Subaru of New Zealand is excited to announce the hugely anticipated Outback 2.4 XT Turbocharged model has been confirmed for the New Zealand market and is due to arrive in time for Kiwis’ summer adventures.
The 2.4-litre turbocharged engine means that not only does the GOOAT (Greatest Outback of All Time) have more horsepower, but its towing capacity has also scaled new heights – ascending from the current 2.5 litre naturally aspirated Outback’s 2000kg limit, to a lofty 2400kg rating.
The lifestyle brand’s Managing Director Wallis Dumper says this extra pulling power is a huge bonus for New Zealanders who need a vehicle to support their adventures and hobbies.
“We know that Kiwis love a holiday trip around our beautiful country, and that towing items like trailers or boats are some of the best ways to enjoy all our lakes, and seaside spots. The Outback 2.4T will provide that extra turbocharged driver enjoyment getting to the destination and also the knowledge that they can comfortably tow their toys to the places they would rather be.”
New Zealand will receive two model variants - the flagship Outback Touring 2.4 XT Touring and the outdoor adventurer Outback 2.4 XT. Both Outback models have transmissions with revised Subaru Lineartronic™ Transmission (SLT) gear/differential ratios to suit the increased power delivery and towing performance.
The more powerful 2.4-litre turbocharged, four-cylinder boxer engine boosts the Outback 2.4 XT’s output to 183kW and 350Nm of torque. The All-Wheel Drive 2022 Subaru Outback range in New Zealand is currently available with a naturally aspirated 2.5-litre boxer engine with 138kW of power and 245Nm of torque.
The Outback 2.4 XT’s ‘torquey’, larger powerplant speeds up the turbocharged GOOAT’s 0-100km sprint time to 7.5 seconds - an impressive 2.1 seconds faster than the current Outback 2.5, which clocks 9.6 seconds for the 0-100km dash.
Pricing will be revealed closer to the launch of the Subaru Outback 2.4 XT in New Zealand.
The Outback Touring 2.4 XT is the most technologically advanced and luxurious Outback of all time. With Nappa leather accented seat trim, electric sunroof, heated steering wheel, Harman Kardon® audio, and a rear power tail gate with hands-free badge sensor.
This premium variant includes a spectacular 11.6" tablet-like touch screen with satellite navigation, as well as a Driver Monitoring System (DMS) with facial recognition to detect driver drowsiness or distraction. The DMS also has the ability to recognise up to five drivers to personalise the driver's seat, wing mirror and air conditioning preferences.
The ruggedly stylish Outback 2.4 XT enables drivers to take their adventures to the next level. It stands out with dark metallic 18" alloy wheels, black grille, wing mirrors and rear badging. To give it more X-factor, the Outback 2.4 XT also features green accents on the side badges, and the interior includes green stitching on the water repellent synthetic leather seats, centre console, steering wheel and gear shift boot.
Built for getting off the beaten track, the dual function X-Mode has deep snow and deep mud settings, which allows the Outback 2.4 XT to traverse almost any terrain. It features satellite navigation, a rear power tail gate with hands-free badge sensor and black roof rails with green tie-down points.
Along with the rest of the Subaru of New Zealand model range, the new Outback 2.4 XT Turbo variants are equipped with our clever crash avoidance technology EyeSight® as standard. Subaru drivers can be confident they have all the capability, safety (and now, increased towing power) no matter where they are headed.
The Subaru Outback 2.4 XT comes with the same credentials that have seen the GOOAT awarded the 2022 New Zealand Autocar Car of the Year $50 to $65K Class trophy.
Subaru’s largest, most spacious SUV also received the AA/Driven New Zealand Car of the Year 2021 Safest Car award, which is a direct acknowledgement of the Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive engineering technology prowess that underpins all New Zealand-new Subarus.
Mr Dumper adds that the Outback is Subaru’s top-selling model in New Zealand and has been for years.
“Outback makes up over 40% of our total sales and these figures have not diminished after the discontinuation of the 6-cylinder Outback 3.6 model. By introducing the new Outback 2.4 XT to our line-up, we can now offer Kiwis the most powerful Outback yet, in terms of it having the highest tow rating ever for this model,” he says.
The Subaru New Zealand team have been working hard behind the scenes to ensure the Outback 2.4 XT is available in New Zealand as soon as possible and are eager to announce pricing as soon as production and shipping schedules are confirmed.
Mr Dumper says: “Our Kiwi customers will be very happy to hear that the Outback 2.4 XT Turbo’s target time for New Zealand is December. We are working overtime with the Subaru Corporation factory to make the 2.4XT’s arrival a reality.”
“We are always focused on delivering on what our customers want from our model range and the Outback 2.4 XT Turbo was top of their requirement list, so that’s what we’re concentrating on delivering to them."
“While the Outback 2.4 XT is expected in December, those Kiwis wanting one to tow their toys away for the summer holidays will need to order theirs to be first in the queue, as we expect limited arrivals this side of Christmas. We are also expecting extra fees to be applied to most new petrol engine cars early next year, as part of the government’s ambition to be carbon neutral by 2050.”
“Our understanding is the that the government is introducing the Clean Car Standard (CCS) fees from January 1st and the Outback 2.4 XT model will incur additional costs. We are awaiting urgent clarification from the Government Transport Department and will be as transparent as possible when we have the information to hand. CCS will not only affect Subaru, but the entire NZ automotive industry and the reality is that come 2023, many new petrol engine cars may cost customers thousands more than they do today.”
To support this change, the Subaru of New Zealand team have worked with Subaru Corporation to secure extra 2.4 XT models in 2022 to satisfy customer demand and help them avoid paying more fees than they need to.
Mr Dumper continues: “To the best of our knowledge, at the time of writing, any vehicles crossing our border after December 31st, 2022, will have the CCS fees applied. We have limited stock available, therefore respectfully ask potential customers to get in touch with their local Authorised Subaru Centre to put down a deposit - or register to be kept informed about pricing, the specific arrival timing and the imminent CCS deadline.”
To register to be kept informed about the all-new Outback 2.4 XT, and to be the first to hear about its pricing when it’s announced, please visit https://www.subaru.co.nz/outback-2.4t
Catherine Pattison
Public Relations
Subaru of New Zealand
M +64 27 445 5389
subaru.co.nz