-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 : “<The Outhack's standard 135 horsepower 22. litre, sinwle overligad cam four-cylinder boxer engine provides fadequate 2 performance for a {438 kg (3.164 Ibs.) car, as well as good fu fuel economy, averaging 9.1 litres per 100 kay (2 Mp. That's alot better than most tricks.

WA five-speed manual transmissi standard and i ‘Your: ‘gpeed' ‘automatic transmission with pu h-bution Power and “Normal modes: The manual transmission is 4 wi eak' point with the, Legacy, It eels rubbery and vague and geurs are sometimes > 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, <a i volUoutle

ated ‘windows, Tock atid mirrors, ‘terco/cassette player: heated front seu iS, cruise contol. height. -adjustable, driver's $ seat: and, a

powertrain warranty. If you're looking fora fuct- efficient axa with g sob ro2 is. a.unique Proposition Price:

wy start at S77: 995::

“Type: four-door, five-pas “senger station wagon” “Layout: iGngitudinal front: “engine/all- wheel-drive |: “Engine: 2.5-litre’ four-cylin:, “ders horizontally...opposed, :DOHC, : 16. valves.:- multi- “point ‘sequential fuel injection. _ Horsepower:: 155. @ 5.600 AEP. 5 :

panes oy Curb * weight (3,230 Ibs.) 2" ‘Tires: .205/70R: “Son, radial

5 SPEED manual transmission “4- wheel anti- ‘lock: brakes .

éj tear spoiler.’ ; and much