First drive: 2015 Subaru Outback

[SauRoNZA]

Oh really?

[video=youtube_share;wGChzK9DZDQ]http://youtu.be/wGChzK9DZDQ[/video]

I hate that all the dials are right on top of each other and not separated properly.

 

[Fazda]

Oh really?

[video=youtube_share;wGChzK9DZDQ]http://youtu.be/wGChzK9DZDQ[/video]

As I said, please take a Forester for a drive and drive it normally, NOT 0 - 100 sprints as that provides a different set of rules. Driven normally, you use a relatively light throttle and the car will shift normally at about 3000 rpm.

In this video, he has simply floored it, and the CVT has done what it was designed to do - hold whatever the revs are until the car reaches the speed that those revs apply to in top gear.

The CVT is lighter on fuel, because you CAN run on low throttle openings and still get decent performance.

 

[Quantum Theory]

As I said, please take a Forester for a drive and drive it normally, NOT 0 - 100 sprints as that provides a different set of rules. Driven normally, you use a relatively light throttle and the car will shift normally at about 3000 rpm.

In this video, he has simply floored it, and the CVT has done what it was designed to do - hold whatever the revs are until the car reaches the speed that those revs apply to in top gear.

The CVT is lighter on fuel, because you CAN run on low throttle openings and still get decent performance.

Any CVT behaves that way. My Jeep did and my friend's X-trail does too. There are no shifts. Revs climb when you floor it and stays there until you let your foot off. Normal driving stays in normal rev range, with no shifts, just smooth up and downs. Subaru has done nothing special with "shift points" in auto mode...

 

[Fazda]

Any CVT behaves that way. My Jeep did and my friend's X-trail does too. There are no shifts. Revs climb when you floor it and stays there until you let your foot off. Normal driving stays in normal rev range, with no shifts, just smooth up and downs. Subaru has done nothing special with "shift points" in auto mode...

Oh God, this is when I get frustrated - PLEASE go and drive a new Forester - it is NOT like your Jeep and it is NOT like a Nissan!

The new Forester box was voted the finest CVT in the world last year, PRECISELY because they have programmed OUT the way it screams at you until it reaches the correct speed.

 

[Quantum Theory]

Oh God, this is when I get frustrated - PLEASE go and drive a new Forester - it is NOT like your Jeep and it is NOT like a Nissan!

The new Forester box was voted the finest CVT in the world last year, PRECISELY because they have programmed OUT the way it screams at you until it reaches the correct speed.

Whatever you say...

 

[Fazda]

Whatever you say...

Actually, it's not "whatever I say".

All that I ask is that you experience a new generation CVT box before you tar them all with the same brush.

The early Outback and Legacy CVT boxes were just plain horrible and responded exactly as you said in the Jeep and Nissan. As with everything else in this world, they have been developed constantly since then, and the latest boxes would fool anyone who didn't know that they were CVT's. You HAVE to drive one to see the difference.

 

[Quantum Theory]

Actually, it's not "whatever I say".

All that I ask is that you experience a new generation CVT box before you tar them all with the same brush.

The early Outback and Legacy CVT boxes were just plain horrible and responded exactly as you said in the Jeep and Nissan. As with everything else in this world, they have been developed constantly since then, and the latest boxes would fool anyone who didn't know that they were CVT's. You HAVE to drive one to see the difference.

In this thread, it is whatever you say... You have not posted any links to prove your point. They are CVT boxes. If they behave any other way (with artificial shifts in auto mode), it defies the point of having them in the first place. They might very well respond quicker than other boxes, but you said they have artificial shifts in auto mode. I can't find anything about that on the net.

I'm done here. Got work to do.

 

[MisterBigglesworth]

Please don't compare the Outlander with any of the new Subaru cars - they are chalk and cheese!

You would LOVE the new Forester box!

Cool, will make a point in checking out both Forester and Outback when the time comes

 

[Brenden_E]

Oh really?

[video=youtube_share;wGChzK9DZDQ]http://youtu.be/wGChzK9DZDQ[/video]

That looks and sounds horrible. I've never driven a CVT, but can see why there's hate on it.

 

[Fazda]

In this thread, it is whatever you say... You have not posted any links to prove your point. They are CVT boxes. If they behave any other way (with artificial shifts in auto mode), it defies the point of having them in the first place. They might very well respond quicker than other boxes, but you said they have artificial shifts in auto mode. I can't find anything about that on the net.

I'm done here. Got work to do.

Oh FFs this is NOT my opinion, it is fact - and I don't test drive cars on You Tube, I drive the bloody things.

 

[Fazda]

That looks and sounds horrible. I've never driven a CVT, but can see why there's hate on it.

Oh God, yet another expert who hasn't driven the bloody car!

 

[Quantum Theory]

Oh FFs this is NOT my opinion, it is fact - and I don't test drive cars on You Tube, I drive the bloody things.

If it is fact, show me the facts. Get back some of your credibility, which you lost many moons ago.

 

[Fazda]

If it is fact, show me the facts. Get back some of your credibility, which you lost many moons ago.

