The Japanese manufacturer describes the new Outback as the most advanced, most capable and safest car in the brand’s history.

Sporting a 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 luxury, practicality and convenience. The specific power output will be announced soon.

The Outback will be offered in South Africa in two trim levels, the Field and Touring models. Whilst 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 like the hands-free tailgate function.

Making its debut on the Outback, the DriverFocus Distraction Mitigation 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 five individual drivers.

The new Subaru Outback boasts a 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.

The Outback also features the latest of EyeSight that 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 EyeSight Driving Assistance system.

• · Pricing:

Subaru Outback 2.5i-Field ES (R699 000).

Subaru Outback 2.5i-Touring ES (R729 000).

• Competitors:

Volvo V70 Cross Country and a number of more traditional SUVs.