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2015 Subaru Outback

ushy66ushy66 Member Posts: 366
edited March 2014 in Subaru
2015 Outback Wish List. Hi Y'all, the completely redisigned 2015 Outback (Prototype) reportedly will be revealed at the January Detroit Auto Show, and will hit dealers showrooms ~ Q2 or Q3 2014, with new exterior/interior design changes, and with new/additional feature and safety content.

Here's my wish list for additional features/content/changes:black or dark grey interior color availability with white exterior color (not just saddle brown, w/eye-sight option); blind spot sensor/warning; rear cross-traffic alert; larger and more user friendly nav screen; rear back-up sonar sensors, in addition to back-up camera (since camera lens cover frequently gets smudgy/dirty on rainy days rendering back-up camera useless);multi-view rear camera with surround view and top-down/bird's eye view capability; electrochromic/auto-dimming side view mirrors; heated steering wheel option.

Comments/suggestions???

Jake
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Comments

  • xwesxxwesx Member Posts: 16,747
    Top on my list would be for them to make this iteration more visually attractive (or attractive at all). They seem to do that every other generation; I know I'm ready for a change from the current gen!

    Second would be that they give the nanny tech a rest, or at least keep it optional. Encouraging competence amongst drivers is not a bad thing, especially for a car company that, at least traditionally, makes cars that are fun to drive.

    Aside from those, better road feel, bring back the hand brake, CVT on the H6, keep the 6MT available through the "premium" line with no option restrictions, and make a turbo-4 available in the line once more.

    I think the electrochromatic sideview mirrors would be somewhat problematic for them. That tech doesn't like cold too much, so I suspect there would be a lot of complaints from New England, upper Midwest, and other northern customers.
    2018 Subaru Crosstrek, 2014 Audi Q7 TDI, 2013 Subaru Forester, 1969 Chevrolet C20, 1969 Ford Econoline 100, 1976 Ford F250
  • ushy66ushy66 Member Posts: 366
    edited November 2013
    Thank you xwesx for your post and your interesting auto-dimming side mirror comment related to decreased performance due to cold temps. The electrochemical technology developed by Gentex Corp near Grand Rapids, Michigan, used in auto-dimming mirrors has been in widespread use since the 1970's in rear view mirrors, and in side view mirrors for the last 5-7 years in upscale autos like BMW, M-B, and Audi, and recently in the 2014 Forrester. Your comment about very cold temps affecting auto-dimming mirror performance makes sense when applying basic physics and chemistry principles to the chemical basis of the electrochemical process. However, I would think Gentex labs (based in a cold weather state, MI) would have worked out most of the problems associated with cold temp performance issues, or the upscale German auto mfg's would not have used them on most of their cars.

    One of the most important things on my wish list for the 2015 Outback, which I forgot to mention, is the addition of a gas-electric hybrid engine. This idea has been rumored to be in the pipeline for the Outback and Forrester for the past 12-18 mos, and is suppose to be released by Subaru in the Outback soon. This would be a HUGE win for Subaru and Outback and Forrester enthusiasts if Subaru can deliver a good AWD hybrid engine package, if it performs well (like the Toyota Highlander AWD Hybrid, and keep in mind the AWD Highlander Hybrid is a V-6 hybrid and weighs ~ 1,200 lbs more than the 2014 2.5 L 4-cyl Outback LTD, yet the Highlander hybrid delivers an impressive 28-29 mpg combined, a gain of 8-9 mpg over the V-6 non-hybrid Highlander; after all, Toyota now owns ~ 17 % of Fuji Heavy Industries, Subaru's parent. And the FRS/BRZ Toyota/Subaru sports car joint venture has been a smashing success!). However, Subaru's first attempt at AWD hybrid engine technology, using a boxer engine, has in my opinion been a disappointment: the 2014 Hybrid XV Crosstrek, with negligible mpg improvement, a gain of only 4-5 mpg over the non-hybrid XV Crosstrek. But so was Honda's first attempt with the Accord Hybrid a few years back, and now the soon to be released 2014 Hybrid Accord looks to be a clear winner, possibly knocking the Toyota Camry Hybrid out of first place (for a full sized family hybrid).