So the fact that I have driven the cars, been to technical sessions with Subaru means nothing because I cannot supply you with a You Tube link? Get a life - your problem with me goes back to my dislike of Jeeps - don't let it taint your view of everything that I write.

 

[Brenden_E]

So the fact that I have driven the cars, been to technical sessions with Subaru means nothing because I cannot supply you with a You Tube link? Get a life - your problem with me goes back to my dislike of Jeeps - don't let it taint your view of everything that I write.

If there's shift points surely there will be a video showing it.
What you are alluding to is that the guy who took the video faked it. That would be highly unlikely. Proof or gtfo.

 

[Quantum Theory]

So the fact that I have driven the cars, been to technical sessions with Subaru means nothing because I cannot supply you with a You Tube link? Get a life - your problem with me goes back to my dislike of Jeeps - don't let it taint your view of everything that I write.

So, why do Subaru talk about artificial shifts in manual mode, yet no word about it in auto mode? Come on Mr Subaru. All I see is talk about optimal rev range, which is what all CVT's do. It's because there are none...

 

[Fazda]

A link for you whilst I look for others.

Ah, the new Subaru WRX has just broken cover and, while we were fortunate to drive it at the local South African launch, we had just given back our test car. Not much has changed in our overall opinion, but a few things are certain now that we’ve spent a few more days with it.
IMG_1871

We opted for the Lineartronic model, or in laymen’s terms, automatic. Why? Because frankly it’s probably the most responsive CVT gearbox available today. I know that response and CVT are not common in the same sentence, but in this case, that’s exactly how it is.
IMG_1856
So the Lineartronic 2.0 Boxer Four costs a healthy R469 000. That’s a hefty amount of money for a niche brand and an even nicher model, the Lineartronic. You see, the average Joe would choose the manual version which is available with a nice smooth shifting 6 speed, but it also features a clutch. Now, that last part is something I’m not very fond of, especially driving it in traffic. Here is where it’s time to change your mentality from robot racer, to every day Joe who commutes to work and drives the car for practical reasons. The Lineartronic, which is standard with S-drive and intelligent mapping mode, which switches from either 8 speed auto in sport plus, to a regular 6 speed auto in sport or intelligent mode. The latter sort of feels like it holds back on overall boost and makes it smooth and docile to drive. Acceleration comes on smooth and shifts are unnoticeable. This is not the case when you switch to Sport Plus and use the steering wheel mounted paddles. Up and downshifts are DSG-like; quick and extremely precise. It’s not one of those ‘click wait for it to change’ gearboxes. Subaru has clearly done their magic with it and I love it.
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Engine power is rated at 197kw and a lovely 350nm torque, which is available from a low 2400Rpm. The 0-100kph acceleration test is quoted at 6.3seconds, and while its not earth shatteringly fast, it’s on par with most of its rivals like the Golf GTI and Focus ST. Subaru claim an average fuel consumption figure of 8.6l/100km with a C02 emission rating of 199 g/km. Our fuel consumption test came in at 6.8l/100km driving at 100kph, and a higher reading of 8.8l/100km driving at 130kph. These tests were all extra-urban over about 60km.
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The new interior is a step up from the previous generation with a new D shaped sport steering wheel, combining most of the onboard computer toggle switches. The center computer, which also houses an electronic boost gauge, traction readings and trip/fuel consumption meters, are changed with an alternate button, which is located below. It would have been nice to integrate this into the steering wheel too.
IMG_1875IMG_1879

An optional touch screen unit (R8730) with built in Tom Tom GPS was fitted on this premium model. I really like how the speakers have been upgraded and there is a day/night difference in the bass response over the previous generation. At least now you can listen to your drum n bass and actually feel the bass. The driver seat is 8-way power adjustable, but unfortunately the passenger still needs to manually operate their seat. The rear seats have ample space and feature ISO-fix child seat adapters. They also fold flat in a 60:40 manner.
IMG_1878IMG_1874

Subaru have really come to the party, have won numerous safety awards and the new WRX is no different. It received a 5 star NCAP award and features mostly all of the safety bells and whistles you can think of; including driver knee and passenger airbags, dual curtain airbags, dual front side airbags and a ring-shaped passenger safety cell. ABS with EBD, Vehicle Stability Dynamics Control and Brake Assist are also all standard.
IMG_1882

Over all, the new WRX drives mostly like all of its counterparts but offers a little more. Not only are you the envy of all other petrol heads on the roads, but you also become a member of the Subaru community who know that when you own a Scoobie once, you will always have one in the driveway.

The WRX comes standard with a 75000km 3 year maintenance plan.
For more info head over to www.subaru.co.za

http://www.leftlane.co.za/2015-subaru-wrx-2-0-lineartronic

Here's one on the Forester:

The Forester could be credited as the original formulator of the car-based crossover SUV. This most recent iteration stands proud against its newly redesigned, sleek, and carlike competition—the Ford Escape, Honda CR-V, and Mazda CX-5—while looking neither particularly sleek nor carlike. But the evolutionary styling masks a comprehensive overhaul that includes a new turbo engine and fresh transmissions. We already drove Forester prototypes in Japan last year and furnished a detailed rundown of its myriad changes in size, styling, and packaging, but this is our first drive of the production vehicle.

