Marque racing to secure delivery of new models before the government’s latest clean car rules kick in.
Subaru of New Zealand has confirmed its Outback 2.4 Turbocharged model is due to arrive for the start of summer, with two variants set to hit the local market.
However, it warns anyone waiting until the new year to order one may face having to pay thousands of dollars more because of the planned introduction of the government’s clean car standard.
Wallis Dumper, Subaru of NZ’s managing director, says the turbocharged models are due to arrive in December and staff have been working with the Subaru Corporation factory in Japan “to make the 2.4T’s arrival a reality”.
“While the Outback 2.4T 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,” he explains.
“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 that the government is introducing the clean car standard [CCS] fees from January 1 and the Outback 2.4T model will incur additional costs.
“We are awaiting urgent clarification from the government transport department … 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.”
As a result, Subaru of NZ says it is seeking to secure extra 2.4T models this year in order to satisfy customer demand and help buyers to avoid paying more fees than they will once the new regulations are implemented.
Dumper says to the best of his knowledge, at the time of writing, any vehicles crossing our border after December 31, 2022, will have the CCS fees applied.
Extra power
The new Outback’s 2.4-litre turbocharged engine means it has more horsepower and towing capacity increases from the current 2.5-litre naturally aspirated Outback’s 2,000kg limit to a 2,400kg rating.
New Zealand will receive two model variants – the flagship Outback Touring 2.4T and the outdoor adventurer Outback X 2.4T. Both models have transmissions with revised Subaru Lineartronic Transmission gear/differential ratios.
The 2.4-litre turbocharged, four-cylinder boxer engine boosts the output of the incoming Outback models to 183kW and 350Nm of torque. The All-Wheel Drive 2022 Subaru Outback range in New Zealand currently delivers 138kW of power and 245Nm of torque.
The Outback 2.4T’s larger powerplant also takes its 0-100kph sprint time to 7.5 seconds, which is 2.1 seconds faster than the current Outback 2.5.
Dumper says the Outback is the marque’s top-selling model in New Zealand and makes up more than 40 per cent of its total sales.
“By introducing the new Outback 2.4T 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 adds.
“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.”
The Outback Touring 2.4T is described as the most technologically advanced and luxurious Outback yet and features Nappa leather accented seat trim, electric sunroof, heated steering wheel, Harman Kardon audio, and a rear power tailgate with hands-free badge sensor.
This premium variant includes an 11.6-inch tablet-like touchscreen with satellite navigation, as well as a driver monitoring system with facial recognition to detect driver drowsiness or distraction.
The Outback X 2.4T has dark metallic 18-inch alloy wheels, black grille, wing mirrors and rear badging. It 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.
Along with the rest of the Subaru of NZ line-up, the new models are equipped with EyeSight crash-avoidance technology as standard.
Pricing will be revealed closer to the launch in New Zealand.
Keyword: Subaru warns cost of new cars to soar