Tag Archives: SUV

AWD, Motoring, Subaru, SUV

2024 Outback: Performance and Practicality

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Subaru Outback

By Bill McCarthy

The impressive Outback serves a particular niche market, impressing loyal buyers and the motoring media. It has been around for a long time, 25 years in fact. It has become a staple for those who love full-fat off-roaders. It’s also favoured by those in semi-rural locations who may need that kind of capability in remote country lanes when the weather closes in.

This upgraded version offers improved technology, sleeker styling, improved, although not brilliant, economy and bullet proof reliability.

A key area is practicality and the 60/40 split fold-down rear seats deliver a cavernous flat load area of 561 litres of cargo space. For extra stowage, the roof rails, which vary depending on trim level, feature built-in crossbars for carrying loads such as paddleboards or canoes.

Field and Touring models are fitted with a hands-free power tailgate, which can be activated with a wave of an elbow near the rear badge, provided the operator has the vehicle smart key.
Subaru has also been named as a top manufacturer this year in a survey. It topped the Auto Express Driver Power customer satisfaction Survey for 2024. The Japanese brand claimed the top spot beating more mainstream and prestige brands in the list of 32 manufacturers.

You can see why it gains the accolades, with sophisticated safety technology alongside the latest driver assistance and collision avoidance technology, making it the most luxurious and safest yet.

This latest upgrade features new front fascia and grille redesigned sleek LED headlights.

In addition, larger expanded wheel arch cladding adds to the tough new look while providing additional protection. It sits high off the ground with smart 18-inch alloy wheels, to maintain that rugged yet sophisticated appearance.

Gone is the previous agricultural look of the past, to be replaced with sharp exterior design and an upmarket interior, dominated by a stylish tablet-style touchscreen which controls key functions such as navigation, smartphone connectivity, and infotainment.

There are three versions, Limited, Field and the range-topping Touring. All are packed with equipment with this mid-range Field model the latest version of the clever Subaru Eyesight safety technology, which features facial recognition that detects tiredness in the driver with sharp and sometimes annoying warnings.

I know, I know, it’s keep you safe. It can also remember the driving preferences of five users.

With a high level of standard specification, the Touring X Limited Edition also includes a luxurious Nappa Leather interior, heated front & rear seats, smooth leather-wrapped steering wheel, sunroof, and digital reversing camera. 

An 11.6-inch Subaru Infotainment system is portrait-mounted and comes with satellite navigation, Apple CarPlay™ & Android Auto™, and is complemented with an 11-speaker Harman/Kardon® sound system. 

It is powered by a 2.5 litre Boxer engine mated with the now familiar Lineartronic transmission. Economy is not what this is about, although at around 33mpg for a 2.5 litre engine pulling such a hunk of metal is not too shoddy. That power also gives it a two-tonne towing capacity.

Acceleration is brisk for this kind of vehicle and it hits 60mph in just over 10 seconds, and although I am not a huge fan this type of transmission, the shifter paddles behind the steering wheel give the chance for a more engaging drive.

There are plenty of creature comforts including eight-way powered and heated front seats with lumbar support, climate control, heated and powered door mirrors, and aluminium pedals.

Just like before, the car comes with Permanent Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and X-MODE. Using the touchscreen, the driver can switch modes for snow, dirt, gravel, or mud conditions. When X-MODE is activated, hill descent control automatically maintains a constant speed when travelling downhill.

Safety kit, which also includes the latest EyeSight, adds adaptive cruise control, lane assist and centering assistance, plus lane sway and departure warning.