To recap, there are two Forester models: the 2.5i, which gets a carry-over, 170-hp 2.5-liter flat-four, and the 2.0XT, which gets a new 250-hp turbocharged flat-four based on the BRZ’s naturally aspirated 2.0-liter engine. The 2.5i comes in base, Premium, Limited, and Touring versions; the 2.0XT comes only in Premium or Touring guise. A six-speed manual is restricted to the 2.5i and 2.5i Premium and replaces a five-cog unit; all other Foresters get a CVT in place of the outgoing car’s four-speed automatic. We were set loose on paved and unpaved back roads in rural Arizona in a Forester 2.5i Premium manual, a 2.5i Touring, and a 2.0XT Premium.


CVTurbo—Wait, What?

The recycled engine in the 2.5i is no powerhouse, but has enough guts for running errands and sweat-free highway merges. The manual’s extra forward gear aids around-town elasticity, and the shorter final-drive ratio adds some pep; its shifter is direct, with closely spaced gates and a satisfying action. In spite of the notion that CVTs are anathema to everything decent and good, the 2.5i’s all-new unit isn’t bad, and the way it oozes the Forester down the road while keeping engine revs low seems like a win for the average crossover shopper.

The 2.0XT’s turbo four is quick, and while no manual transmission is offered, the model at least offers three drive modes. Intelligent mode utilizes normal throttle and transmission responses for daily driving. Sport mode enlivens throttle response and offers six driver-selectable forward gear ratios when he uses the lever or steering-wheel paddles to actuate shifts. Sport Sharp further enlivens engine response and switches the CVT to a pseudo-eight-speed automatic; the eight fake gears are also selectable via lever or paddles.


We primarily stuck with Sport Sharp mode during our drive, finding the sort-of-actual gearchanges more interesting than the regular CVT slurring. The CVT actually does a convincing job of imitating a well-tuned eight-speed auto. Downshifts are immediate—stomp it, and the trans will shoot from “eighth” to “third” fast. Manual operation is only partially satisfying, as the faux-gear engagements are soft. We’d be lying if we said we don’t yearn for a six-speed manual/turbo combo.

Over Hill and Dale, Sometimes Around, Maybe Airborne

On both dirt and paved roads, we found the Forester athletic, with a firm ride and good body control. Hard driving is met by safe, relentless understeer, even in the turbo, with its stiffer sport-tuned suspension and additional chassis bracing. On rough roads, the Forester’s impressive 8.7 inches of ground clearance and long suspension travel comes in handy. The setup acquitted itself well when we (semi) unwittingly launched a 2.0XT over a “dip”—as Arizona signage describes four-plus-foot road heaves—at 70 mph.


The CVT-only Forester 2.5i Limited and Touring and all 2.0XT models get a nifty new piece of off-roading hardware called X-Mode. The system works in concert with the cars’ electronically managed all-wheel drive (manual models get a lower-tech, viscous-coupling locking center differential) and summons softer throttle mapping, lower gear ratios, a unique stability-control program to maximize traction, and activates hill-descent control. We tried the system on a steep, rocky mountain path and found it performed as advertised, although we’re not sure many Forester owners ultimately will use it in real life.

What Forester drivers will enjoy much more often are the new car’s nicer interior; quiet operation; all-weather capability; improved fuel economy, which Subaru estimates will rise to up to 32-mpg highway and 24 in the city with the 2.5/CVT combo; and higher maturity quotient than the smaller, Impreza-based XV Crosstrek. Improving on the tried-and-true blueprint that made the Forester one of Subaru’s bestsellers, the 2014 model’s rosier fuel-economy performance and sheer usefulness should bring even more buyers into the fold. View Photo Gallery

http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/2014-subaru-forester-25-20xt-turbo-first-drive-review

Oh sorry, here's a You Tube - maybe you can understand it a little more clearly.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7GkHuTSbEjo

 

[Quantum Theory]

A link for you whilst I look for others.


http://www.leftlane.co.za/2015-subaru-wrx-2-0-lineartronic

T

Thank you. Your post mostly proofs my point. In auto mode, shifts are unnoticeable. That is because there are none. It's a CVT.

 

[Fazda]

Thank you. Your post mostly proofs [sic] my point. In auto mode, shifts are unnoticeable. That is because there are none. It's a CVT.

Well that is the point - look back at what I said - you get an incredibly smooth ride with artificial change points which give you the impression that the car is changing gear - more noticeable on the rev counter than anything else.

You appear to want to twist my words whatever way you can just because I dislike Jeeps in favour of Subaru. Sad.

P.S. Have you watched my You Tube link yet?

 

[Quantum Theory]

P.S. Have you watched my You Tube link yet?

Yes. Once again it proves my point. Round about 1:30... "Automatic feel, minus the shift points". Not sure what you are debating here, but the only thing I am, is the fact that there are no artificial shifts in auto mode.

 

[Brenden_E]

Fazda you have comprehension problems. The video further illustrates the points that there are no perceived shift points. Which is exactly what QT said. Ironic that you taught English.