Subaru's 2015 Outback, which goes on sale this month will have the lower price of the Legacy station wagon it replaces.
The Outback, is available in five models including three petrol and two diesel engine options, all with the unique Subaru Lineartronic automatic transmission with manual paddle shifters.
"Because the Outback replaces the Legacy wagon, it has been priced at the same level the last of the Legacy wagons sold for last year," said Wallis Dumper, the Managing Director of Subaru of New Zealand.
The Legacy wagon has been phased out of production world-wide with the booming sales of sport's utility vehicles.
"That means the new Outback in most models is $5000 below the price of the previous 2014 Outback model."
The price leading Outback is the 2.5-litre petrol Sport model at $44,990. It replaces the previous Outback Sport which had a RRP of $49,990 and the Outback Tourer which at $45,990 had a lower specification than the 2015 Outback.
The Outback Diesel is now $47,990, Diesel premium is $54,990 and the range topping six cylinder Outback 3.6R Premium is $59,990, reductions of $7000, $5000 and $5000 respectively over the previous model.
"The strength of the dollar against the Yen and recognition from Subaru Japan that Legacy wagon has been a very important model for us for 25 years now has resulted in the competitive pricing," said Mr Dumper.
"I believe our loyal Legacy wagon buyers will be pleasantly surprised by the 2015 Outback. The new Outback with a host of chassis, suspension and steering refinements drives as well as any previous Legacy wagon," he said. "And it has the added advantage of 213 mm of ground clearance to offer a host of recreational opportunities like the real SUV it is."
• Read the Driven Magazine road test of the 2015 Subaru Outback
Like all Subarus sold in New Zealand, Outback has constant All-Wheel Drive all the time for safety, road holding and handling benefits over the many part time 4WD systems fitted to other SUVs.
Subaru has been manufacturing the symmetrical All Wheel Drive system as standard specification since 1972 and whilst it has developed and evolved as a point of difference for Subaru owners its advantages are obviously superior to the surprising number of 2WD systems used in competitors look alike SUV models.
The 2015 Outback has an outstanding five-star crash test rating for occupant safety from the respected Australian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP).
Underlining Outback's safety credentials is the addition of new generation EyeSight driver assist on every model, which adds new features that help reduce fatigue and the likelihood of collision risk or severity. The new generation EyeSight provides more driver-assist features for safer driving with adaptive cruise control, pre-collision braking, lane departure warning, and brake light recognition of the vehicle in front.
The 2015 Outback has a sophisticated, stylish new exterior for a great on-road presence, which provides a 10 percent improved aerodynamic performance to the outgoing model.
Development of the cabin has produced a premium interior experience with a huge focus on detail quality, tactile surfaces, switchgear, space, quietness and comfort.
X-Mode takes the sure-footed safety advantages of All-Wheel Drive to even higher levels, with superior off-road capability on steep hills and rough and slippery trails. Further testimony to the Outback's true SUV label.
The Active shutter grille is an innovative feature that aids fuel efficiency and aerodynamic performance leading to outstanding fuel efficiency and reduced emissions for all three models. Fuel-saving Automatic Stop Start is fitted to every Outback 2.5-litre model.
An all-new infotainment system provides a new level of onboard information and entertainment, including speech recognition across a wide range of key functions. Satellite Navigation equipped models also feature a Traffic function in the five main urban areas, Auckland, Tauranga/Mt Maunganui Hamilton, Wellington and Christchurch with real-time traffic updates and live re-routing recommendations being fed via the vehicles Satnav system, to avoid traffic snarl ups.
"Outback led the global crossover trend in 1995 and this latest generation is clear proof that it remains a true leader in its class," said Mr. Dumper.
"Most importantly the new Outback now offers the traditional Subaru Legacy wagon driver an SUV capable vehicle with superior driving dynamics," said Mr. Dumper. "Legacy itself was probably more appealing to the SUV inclined buyer back in the 90's before the term SUV was even invented so for many years we have watched the march to SUV's as Legacy customers moved to Outback."
"This new model completes the phase with tremendous best of both driving options all styled in a vehicle that is truly commensurate with making a statement about your lifestyle or business use choices."
The full list of Outback pricing is as follows
Outback 2.5 Sport - $44,990
Outback 2.5 Sport Premium - $49,990
Outback 3.6R Premium - $59,990
Outback 2.0 Diesel - $47,990
Outback 2.0 Diesel Premium - $54,990