    Jake
  • xwesxxwesx Member Posts: 16,747
    edited November 2013
    Ah, very true regarding the electrochromatic mirrors! I notice that the rearview on my car doesn't respond very quickly to input when it is quite cold, but those are temps that most customers will never see or see only rarely see (such as upper midwest, like Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, and many Canadian customers). The mirror still works, it just fades slowly (takes several seconds) and recovers slowly when the input is gone. Aside from that, I'd love to have sideview mirrors that had this feature.

    I'd much rather see Subaru pursue diesel in the NA market before hybrid. They have a fantastic opportunity in front of them with diesel. I agree that we want to see solid economy gains (regardless of route), I just don't think that Subaru really has anything unique to offer in the gasoline-hybrid arena.
    2018 Subaru Crosstrek, 2014 Audi Q7 TDI, 2013 Subaru Forester, 1969 Chevrolet C20, 1969 Ford Econoline 100, 1976 Ford F250
  • nine51nine51 Member Posts: 77
    I second the post by xwesx for a more attractive Outback/Legacy in the next generation. Subaru has always been somewhat guilty of putting function ahead of form, but the current generation of the Outback/Legacy line has never appealed to me especially after the great looking cars of the 05-09 model line. For a time they seemed to be going after Audi in terms of styling, but I'm not sure what they were trying to achieve with the current design. Maybe they are influenced too much by Toyota? Not really warming up to their styling at all. I do appreciate their move to include a sunroof option in the "Premium" line and not force buyers to move to the Limited to get it. I prefer cloth seats to leather so the Premium version is more my style. Also, keep the tech simple to use while driving. I recently rented a Ford Edge that was nice, but you had to take your eyes off the road for too long to do simple tasks like change the A.C. temp or radio channels. Even had to search to figure out how to turn off the stereo. I like the old-school knobs that you can turn without looking.
  • ushy66ushy66 Member Posts: 366
    XWESX I agree with you on the diesel power plant; actually I'd like to see them develop/introduce a diesel-electric hybrid engine instead of gas-electric hybrid (I think VW and M-B have been working on the diesel-electric hybrid engine tech for some time), but diesel in autos (PU trucks like Dodge, Ford & Chevy have done a bit better) has had very limited success (ie, M-B) in the US vs Europe.

    Jake
  • xwesxxwesx Member Posts: 16,747
    That's very true, Jake. That said, times are definitely changing, and I really hope Subaru doesn't miss the boat. I'm not opposed to diesel-electric hybrids, but I also think that they would be taking an even greater risk going there aside from the fact they'd be harnessing the "best of both worlds" by coming up with a car that could get exceptional city -and- highway mileage.

    Adoption of the Cruze, for example, which is GM's first passenger car diesel offering in nearly 30 years, is posting positive sales projections as production and breadth of availability continue to ramp up:

    June: 188 units
    July: 347 units
    Aug: 430 units
    Sept: 479 units
    Oct: 510 units
    2018 Subaru Crosstrek, 2014 Audi Q7 TDI, 2013 Subaru Forester, 1969 Chevrolet C20, 1969 Ford Econoline 100, 1976 Ford F250
  • ushy66ushy66 Member Posts: 366
    edited November 2013
    Yes XWESX a diesel option for the Outback or Forrester stateside would be welcome and possibly well received, since Subaru's first venture into gas-electric hybrid technology in the XV Crosstrek yields only a ~ 10% increase in MPG for an additional increase of price of ~ $2,500-3,000, not that attractive for socially conscious Subie enthusiasts, who also happen to be very cost conscious. Reportedly, a European boxer 2.0 L diesel power plant (in an Impreza/Forester/Legacy/Outback bodies) can get 40-42 MPG on the highway, which makes more sense economically, if a buyer has to pay an additional $3,000 over a non-diesel model.
    The following Autoblog article, "First Drive: 2014 XV Crosstrek Hybrid",in Iceland no less, yields some interesting (and disappointing info) about the XV Hybrid's performance, especially the last three paragraphs of the article.
    (http://www.autoblog.com/2013/11/11/2014-subaru-xv-crosstrek-hybrid-review-first- - - - -drive/#continued)
    To access the above you may have to copy and paste the above autoblog link to your browser, since I'm having trouble formatting the post into auto-link.

