Subaru Outback 3.0R 2004 review: snapshot

Subaru delivered the goods with the H6 Outback and continues the trend with a more powerful version of the flat "boxer" engine in the 3.0R Outback.

Those waiting for a six-cylinder Liberty, however, will have to bide their time, at least until the end of the year.

That's when the new MY2005 model is due.

If you can't wait you will not find the Outback wagon disappointing and, of course, there is always the turbocharged Liberty GT to consider, if you are looking for even more performance.

The Outback's previous 3.0-litre flat six-cylinder engine produced 154kW at 5600rpm and 282Nm of torque at 4400rpm.

Power in the 3.0R is up to 180kW at 6600rpm and torque to 297Nm at 4200rpm – a 16.9 per cent increase in power and 5.3 per cent increase in torque.

It is odd talking about the performance of what is essentially an off-roader, but the Outback 3.0R is a real jet, putting power to the ground through all four wheels, with strong performance across the entire engine range.

The sprint from 0-100km/h takes just 8.5 seconds, as the wagon rockets to a top speed of 224km/h.

Off road it can bang its way down the bumpiest dirt tracks, but is not designed for serious four-wheel driving.

In terms of towing, the Outback can pull a 1800kg load, an increase of 200kg from the previous model.

A five-speed ``tipshift'' style automatic transmission is standard.

The driver can elect to leave the car in D, flick the lever across for Sport or nudge it up and down to change gears manually.

Whichever way it offers strong performance.

We found the transmission a little slow to respond and sometimes clunky as it switched gears. It could do with some refinement.

Stylewise the Outback is a huge step forward from the previous model, with dramatic lines and a macho set of 17 inch five-spokers.

Inside too, the makeover is a major one, although we felt there was room for improvement.

The console is better organised and easier to use but the instrument dials are small and unimaginative.

The trip computer and other information readouts can be difficult to read in bright light.

The silver metallic look fascia has attracted comment because it looks like it is easily scratched.

Fuel economy is good with a claimed consumption figure of 10.9L/100km from the 64-litre tank.

During our test the car returned about 12.2L/100km or just more than 500km from a tank.

Standard equipment includes just about everything, including self-levelling rear suspension and some very nice suede leather upholstery.

The Subaru Outback 3.0R is priced from $45,990 before on-road costs.