Subaru Outback

The 2021 Subaru Outback. Image: Quickpic

This Subaru SUV watches you! New, safest Outback has facial recognition

Positioned as the next step in the evolution of the SUV wagon, Subaru’s 2021 Outback – the ‘safest and most capable ever’ – will be available in two derivatives at Subaru dealerships in Southern Africa from 1 May 2021.

Subaru Outback

The 2021 Subaru Outback. Image: Quickpic

Subaru Southern Africa has announced the imminent arrival of the all-new Subaru Outback SUV – and it’s packing an extensive suite of new, hi-tech equipment ranging from facial recognition to monitor driver fatigue and a tailgate that opens with a simple wave of the hand.

Positioned as the next step in the evolution of the SUV wagon that Subaru pioneered 27 years ago, Subaru’s 2021 Outback — the “safest and most capable ever” — will be available in two premium grade derivatives at all Subaru dealerships in Southern Africa from 1 May 2021.

Subaru Outback to usher in ‘a number of firsts’

Revealing more details around the incoming SUV, Subaru SA said on Wednesday 17 March 2021 that the Outback was also the most most advanced in the brand’s history and that the model would usher in a number of firsts, not only for the brand, but for the vehicle’s market segment.

Besides debuting the Subaru Driver Monitoring System in Southern Africa, the Outback would also introduce an 11.6-inch tablet interface.

“Sporting a new and more powerful 2.5-litre direct injection Boxer® Engine as well as wholly improved levels of refinement and dynamic ability, the new Outback extends the product positioning of being all-terrain capable while offering superior levels of luxury, practicality and convenience,” said the company.

Image: Quickpic

Choice between Field and Touring models

The Outback will be offered locally in two trim levels – the Field and Touring models – to provide customers more choice to suit specific lifestyles. While both models offer the highest levels of technology and safety, the Field derivative adopts a more rugged design where the Touring has more urban trim accents.

The new Outback also debuts a number of new technologies. The Hands-Free Tailgate function is an entirely new technology for the brand. It works by waving your hand or arm directly in front of the rear Subaru badge on the centre of the tailgate, for a convenient and easy way to gain access to the boot.

Facial recognition monitors fatigue and distraction

Making its debut on the Outback, the DriverFocus™ Distraction Mitigation System is a smart new technology that will in future, be rolled out to other vehicles in the Subaru range.

This system makes use of cameras and facial recognition to monitor the driver for signs of fatigue or distraction and then warns the driver where it detects a lack of focus and attention to the road. This system also allows for facial recognition to automatically adjust driving position and mirrors to pre-programmed settings for up to 5 individual drivers – safety and convenience provided by this smart technology.

The new Subaru Outback also heralds the latest Subaru in-car design and cabin architecture. A key highlight here is the new 11.6-inch portrait/vertical touchscreen with smartphone-familiar swipe, drag and touch features. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as well as 4 x USB ports are standard on both Outback grades.

Subaru Outback ‘has never been safer’

Sabaru claims that when it comes to safety, the Outback is unsurpassed. “From its structural design to its plethora of passive and active safety systems, the Outback has never been safer, bringing a whole new level of design and technology to the fore,” said Subaru SA.

The Outback also features the latest, most advanced generation of EyeSight® yet. This system now includes Autonomous Corrective Steering, improved lane keeping, vibration feedback through the steering wheel and an altogether wider field of view and therefore operation through the dual cameras.

“This is in addition to all the other functions of our award-winning EyeSight® Driving Assistance system,” said the automaker.

Nteo Nkoli, Marketing Lead at Subaru SA said: “The all-new Subaru Outback is a leap ahead in terms of benchmark safety and technology not just for Subaru but for others in the segment as well. Now offered in two grades, this is a continuation of our strategy to offer our South African customers even more choice and the imminent arrival of this flagship product is exciting news for Subaru SA and all our customers. It really is a mind shift in terms of what is possible.”

2021 Subaru Outback Pricing

  • Subaru Outback 2.5i-Field ES R699 000
  • Subaru Outback 2.5i-Touring ES R729 000

Each Subaru Outback model is sold with a three-year/75 000km maintenance plan, as well as the five-year/150 000km warranty.

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