Subaru Outback

The Subaru Outback 2.5i is a wagon that is genuinely fun to drive in all conditions. Essentially a station wagon with raised ride height (in fact it is a Subaru Legacy with modified suspension and higher ground clearance), the Outback handles like a sports sedan. The 2.5L boxer engine produces 175 horsepower, and a five speed manual transmission or 5-speed Sportshift automatic drives all four wheels. In ideal road conditions, the power is split 45 front/55 rear to ensure a sporty, rear wheel drive feeling. It has responsive steering and finely tuned suspension that gives a comfortable ride while at the same time attacking corners with some verve. As standard, it also includes generous safety equipment including side curtain airbags, active front-seat head restraints, ABS, electronic brake-force distribution, child safety seat anchors and collision-activated retracting brake pedal assembly. The Subaru Outback typically feels like it will last forever and Subaru has an enviable reliability record. The cabin is comfortable and all controls fall easily to hand. It is not exactly luxurious perhaps, but ergonomically pleasing, high quality and purposeful. The Outback is a genuine fun, 5 seater, versatile, go anywhere (almost there are limits with only 8 inches of ground clearance) wagon.