The standard wheel and tyre combination on the Subaru Outback is a 17-inch alloy wheel with 225/60 R17 tyre.

STRUCTURE AND SAFETY

As well as 'new-look' styling, larger dimensions and new suspension, the new Outback has a completely reviewed and re-engineered bodyshell. The all-steel unitary structure is revised to enhance ride, handling and refinement, while also delivering the highest level of crash safety performance. The new Subaru Outback's sister model, the new Legacy - with which it shares a chassis and body - was recently awarded a 5-Star Euro NCAP crash safety rating, confirming that Subaru's structural and safety engineers have achieved their targets for this new model.

Newly developed, the bodyshell is both lighter and stiffer, featuring ring-shaped reinforcement frames - 'circular links' - joining the A, B, C and D-pillars with cross members at roof and floor level. This creates a series of 'circular links' which strongly protects the cabin occupants. Ultra-high-strength steel plate (980 Mpa level) is used at key portions of the bodyshell to achieve strength without adding significantly to overall weight.

By fully exploiting the structural characteristics of the newly adopted sub-frame mounting system, the front body structure is redesigned to improve the rigidity of the front suspension installation and to enhance impact resistance as well as steering response. These improvements, and reinforcement of the engine bay bulkhead and toe board areas, were accomplished while also saving 6 kg from the front body panels.

The rear floor structure has also been optimised to accommodate the new sub-frame and to reduce weight while increasing rigidity, further improving rear suspension characteristics and vehicle drivability.