    Jake
  • ushy66ushy66 Member Posts: 366
    edited November 2013
    Will Subaru offer a diesel power plant option for the Outback and Forester in the US, soon? Let's hope so. As you said, XWESX, times and perceptions changing regarding the benefits of diesel in cars in the US. Check out the following Audi/VW survey of US drivers and how they feel/think about the diesel option (click on 'Show Press Release' at bottom for more info): http://www.autoblog.com/2013/11/15/audi-wants-more-diesels-in-us/
    However, as this article suggests, the current administration in Washington is apposed to diesel vs hybrid or all electric vehicles to improve auto fuel efficiency.
    And sometimes it's hard to fight 'city hall.'

    Jake
  • xwesxxwesx Member Posts: 16,747
    Oh, it's definitely hard to do! The biggest problem is governmental overreach with this stuff. The feds have suffered so much mission creep that they don't even know which end is up any more. Sad deal for all of us. :sick:
    2018 Subaru Crosstrek, 2014 Audi Q7 TDI, 2013 Subaru Forester, 1969 Chevrolet C20, 1969 Ford Econoline 100, 1976 Ford F250
  • frenchguy007frenchguy007 Member Posts: 28
    I hope that they get with the program on the interior finishes. Geez Louise, everything is very hard plastic and looks and feels really cheap. I have owned a 2011 and 2013 Legacy 3.6R and love the handling and driving of the car, however when compared to any of the competition the interior is like an eastern block car from the 80's.

    I tried a Fusion Titanium yesterday, that car should be the benchmark for fit and finish, feels like a poor man's A4.

    Although the new Forester and now Impreza look and feel better, they are still far behind the mainstream brands as far as fit and finish. With VW and Ford making strong pushes with their brands and with Ford offering 4WD sedan technology and VW talking about it, Subaru is not the only manufacturer in this wheelhouse.

    Make an effort on the interior of the new Legacy guys, no split screens (on top of the dash and on the centre console), better sod materials, etc. Otherwise I may have to shop other brands.
  • vrmvrm Member Posts: 310
    I saw the Motor Trend article with spy shots posted on the web.

    There is some speculation that the 2015 model may NOT be a complete redesign. It may be cosmetic (headlights, bumper, tail lights etc).

    I hope I am wrong and it is a complete redesign.
  • ushy66ushy66 Member Posts: 366
    edited December 2013
    2015 Outback: Mild enhancements vs complete make-over? We should know pretty soon since the 2015 Outback 'Prototype' is suppose to be revealed next month at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit on Jan 13-14th, and then hit dealer showrooms Q2-Q3/2014.

    Jake
  • frenchguy007frenchguy007 Member Posts: 28
    Some critics are saying that Subaru is seeing increased market share because of it's customer loyalty to the brand. I don't have the survey results but I would think that it is because they have been building cars that are more refined and pleasing to the eye.

    I believe that their improved status and sales will be compromised if they don't get better with interior finishes. For example; split screens on the impreza and forester, mechanical parts showing on the sunroof tracks and cheap looking finishes. I really hope that they pay attention to these details, it is not the look of the car or the performance, I don't think anyone questions that. They even have solved the under powered issues of old, now please pay attention to providing a cabin that buyers want to spend time in.
  • xwesxxwesx Member Posts: 16,747
    edited December 2013
    building cars that are more refined and pleasing to the eye.

    Well, they are more refined (plus have much better passenger compartment space, which I think has made the biggest difference on sales), but pleasing to the eye? Um, okay. We'll just have to agree to disagree on that. Subaru is a fan, I think, of hitting the mark once, then straying again. :P

    Car shoppers have recognized for a while now that Subaru represents a strong value. Two things that pushed them away were the cramped cabin and poor fuel economy (compared to similarly sized vehicles of the non-AWD sort). The cabin issue was resolved with the introduction of the 08 Impreza (and even moreso with the 12), 09 Forester, 10 Outback/Legacy. And, they are clearly making strong strides on the FE concerns.

