Subaru Australia has rejigged its Outback range, dropping the previous entry-level 2.5i manual variant and chopping the price of the 2.0D Premium by $4000, bringing that car down to $42,990.
The base diesel Outback 2.0D gets a $1000 reduction in sticker price, yet at the same time adds standard sat-nav.
Other equipment tweaks include the addtion of an option pack for the base Outback 2.5i, which brings leather upholstery, sat-nav, a powered driver's seat, a colour information display and rear airconditioning outlets for $1500 extra.
For the 2013 model year, all Premium Outback models get Subaru's Eyesight active safety system as standard.
Across the range, all 2013 Outbacks gain a revised front grille and front foglight surrounds, as well as new alloy wheel designs.
All petrol-powered Outbacks bar the range-topping 3.6R are now powered by Subaru's new FB25 2.5 litre flat four, which delivers 127kW and 235Nm - 4kW and 6Nm more than last year's model.
Fuel efficiency also improves, with the new FB engine consuming 8.0 l/100km on the combined cycle and emitting 185g/km of CO2, compared with the superseded Outback's figures of 8.3 l/100km and 193g/km.
Other mechanical changes include a revised calibration for the Outback's AWD tune, as well as a thicker front sway bar, changes to damper and spring rates, a reinforced rear suspension cradle, improved suspension bushings and a lighter rear upper control arm.
The Outback's electronic power-steering tune has also been revised to improve steering feel.
Pricing:
Outback 2.5i auto: $38,490
Outback 2.5i auto option pack: $39,990
Outback 2.5i Premium auto: $42,990
Outback 2.0D manual: $39,990
Outback 2.0D Premium manual: $42,990
Outback 3.6R Premium auto: $57,490
This info and more can be found at: http://www.themotorreport.com.au
