Subaru’s most powerful SUV, the turbocharged Outback XT Turbo has arrived in New Zealand.
These all-new Subaru Outback XT variants – Outback XT Turbo and Outback XT Turbo Touring both feature a 2.4-litre turbocharged Subaru Boxer engine, with 183kW and 350Nm of torque.
The XT models’ towing capabilities also scale new heights, ascending from the current 2.5-litre naturally aspirated Outback’s 2,000kg limit, to an impressive 2,400kg braked towing capacity.
Subaru of New Zealand’s Managing Director Wallis Dumper says while the pre-ordered models got into the country before the Clean Car Standard (CCS) fees kicked in on January 1, 2023, the reality is that those Subaru customers who were lucky enough to get an Outback XT Turbo at $62,990 or an XT Turbo Touring at $67,990 “truly got a bargain”, as pricing now starts from $67,990* which now incorporates the CCS fee into the Recommended Retail Price*.
“The CCS impact will hit these cars year after year from now on, so anybody considering upgrading to a Subaru Outback XT should get their order in now, as come January 2024 the new CCS scale takes effect again.
“Every January through to 2027 will see further impacts of the current CCS, with an increase in fees, if this legislation stays in place.
“You can forward order your Outback XT now for 2023 pricing, but vehicles must arrive before December 2023 and we also face the challenge of componentry supply issues so the old adage of ‘he who hesitates is lost’ stands true in this situation.
“At current calculations, if the CCS impacts as proposed by the NZ government remain unchanged the increases could exceed ten thousand dollars on each model in a few years’ time.”
“The real consideration probably needs to be around those people who may have discovered the ute they purchased for towing is not an ideal family vacation vehicle. The Outback XT Turbo with its SUV safety, comfort and strong towing capacity may present the perfect alternative to an expensive ute with extras. Even at the CCS impacted pricing, the Outback XT Turbo presents best value buying and savings over the alternative mode of what is essentially commercially based transportation,” Mr Dumper says.
The 2023 Recommended Retail Price* for the Outback XT Turbo is $67,990 and Outback XT Turbo Touring is $71,990 plus on-road costs and CCD fee (CCS fee is now included in the vehicle RRP).
The Subaru Outback XT Turbo and Outback XT Turbo Touring are now available to test drive from most of Subaru’s locally owned and operated Authorised Subaru Centres from Invercargill through to Auckland.
