Subaru promoted as "offroad" again

[subyroo]

Smarter and safer than ever before and with features like X-Mode and SI-DRIVE to help take you even further and get even more out of life. Why buy a watered down SUV when you can get into the Subaru Forester - it's the real thing.

Forester used to be a great off-road vehicle, but once they dropped the MT in favour of the CVT I think they may have lost quite a few customers looking for NEW Foresters, I know I am one.

Fixed price servicing may have also won them back a few old clients.

[MiddleAgeSubie]

Huh? They dropped the MT in Australia? In the US, Subaru dropped MT on the OB, but still offers it on the Foz. How come they dropped it in Australia?

Also, if you are talking about a dual-range MT, OK, otherwise, what good is the MT off-road? US spec MT Subarus are those that fail to climb the tougher hills and that is why dual range transmissions are sometimes imported from Australia.

Personally, I would not choose an MT on an off-road vehicle except in Subaru's former Australian lineup (MT with DR but no LR on ATs) though I would take an MT WRX as a daily driver (since I rarely get into serious traffic).

[pezimm]

Originally Posted by MiddleAgeSubie

Huh? They dropped the MT in Australia?

Not quite...

You can still buy MT versions in the very base model (2.0L petrol) and also on the Diesel Forester (2.0L also...)

Both are 6-speeds, but ratios are slightly different. Neither is dual range and that is the biggest complaint from most people.

Cheers,
Pedro.

[RogerO]

What makes the outback more capable off road than the Forester? Or is it just marketing. Seems like it would be the reverse in my opinion.thanks look forward to your reponses. If I might add does the Xmode make that much of a defference off road.

[Kevin]

Welcome aboard Roger. You are correct, in standard form the Foz is more capable offroad than the Outback (I've had both). The Foz has better approach and departure angles whereas the Outback tends to be more refined than the Foz and if I simply wanted a dirt road cruiser the OB would probably be my first choice. I don't have Xmode but from what I've read it is useful.

[RogerO]

Thanks kevin.

[El_Freddo]

I've seen a few of the new Outback models cruising around town and they look big but tough and "in proportion" as most subarus have been - with exception to some of the latest Liberty wagons that look way too big for the wheels, almost like a clown's car!

Wouldn't mind seeing how one of these new ones goes offroad. I'm waiting for subaru to build a purpose off road vehicle with a decent dual range. The new Outback looks like it's in the right direction with body styling etc. Now to work on the tyre size and drive train!

Cheers

Bennie

[kiwifoz]

The only problem with the new ob is the shocking approach angle, it's terrible.
Other than that it seems like a pretty sweet car and with the diesel cvt and x mode would be near unstoppable offroad with the right tyres.

[bradze]

Originally Posted by El_Freddo

Wouldn't mind seeing how one of these new ones goes offroad. I'm waiting for subaru to build a purpose off road vehicle with a decent dual range. The new Outback looks like it's in the right direction with body styling etc. Now to work on the tyre size and drive train!

Cheers

Bennie

they're not so bad except the horrendous approach/departure angles. the only times i've been stuck were because of a broken wheel, a broken axle, and ice where no road or even a path were involved. here's my truckster
ive seen some good videos on subaruoutback.org. a 4th gen can go about 90% of the places a jeep wrangler can.

oh wait, you might be talking about the 5th gen, with xmode they're probably a little better...

[MiddleAgeSubie]

Talk about a function-oriented mod!

The mesh grill, I always thought looking at your pics on the other forum, will let water in more easily than the factory one though.

What tires are you running?

If I had money in the mattress, I would consider 16" rally wheels for vacation use only, assuming they fit over my calipers, with 235-70 BFG T/A--or even Firestone AT, which are like 111/piece in that size (vs. 170 for the TA in that size or 140 for my 225-65-17 Geolander).