    While I'm not overly opposed to touchy-feely interior upgrades, you cannot expect that without it affecting the bottom line. I'd rather have the bottom line held lower and leave all that luxury stuff to the luxury brands.
    2018 Subaru Crosstrek, 2014 Audi Q7 TDI, 2013 Subaru Forester, 1969 Chevrolet C20, 1969 Ford Econoline 100, 1976 Ford F250
  • jjdphotographyjjdphotography Member Posts: 9

    LED headlights in place of the dated DTR lights!

  • nippononlynippononly Member Posts: 12,555

    I would love it if they would offer a manual in higher trims, or else a geared automatic at the very least. Had an Outback loaner for a couple of days, the CVT was really unpleasant. If the 6-cylinder can have a geared automatic, why not the 4-cylinder?

    I'm sure though that there won't be a 6-cylinder with the new model. Hopefully the optional engine will be the 2.0 turbo from the Forester. That powertrain in the Forester, even though it is a CVT, has modes you can choose that are designed to perform as though they were a geared automatic, which might be an acceptable substitute.

    And I know it is unheard of in a Subaru, but how about having a factory stereo that doesn't sound terrible? And a panoramic moonroof like the Forester has. Oh, and keyless access and start standard on all trims. What the heck, it's a wish list right?! ;)

    2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)

  • saedavesaedave Member Posts: 694

    Had an Outback loaner for a couple of days, the CVT was really unpleasant. If the 6-cylinder can have a geared automatic, why not the 4-cylinder?

    That ancient automatic with harsh low speed downshifts? I presume it will be retired. There is no problem with the new CVT in my 2014 Forester XT. The 2 liter turbo/CVT combination is both faster and smoother than my six cylinder/5 speed Outback of a few years ago.

  • nippononlynippononly Member Posts: 12,555
    edited January 2014

    @saedave said:
    Had an Outback loaner for a couple of days, the CVT was really unpleasant. If the 6-cylinder can have a geared automatic, why not the 4-cylinder?

    That ancient automatic with harsh low speed downshifts? I presume it will be retired. There is no problem with the new CVT in my 2014 Forester XT. The 2 liter turbo/CVT combination is both faster and smoother than my six cylinder/5 speed Outback of a few years ago.

    Too bad there can't be a second option to the CVT.

    2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)

  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    edited January 2014

    @saedave said:
    "Had an Outback loaner for a couple of days, the CVT was really unpleasant. If the 6-cylinder can have a geared automatic, why not the 4-cylinder?

    That ancient automatic with harsh low speed downshifts? I presume it will be retired. There is no problem with the new CVT in my 2014 Forester XT. The 2 liter turbo/CVT combination is both faster and smoother than my six cylinder/5 speed Outback of a few years ago."


    My experiences with Subaru CVTs—and I've driven a number of them—have been very positive. No complaints at all.

    Bob

  • xwesxxwesx Member Posts: 16,747

    @rsholland said:
    My experiences with Subaru CVTs—and I've driven a number of them—have been very positive. No complaints at all.

    I have to agree with that. While it certainly feels different than a traditional torque-converter automatic (e.g., the "slushbox" auto w/ gears), it is also an extremely smooth transmission. I drove a Legacy with it equipped, as well as riding in another (with 7 people in it... long story!), and these cars are decently peppy as well.

    2018 Subaru Crosstrek, 2014 Audi Q7 TDI, 2013 Subaru Forester, 1969 Chevrolet C20, 1969 Ford Econoline 100, 1976 Ford F250
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    edited January 2014

    Exactly. Feeling different does not necessarily translate into feeling bad. I find the Subaru CVTs to be very smooth, and I really like the CVT in the Forester XT.

    The new 2015 WRX's optional CVT has been given high praise by the automotive press. Yeah, there are some non-believers, but overall it's been given a solid "thumbs up," especially in Sport # mode. It's closely related to the Forester XT's CVT. One difference is in the Forester XT, the SI-Drive defaults to the Intelligent mode when you start the car. On the WRX it defaults to the Sport mode, which accounts as to why the WRX CVT gets a lower EPA mileage rating.

