More tow with the new Subaru Outback XT

Subaru’s most powerful SUV, the turbocharged Outback XT Turbo has arrived in New Zealand and demonstrators are now available to test drive from most authorised Subaru centres, with vehicles available to pre-order for a May delivery.

Supplied by Subaru NZ

These all-new Subaru Outback XT variants, Outback XT Turbo and Outback XT Turbo Touring, both feature a 2.4-litre turbocharged Subaru Boxer engine, with 183kW and 350Nm of torque.

The XT models’ towing capabilities also scale new heights, ascending from the current 2.5 litre naturally aspirated Outback’s 2,000kg limit, to an impressive 2,400kg braked towing capacity.

Subaru of New Zealand’s managing director Wallis Dumper said the Outback XT Turbo with its SUV safety, comfort and strong towing capacity may present the perfect alternative to an expensive ute with extras.

“Even at the Clean Car Standard (CCS) impacted pricing, the Outback XT Turbo presents best value buying and savings over the alternative mode of what is essentially commercially based transportation,” Dumper said.

“At current calculations, if the CCS impacts as proposed by the NZ government remain unchanged the increases could exceed ten thousand dollars on each model in a few years’ time.

“The real consideration probably needs to be around those people who may have discovered the ute they purchased for towing is not an ideal family vacation vehicle.

“The new, turbocharged Outback XT has everything that makes our Outback a GOOAT (Greatest Outback Of All Time) but also adds has increased from the current 2.5 litre naturally aspirated Outback’s 2,000kg limit, to an impressive 2,400kg braked towing capacity. a significantly more powerful Boxer engine, which allows Kiwis to tow their heavier boats, caravans and trailers.

“The Touring variant steps it up one notch further and comes with Nappa leather, heated seats and steering wheel, making it the perfect package.”

The Outback XT Touring has premium features including:

• Nappa leather accented seat trim

• Electric sunroof

• Heated steering wheel

• Harman Kardon® audio

• Rear power tail gate with hands-free badge sensor

• 11.6” tablet-like touch screen with satellite navigation

• A Driver Monitoring System (DMS) with facial recognition to detect driver drowsiness or distraction.

• DMS also recognises up to five drivers to personalise the driver’s seat, wing mirror and AC preferences.

• Heated front and rear seats

• Ventilated front seat

• 8 Airbags

Along with the rest of the Subaru of New Zealand model range, the new Outback XT Turbo variants are equipped with Subaru’s clever crash avoidance technology EyeSight as standard.

“Subaru drivers can have confidence that they possess all the capability, safety (and now, increased towing power), no matter where they are adventuring.”

Safety: The all-new Subaru Outback XT variants feature a Driver Monitoring System (DMS) with facial recognition to detect driver drowsiness or distraction.