Subaru has announced the arrival of its long-awaited practical estate, the Outback, with a starting price of £33,995 (approx. INR 35 lakh). The flagship model of the company is expected to hit the showrooms by the end of this month.

Here are the key updates to the 2022 model:

1) Design
In the new avatar, the Outback is more rigid and rugged than ever. The new 18-inch alloy wheels fill the dynamic wheel arches to provide a rugged look.

In terms of convenience features, the 2022 Outback comes with a Keyless Entry and Push Button Start System, LED fog lights, and LED headlights with high beam assist and adaptive driving beam to optimise visibility as standard across the range.

On the inside, a reworked interior with carefully selected materials provides a premium feel, while the enlarged windshield and window give a sense of airiness to the cabin. Subaru offers various seating options, from Nappa leather seats for a more luxurious feel to more practical and durable water-repellent synthetic leather seats for those with a more active lifestyle.

2) Versatility
The revisions to the front windscreen placement and the window have resulted in class-leading space on the inside. The 60/40 split rear seats and a wide boot opening create a large flat load area for up to 522l of cargo. The integrated roof rails further enhance the usable space with secure overhead storage.

Subaru has also equipped the 2022 Outback with a hands-free power tailgate and single-touch, pop-up tonneau cover, allowing easy access to the boot when you have your hands full by simply waving an elbow near the badge to raise the tailgate automatically. The boot is also equipped with improved hooks and net pocket so objects can be easily secured when driving.

3) Performance
The 2022 Outback is once again powered by the distinctive combination of permanent Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (SAWD) with the 2.5l naturally aspirated BOXER engine and Lineartronic Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) transmission. Ninety percent of the engine components have been redesigned, giving it a higher compression ratio. The CVT has been tuned to cover a broader range of gear ratios, while the new oil in the hydraulic system helps in minimising power loss.

This combination offers enhanced driving performance and increased torque control. At the same time, the improvements made to the suspension and chassis help isolate the vibrations from the steering wheel, enhancing handling performance and ride comfort. The increased rigidity of the body, front suspension and rear subframe helps enhance straight-line stability and minimised body roll by 50 percent.

4) Off-Road Capabilities
The improved engine performance allows for better acceleration when driving on rough terrain. The new X-MODE with Hill Descent Control offers greater control over steep, wet or slippery terrain. The SNOW/DIRT mode helps confidently negotiate snow, dirt or gravel, while the D.SNOW/MUD mode helps overcome soft conditions where tyres get stuck easily.

The Subaru Intelligent Drive (SI-DRIVE) with two driving modes helps adjust throttle and gear-shifting response to give you immediate power and agility on demand. The Outback also offers a high ground clearance of 213 mm, allowing it to go off the road without fear.

5) Technology
The 2022 models are equipped with redesigned 11.6-inch full HD next-generation infotainment system with navigation that accepts touch, swipe, drag or voice commands. The driver monitoring system with profile mapping helps automatically adjust settings for seat position, door mirror angles and air conditioning preferences for up to five individuals.

6) Safety
The safest Outback built to date, the 2022 model offers a generous list of standard equipment, including the next generation Eyesight Driver Assist technology and Subaru’s cutting-edge stereo camera collision prevention system, with nearly twice the field of vision.

In addition to these cutting-edge safety features, the 2022 Outback also features Advanced Adaptive Cruise Control with Lane Centring Function, Emergency Lane Keep Assist, Speed Sign Recognition with Intelligent Speed Limiter, Lane Departure Warning with steering wheel vibration, Lane Departure Prevention and Pre-Collision Braking System with expanded support for collision avoidance at junctions and crossroads.

Subaru offers the 2022 Outback in three trim levels – Limited, Field and Touring – with two new exterior colour options in Autumn Green Metallic and Brilliant Bronze Metallic.

The Limited trim is priced at £33,995 (approx. INR 35 lakh) while the Field and Touring are priced at £37,995 (approx. INR 39 lakh) and £39,495 (approx. INR 41 lakh), respectively. (MT)

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Mumbai-headquartered SUV major Mahindra & Mahindra has upgraded its popular offering, the Scorpio-N Z8L variant, with Level 2 Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) tech.

This will see the Scorpio-N Z8L variant coming with Forward Collision Warning, Automatic Emergency Braking, Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go, Smart Pilot Assist, Lane Departure Warning, Lane Keep Assist, Traffic Sign Recognition and High Beam Assist features.

The ADAS tech will further enhance safety quotient for the Scorpion-N with exclusive features such as Speed Limit Assist and Front Vehicle Start Alert, marking a first for Mahindra ICE SUVs.

Furthermore, the company has also expanded the Scorpio-N line-up with the introduction of the Z8T variant at INR 2.02 million. The new variant will sit between the Z8 and Z8L variants. It comes with a compelling mix of premium features, including R18 diamond-cut alloy wheels, a 12-speaker Sony-branded audio system, front camera, front parking sensors, 6-way powered driver seat, electronic parking brake (EPB), ventilated front seats and an auto-dimming IRVM.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Maruti Suzuki India, the country’s largest passenger vehicle manufacturer, has achieved a new milestone in its aftersales service. The company recorded servicing (free and paid) over 2.45 million vehicles in May, the highest in a single month in its history.