FAST FACTS

Subaru Outback Field AWD

Price: £37,995

Mechanical: 169PS, 2498cc, 4-cylinder, petrol engine driving all wheels via Lineartronic CVT transmission

Max Speed: 120mph

0-62mph: 10.2 seconds

Combined MPG: 32.8

Insurance Group: 17

C02 emissions: 193g/km

Bik rating: 37%

Warranty: 3yrs/60,000 miles

electric, Motoring, Peugeot, SUV

Peugeot e-2008

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Electric SUV still feels like a winner

By Bill McCarthy

Peugeot’s compact e-2008 SUV has continued the firm’s electric revolution, with a facelift and an increase in power. The single electric motor, mated with a 50kWh battery now and a WLTP tested range of 251 miles.

There have been other tweaks and its bold, angular styling and extended grille are finished in gloss black on Active models, while Allure, tested here, and GT trims feature a body-coloured grille design. That is flanked by smart headlight clusters and flared air scoops below.

 The rear as well has an eye-catching look with a full width light bar housing the ‘cat’s claw’ style rear lights. 

Key e-2008 points include:

  • Electric Powertrain: The e-2008 features a single electric motor paired with a 50kWh battery. The power output has been increased to 156hp, providing improved performance.
  • Range: It offers a WLTP-tested range of 251 miles on a single charge, making it suitable for everyday use and longer journeys.
  • Exterior Styling: The SUV has bold, angular styling with an extended grille. Active models have a gloss black finish on the grille, while Allure and GT trims feature a body-colored grille design. The rear also features an eye-catching full-width light bar with distinctive ‘cat’s claw’ style rear lights.
  • Interior: Inside the cabin, there is a feeling of spaciousness and ample natural light due to the generous glass surfaces. The interior is of high quality, with soft-touch finishes and a sculpted dashboard. The e-2008 i-Cockpit has been updated with a new design for the 10-inch digital instrument cluster, and GT versions offer a 3D display. The layout and color of the display can be customized to the driver’s preferences.
  • Infotainment: The central screen includes a large digital touchscreen for controlling major functions such as sound, navigation, climate control, and smartphone connectivity. It features ‘piano’ key-style toggle switches and the familiar smaller multi-function steering wheel. Voice recognition is available for various functions, and there’s a smartphone charging plate.
  • Comfort and Space: The e-2008 is spacious enough to comfortably accommodate four adults with reasonable head and legroom. It offers ambient lighting, automatic air conditioning, heated front seats, automatic headlights and wipers, and a high-quality sound system.
  • Performance: While electric motors usually provide instant acceleration, the Peugeot 2008 appears to be slightly sluggish in this regard, taking just over nine seconds to reach 60 mph.
  • Charging: Two types of onboard chargers are available, including a single-phase 7.4kW charger and an optional three-phase 11kW charger. Rapid charging from 0-80% takes 30 minutes with a 100kW charger, or 7 hours 30 minutes with a 7.4kW charger.
  • Handling and Ride: Despite its SUV stance, the e-2008 is described as nimble, with good stability thanks to the underfloor battery position. The ride is slightly firm but comfortable, making it suitable for long-distance cruising.
  • Boot Space: The SUV boasts one of the largest boots in its segment, offering 434 liters of storage space, which expands to 1467 liters when loaded to the roof. It also features a modular split floor for additional storage options.
  • Safety: Peugeot vehicles come equipped with various safety features, including airbags, ABS with EBD, Emergency Braking Assistance, an exterior temperature indicator with ice warning, and blind-spot monitoring.

The e-2008 still offers a compelling package with a blend of style, practicality, and pretty efficient electric power, making it a competitive choice in the SUV market. The claimed electric range was almost achieved in perfect dry, sunny conditions and driving sensibly. but like all electric vehicles at the moment, when lights, wipers and heater are needed, it becomes more of a problem

Factfile

Peugeot e-2008 Allure

Price: £38,350

Mechanical: 156bhp, electric motor driving front wheels via 8-speed automatic gearbox

Max speed: 93mph

0-62mph: 9.1 seconds

Range (WLTP): 250 miles

Insurance group: 25E

CO2 emissions: 0

BIK rating: 2%

Warranty: 3yrs/60,000 miles