    Bob

  • imaginaryimaginary Member Posts: 62
    edited January 2014

    @rsholland said:
    Exactly. Feeling different does not necessarily translate into feeling bad. I find the Subaru CVTs to be very smooth, and I really like the CVT in the Forester XT.

    The new 2015 WRX's optional CVT has been given high praise by the automotive press. Yeah, there are some non-believers, but overall it's been given a solid "thumbs up," especially in Sport # mode. It's closely related to the Forester XT's CVT. One difference is in the Forester XT, the SI-Drive defaults to the Intelligent mode when you start the car. On the WRX it defaults to the Sport mode, which accounts as to why the WRX CVT gets a lower EPA mileage rating.

    Bob

    Those "non-believers" are stubborn and ignorant enthusiasts who also refuse to believe the GT-R's DCT will always do a better job than any driver as far as perfect shifting given the performance and engine of the GT-R. They also want to completely ignore the fact that the WRX will come with a manual because they've got their panties in a bunch since the WRX has an almost on-par automatic transmission to the manual.

  • kyfdxkyfdx Moderator Posts: 234,739

    Well... I've driven a GT-R. I guess if you track your cars, you might care about how much quicker the shifts are.. But, for a street car? After about 5 minutes, I quit using the paddle shifters and just put it in automatic. I had a lot more fun driving a Vette Z06.

    I like a manual transmission, even if it means I'm slower, stubborn and/or ignorant. ;-)

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  • xwesxxwesx Member Posts: 16,747

    @kyfdx

    Same here. I definitely prefer manual. That said though, I'm not going to give other transmission types a bad rap just because they aren't the transmission I prefer. I consider them for what they are. When it comes time to buy, though... if it doesn't have a manual, it's not on the list. :p

    2018 Subaru Crosstrek, 2014 Audi Q7 TDI, 2013 Subaru Forester, 1969 Chevrolet C20, 1969 Ford Econoline 100, 1976 Ford F250
  • pennypaupennypau Member Posts: 3

    Get rid of those awful headrests and replace with what they have in the new Forester. Powerlift gate, bigger moonroof, and make it more fun to drive. My issue...the Forester has everything I want, but the Outback has everything I need, so I am holding out and hoping...Also, fix the oil problem that a number of owners are reporting. Having to add oil to your car every month should not be considered regular maintenance.

  • pennypaupennypau Member Posts: 3

    and make the interior plastic softer to the feel.

  • pennypaupennypau Member Posts: 3

    get rid of saddlebrown (ugly) and the tacky "wood" trim.

  • xwesxxwesx Member Posts: 16,747

    @pennypau said:
    get rid of saddlebrown (ugly) and the tacky "wood" trim.

    On the special appearance package, you mean? That's really a "halo" package, meaning nearly all of these cars don't have that package and there's no reason to get it unless you want to get it. That said, the "plood" on these cars has always looked tacky (yes, get rid of it!). The saddle brown is gorgeous. Make those things available on something other than the Outback, or maybe with a manual transmission!

    2018 Subaru Crosstrek, 2014 Audi Q7 TDI, 2013 Subaru Forester, 1969 Chevrolet C20, 1969 Ford Econoline 100, 1976 Ford F250
  • gjksn963gjksn963 Member Posts: 5

    Seats that both heat AND cool.

  • imaginaryimaginary Member Posts: 62
    edited January 2014

    @kyfdx@Edmunds said:
    Well... I've driven a GT-R. I guess if you track your cars, you might care about how much quicker the shifts are.. But, for a street car? After about 5 minutes, I quit using the paddle shifters and just put it in automatic. I had a lot more fun driving a Vette Z06.

    I like a manual transmission, even if it means I'm slower, stubborn and/or ignorant. ;-)

    Driving a GT-R and owning a GT-R are two different things. That's kind of the point of an "automatic"; if you had to use the paddle shifters 24/7 outside of the track, why would it be an automatic then? You get on the paddle shifters because you want to control the transmission at that moment, on the track or on the streets.

