-INAN attempt to cash in ‘on the growing popularity. ef sport utility vehi- cies, Subaru has: * introduced a ver ‘sion of-its all-wheel drive Legi acy sta- tion wagon called the Outback. Subaru ‘calls j it the’ “world’s ay wagon Actually, it ‘Ss the s ond generation Quthack ares . : wagon — the first one introduced ast year, was a mild trim vatiation of the gucy - Wagon. This one is more serious. The 1996 Ouibuck features a “higher ground clearance, larger tires, more interior room, a * taised, « contoured roof, 3 Star of rack, and a two-piece . ‘The Outhack also ofte ers a new, more powerful engine a 155 “horsépower.2 S-litre fo wr-cylinder, horizontally-opposed engine. ‘This engine is'availab’ only with an autaniatic transmission. he. Ouiback’s standari powerplant remains a 1 35 horsepower 2:3 hire four-cylinder unit ; At first glance; the Outback ‘appears to be just a station fagon masquerading : as’a sport-uility: vehicle. I's hard to” jimagine any. self- ~respecting e 4X4er venturing into-the back-." “woods in ‘a Japanese station w: agon. But after ‘driving it. Leanne way.) with two firm conclusions : the Outback can handle the heek of alot more comfortable. ae The: Outback’s 185" nim (7. 3 in) ils, and j its ‘standard all- avheel- drive “In fact: ‘Subaru's all- ‘wheel- drive system raction, mang ve lo 10% of the heels when necess racks, the Outback has: a onstruction “anda lower centre’ of pravity than utitay trucks. ‘As a result, the ‘Outback demonstrates one of the’ pitching. swaying, | rocking, and rolling that’s common to taller sport util vehicles. The Outback’s ride is more. first sport utili- 7 stem Ee sure grip ; oad Sttribute stems : from’ oo “stable, comfo! Sina and ° OP halle climbi | ij . WH’ TO CALE: : Auto Editor Andrew McCredie ease (147) “Photo submitted THE 1996 ‘Subaru Legacy Outback station wagon i is s being offered as a poss ible alternative to a sport utility vehi- cle. It offers all-wheel-drive,185 mm (7.4:in.) ground clearance, raised roof, fog lamps with stone guards, and a big cargo a area. Inquire about the ‘Legacy, Outback at t Specialty. Motor. Cars, 1238 Marine, Dr, North Nan uN that’ 's common in Winucks’ when houncing | over di * Ore criticism however: the “stighily over severe bumps The changes needed to make the, Ouiback a better off-road. vehicle have not seriously altered its pavement demeanor. It’ s, “still a quiet, comfortable. station wagon with excellent outward visibility, 200 andlin 2 and a well Haid oul. user-friendly inte rior. : ; ee : “ hard to find However, it's s worth noting that the manual trans “mission comes with a handy “*hill-holder™ feature. If you're : stopped on a hill and pushin the-clutch, the car will not roll “back if you I take your foot off the brake. As soon as-you remove. your foot from the,clutch: rand accelenite, the brake will release, Optional:this year is a new..155 horsepower, 2.5-litre dual’ overhead cain four: ylinder boxer engine. It's available only ° “with the automatic ‘transmission. ‘With 155 ft: “ibs. of torque at, 2,800 rpm compared to 140 ft-lbs at 4.400 rpm for the 2.2- ire! engine, the 2.5-litre powerplant has ‘much. more usablé power . during takeoff, lane-changing. freeway merging and off-road. a do, recommend this engine, : . 6" aluminum wheels 6160 horsepower ” 3.4 litre V-6-0 -dual'air bags tit steering... OOO Outback’ 8 steering, rack judders : “manners, the! weucy ( Outbac “Also, since the 5 J08 has been’ raised by 50 mm 2 in ‘slots more headroom und cargo room, For: easier loa undard ‘split rear-seats fold flat iand in the'cargo area,