The feat was achieved through the company’s vast network of over 5,400 service touchpoints.

Hisashi Takeuchi, Managing Director & CEO, Maruti Suzuki India, said, “This is the first time in the company’s history that we have serviced over 24.5 lakh vehicles in a month, an achievement that reflects scale, depth, and efficiency of the service network. It is a result of the tireless efforts of our service teams and dealer partners across the country.”

“Good quality aftersales service is critical to maintain vehicle health, leading to a delightful car ownership experience and strengthen customer retention. Even before we started mass sales of vehicles in India, our focus was on building a robust service network, a foundation that continues to support us as we expand our business further. Going forward, we aim to expand our service touchpoints to 8,000 by FY 2030-31 and introduce innovative formats to cater to the requirements of diverse customer needs. This will help in our EV launch as well. We are preparing 1,500 EV enabled service workshops covering over 1,000 cities with specially trained manpower and special equipment to extend all EV related support to our customers,” he said.

Maruti Suzuki India has through its dealer partners introduced several innovative and industry-first service formats, to address the smallest query to full-car service needs ranging from traditional brick-and-mortar workshops to mobile workshops. Over the years, it has also created a dedicated Quick Response Team (QRT) to provide emergency on-road assistance across the country.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Mercedes-Benz India, the German luxury car brand, has announced a significant organisational change, effective from 1 August 2025, with the appointment of Brendon Sissing as the new Vice-President of Sales and Marketing. He will take over from Lance Bennett, who has moved to Mercedes-Benz Middle East as their Chief Financial Officer.

Santosh Iyer, Managing Director & CEO, Mercedes-Benz India, said, "We are excited to welcome Brendon Sissing as the Head of Sales & Marketing for Mercedes-Benz India. Brendon takes over the responsibility from Lance Bennett, who has joined Mercedes-Benz Middle East as the CFO. Brendon brings rich experience from the world of financing and insurance, as he successfully steered Mercedes-Benz Financial Service India, doubling its portfolio, driving record profit and business transformation, while elevating the integrated customer journey. We are confident Brendon will continue the growth momentum of Mercedes-Benz in this highly diverse and dynamic Indian luxury car market. We thank Lance for his immense contribution and wish them both, the very best in their respective new roles."

Brendon Sissing previously served as the Head of Mercedes-Benz Financial Services India, where he was instrumental in doubling the company's portfolio and achieving record profits. He is recognised for his strong advocacy of digital transformation and risk management, leveraging his expertise in credit risk to drive operational excellence. He has extensive experience within the Mercedes-Benz group, having worked with Mercedes-Benz Malaysia and Mercedes-Benz South Africa, leading Credit Operations in both markets. He also held roles in Credit Underwriting and Key Accounts at Daimler Mobility, Stuttgart, before joining Mercedes-Benz Financial Services India in 2022.

The German brand stated that under Sissing's leadership, Mercedes-Benz Financial Services India significantly enhanced customer journeys through integrated online and offline platforms. He is also noted for his passion for coaching and mentoring, fostering high-performing team environments. Sissing holds a B. Tech degree in Cost & Management Accounting from Technikon Pretoria, South Africa and a Diploma in Credit Management from the Institute of Credit Management. He is also a founding member of Mercedes-Benz Services Malaysia, established in 2012.

A South African national, Sissing has worked in various international locations, including Malaysia, South Africa, Germany and India.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Honda Cars India has launched a new variant of its popular mid-size sedan, the Honda City Sport, adding a dynamic and youthful edge to the City line-up. Priced at INR 1.48 million (ex-showroom, Delhi), the City Sport is positioned as a limited-edition offering designed to appeal to style-conscious, spirited drivers.

The new variant will be exclusively available with a CVT automatic transmission and is offered in three colour options — Radiant Red Metallic, Platinum White Pearl, and Meteoroid Gray Metallic.

Sporting a blacked-out exterior theme, the car features a Sporty Black Grille, Glossy Black Shark Fin Antenna, Trunk Lip Spoiler and multi-spoke grey alloy wheels. Inside, the cabin gets an all-black treatment with red stitching, leather seats and ambient lighting for a premium, performance-inspired feel.

Under the hood, it retains the 1.5L i-VTEC petrol engine, delivering 121 PS and 145 Nm of torque, with a claimed fuel efficiency of 18.4 kmpl. The model also comes equipped with Honda Sensing, the brand’s advanced driver assistance suite.

Kunal Behl, Vice-President, Marketing & Sales, Honda Cars India, said, “The new City Sport has been crafted to meet the aspirations of young buyers who value individuality and a spirited driving experience. It embodies a perfect blend of sporty exterior and interior style, fun to drive performance and the everyday usability that Honda City is known for, at a price that makes it even more compelling.”

The City Sport is being positioned as a limited-unit, exclusive edition for customers seeking distinction in both design and driving dynamics.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!