    If someone bought a GT-R only to use the paddle shifters at all times instead of letting the DCT do what it does best, you're one of a kind.

    On the streets are you really trying to shift your way through the gears in a GT-R instead of letting the transmission do what an automatic does? I mean, if you're the kind of person who steps into a GT-R (from a car enthusiast/review/news/whatever website) only to shift using the paddle shifters on the streets of all places, what were you expecting when driving a ~$100k performance car on the streets?

    You're not the same kind of person that finds absolute joy in rowing through gears 24/7/365 in stop and go traffic, are you? Because I can understand having "more fun driving a Vette Z06" but not in stop and go traffic. That's kind of an insult to the history of Corvettes.

    We have Outbacks and WRX with trims that offer a CVT transmission for that kind of stop and go traffic. And EyeSight nonetheless. ;D

  • kyfdxkyfdx Moderator Posts: 234,739

    I drive 100% of the time on the street, and I drive a stick. I guess that's my point... Driving an automatic every day is boring, no matter how good it is. We have an Infiniti with 328 HP and it's a big snoozefest (even with paddle shifters... lol).

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  • ranjitbhaskarranjitbhaskar Member Posts: 7

    2015 Subaru Outback Wishlist

    • IMPROVED EYESIGHT SYSTEM.
    • LANE DEPARTURE PREVENTION SYSTEM.
    • Driver seat 2-position memory.
    • Rear hatch power lift.
    • Autodimming side rear-view mirrors.
    • Autodimming rear-view mirror & compass.
    • Passenger 4-way power seating.
    • Driver knee airbag.
    • 18'' Alloy wheels for better handling.

    2015 Subaru Outback Dreamlist

    • Faster & more responsive navigation system.
    • 2.0-liter DOHC Turbo Boxer engine.
    • Blindspot warning system.
    • Panoramic moonroof.
    • Rain sensing windshield wipers.
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788

    @ranjitbhaskar said:

    2015 Subaru Outback Wishlist

    • IMPROVED EYESIGHT SYSTEM.
    • LANE DEPARTURE PREVENTION SYSTEM.
    • Driver seat 2-position memory.
    • Rear hatch power lift.
    • Autodimming side rear-view mirrors.
    • Autodimming rear-view mirror & compass.
    • Passenger 4-way power seating.
    • Driver knee airbag.
    • 18'' Alloy wheels for better handling.

    2015 Subaru Outback Dreamlist

    • Faster & more responsive navigation system.
    • 2.0-liter DOHC Turbo Boxer engine.
    • Blindspot warning system.
    • Panoramic moonroof.
    • Rain sensing windshield wipers.

    The spy photos I've seen show 18" tires and memory seats. Most likely they were top trim models.

    Bob

  • ranjitbhaskarranjitbhaskar Member Posts: 7

    @rsholland said:
    Bob
    The spy photos I've seen show 18" tires and memory seats. Most likely they were top trim > models.

    I looked up the spy pics, and you are right! I sure hope they release the revamped eyesight system. I read they have a 40% increase in the angle of vision as well as range. In addition, the cameras now have color vision. Subaru is the only car manufacturer that'll be able to detect traffic lights, and brake lights of cars in front for collision avoidance!

    I'm impatiently waiting for the 2015 model to come to the showroom to buy an Outback!

  • xwesxxwesx Member Posts: 16,747

    JUST SAY "NO" TO NANNIES!!!

    I think the ship has long since sailed on the Outback (and the Legacy) when it comes to these having any pretenses of being performance cars. Perhaps a detuned turbo FB engine to replace the H6... increased FE without sacrificing torque.

    I'd like to see Subaru offering heated steering wheels. In addition to the auto-dimming sideview mirrors you mentioned, this would be such a practical and useful addition.

    2018 Subaru Crosstrek, 2014 Audi Q7 TDI, 2013 Subaru Forester, 1969 Chevrolet C20, 1969 Ford Econoline 100, 1976 Ford F250
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    edited January 2014

    @xwesx said:
    JUST SAY "NO" TO NANNIES!!!

