The Lineartronic gearbox is a CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) with seven programmed steps; compared to the six-speed manual version there is an increase in fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. On the combined cycle the automatic uses 6.3 litres/100km (44.8mpg) compared with 5.9 litres/100km (47.9mpg) for the manual car. Carbon dioxide emissions are 166g/km, which means an annual tax bill of €570.
Equipment on the automatic model includes 17-inch alloy wheels, roof rails and self-levelling HID headlamps. Inside there is full leather trim, dual-zone climate control and a VGA centre console display with rear-view camera.
Anything else?
Subaru has revised the suspension settings and fitted the latest version of its Vehicle Dynamics Control system to improve the Outback's handling. Manual models come with Active Torque Split while the Lineartronic is fitted with a viscous limited slip centre differential.
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