and quiet, 80mph at 2100rpm with its fantastic 6th gear
The interior styling has been panned too, which I don't agree with as I it is very well put together, with no rattles. My model comes with everything you need comfort wise including full leather,sunroof and an electric handbrake, which I like.
It has full connectivity for bluetooth etc, with also the ability to play movie DVDs including Mp3 ones so you don't need loads of wires connecting your Iphone, that can just charge in the armrest box.
There are many less obvious additions which you may not see at first, like Bilstein shocks and self levelling suspension in the rear, xeon headlights, rear parking camera and keyless entry are also cool.

The steering is a little vague and the ride isn't exciting, these are designed for the US market. In fact they are the AWD to have on the Colorado Ski circuit.
But when its raining or snowing you really appreciate the feel of the AWD, though the tyres might skit a little as they're independently driven.
The 1st gear is very short and it revs very quickly as it is designed as a 4x4 and tow car so round town driving can be tedious but I did come from an auto.-This has now been fixed with a manufacturers remap of the ECU, it also handles a lot better too (amended Nov 2013)
The rear passenger room is very good and the rear seats also recline. The load bay is a good size considering its much shorter than a passat or Mondeo. The really good feature is the one step levers that release the back seats.
One last note is that the paint finish is truely excellent

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