    I think the ship has long since sailed on the Outback (and the Legacy) when it comes to these having any pretenses of being performance cars. Perhaps a detuned turbo FB engine to replace the H6... increased FE without sacrificing torque.

    I'd like to see Subaru offering heated steering wheels. In addition to the auto-dimming sideview mirrors you mentioned, this would be such a practical and useful addition.

    I agree about the Legacy and Outback about not being performance cars. The new WRX fills that roll.

    Heated steering wheels are great and should be part of the AWP. They're starting to filter down to mainstream brands. My daughter's '13 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport has that feature. I drove it last week and enjoyed that feature.

    Bob

  • ushy66ushy66 Member Posts: 366

    Looking to Chicago or NYC Auto Shows for 2015 Outback Reveal

  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788

    @ushy66 said:
    Looking to Chicago or NYC Auto Shows for 2015 Outback Reveal

    Most likely NY. That's always been a big show for Subaru.

    Bob

  • theshield44theshield44 Member Posts: 1

    I agree the hard plastics are a bit of a letdown, but #1 on my list would be a decent heater. I test-drove a 2014 Outback Premium, and I would rate the heater performance as less than mediocre. There's lots of complaints on the internet about the poor heater. For a car that goes through winter activities, I don't understand it at all.

    Hopefully, the 2015 will be better!

  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788

    @theshield44 said:
    I agree the hard plastics are a bit of a letdown, but #1 on my list would be a decent heater. I test-drove a 2014 Outback Premium, and I would rate the heater performance as less than mediocre. There's lots of complaints on the internet about the poor heater. For a car that goes through winter activities, I don't understand it at all.

    Hopefully, the 2015 will be better!

    I can't speak to the Outback's heater, but the heaters in my '09 WRX and '13 Forester are fine. Never had an issue about a lack of heat in either vehicle. The WRX has auto climate control and the Forester manual control. I would assume the Outback uses a similar system. Plus both cars have heated seats too.

    Bob

  • nippononlynippononly Member Posts: 12,555

    @rsholland said:
    I agree about the Legacy and Outback about not being performance cars. The new WRX fills that roll

    But wouldn't it be cool if they brought back a turbo Legacy wagon? I would much rather have one of those than the high-roofed Outback. Miss the Legacy wagon. :-(

    2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)

  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    edited January 2014

    @nippononly said:
    But wouldn't it be cool if they brought back a turbo Legacy wagon? I would much rather have one of those than the high-roofed Outback. Miss the Legacy wagon. :-(

    Hopefully we'll get the 2.0 Levorg wagon, which is a lux-up WRX wagon—not a hatch, but a wagon. Here's a link which includes a video.

    http://www.motorauthority.com/news/1089504_subaru-levorg-wagon-concept-hits-the-track-video

    Bob

  • anythngbutgmanythngbutgm Member Posts: 4,277

    I'd love to see them bring back the full length moonroof, it's one of the best features on my wifes 08' LLB.

  • saedavesaedave Member Posts: 694

    Hopefully we'll get the 2.0 Levorg wagon, which is a lux-up WRX wagon—not a hatch, but a wagon.

    Bob,

    That isn't different enough from my 2014 Forester XT.....which certainly rides stiffly enough to qualify as a WRX wagon! :(

    Dave

  • deerlake7deerlake7 Member Posts: 176
    edited February 2014

    Seeing pictures of the '15 Legacy is getting me excited for the new Outback. We had a 2009 Forester and now a 2012 Outback. I have three hopes. First, fix the steering. The forward momentum on most cars self centers the front wheels, but on the 2010-14 Outbacks the steering is so stiff on center and causes the need for constant steering corrections. Second, please find a way to insulate the cabin from all the engine noise and finally, as others of said, get rid of the hard plastics. There was an earlier post relating to the Outback's weak heater. Mine is like a blast furnace and here in Minnesota where we've seen air temps below -20, it's been great. The only issue is how much noise the fan makes. It's LOUD.

  • xwesxxwesx Member Posts: 16,747
    edited February 2014

    @deerlake7 said:
    The only issue is how much noise the fan makes. It's LOUD.

    That it is! All my Subarus have the same fan functionality: 1. Silent. 2. Near-silent 3. Quiet, but noticeable 4. Deafening!

    While I think that all cars have noisy fans when set on full, I don't typically need to turn the radio louder unless I'm in the Subaru. :p

    2018 Subaru Crosstrek, 2014 Audi Q7 TDI, 2013 Subaru Forester, 1969 Chevrolet C20, 1969 Ford Econoline 100, 1976 Ford F250
  • ranjitbhaskarranjitbhaskar Member Posts: 7
    edited February 2014

    Based on the 2015 Subaru Legacy, I made a list that I think might make it to the 2015 Outback too:

    2015 Subaru Outback

    DOHC 2.5 Liter 4-cylinder BOXER Engine - 175 hp.

    Lineartronic CVT (continuously variable transmission)

    Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive

    Standard perforated leather upholstery

    Two-position memory for the 10-way power driver’s seat

    4-way power front passenger seat

    Three-mode heated front seats

    Dual-mode heated rear seats

    Rear seat air conditioning vents

    High-end surround sound audio system with 12 harman/kardon® speakers

    “Nosecone” front section & Aluminum Hood

    Front partition windows

    Door-mounted side view mirrors

    Active Grille Shutter system

    LED U-shape tail and brake lights

    Turn signal exterior mirrors

    Rear-view camera closer to the center of the car

    Rollover sensor activated side curtain airbags

    Welcome lighting - Cabin illumination & Exterior lighting.

    Keyless access & Start.

    Front seat-cushion airbags

    Steering-Responsive Foglights

    Radar Based Driver-Assist System:

    Blind Spot Detection.

    Lane Change Assist, Fast approaching vehicles

    Rear Cross Traffic Alert.

    LED indicators on the side mirrors

    EyeSight® driver-assist System (40% wider & longer range with Color Vision that enhances pedestrian & obstacle detection. 15% smaller in size, increasing outward visibility)

    Adaptive Cruise Control

    Pre-Collision Braking

    Vehicle Lane Departure Warning

    Acoustic Windshield

    Liquid-filled Engine Mounts.

    Thicker Panels (floor, toeboard, rear wheel apron, inner fenders)

    Expanded use of foam insulation and floor damping material.

    Quick-ratio Electric Power-assisted Steering

    Revised spring and damper tuning and geometry

    18-inch Alloy Wheels.

    Active Torque Vectoring, an enhancement of the Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC)

    Ventilated rear disc brakes

    Electronic Parking Brake with Hill Holder Assist.

    Hill Descent Control.

    Binocular-style gauge pods

    5-inch Center LCD information display

    Electro-luminescent gauges with elegant blue ring illumination.

    GPS Corrected Time Display

    External temperature display

    One-touch lane changer function for turn signals.

    Auto up/down driver and front passenger windows with pinch protection.

    Dual-zone automatic climate control system

    AM/FM stereo and HD Radio®

    Radio Data Broadcast System

    Single-disc in-dash CD player.

    Subaru STARLINK connectivity with Aha™ and Pandora® smartphone integration

    Bluetooth® hands-free phone connectivity and audio streaming

    iPod® control capability

    USB port and aux. input jack.

    Multi-touch display offers swipe and scrolling gestures

    7-inch touch screen display.

    SiriusXM® satellite radio

    SMS text messaging

    iTunes® tagging capability.

    Dual USB ports.

    576-Watt equivalent AM/FM/HD Radio unit

    12 harman/kardon speakers, including a front center speaker and a rear subwoofer.

  • ranjitbhaskarranjitbhaskar Member Posts: 7

    Aargh, I screwed up the formatting. Sorry folks! :(

  • kyfdxkyfdx Moderator Posts: 234,739

    @ranjitbhaskar said:
    Aargh, I screwed up the formatting. Sorry folks! :(

    Fixed it.... sort of..

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  • nippononlynippononly Member Posts: 12,555

    What, no panoramic moonroof? It needs a panoramic moonroof... ;-)

    2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)

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