My Subaru Issue 01

my subaru 01
MY
SUBARU
ISSUE 01/2016
LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE FOR SUBARU ENTHUSIASTS
HISTORY
SUBARU IN AUSTRALIA
REVIEW
SUBARU XV
FREEDOM MACHINE
TECH TORQUE
ALL WHEEL DRIVE
EXPLAINED
WIN a Projecta solar panel kit valued at $1200

02 my subaru
INSIDE
ISSUE
ONE
REVIEW
02 Inside
03 Editor
04 Crew
05 News
06
06 History
10 Review
20
16 Gear
18 Competition
18 NEXT ISSUE
19 TRENDING
20 Snapshot
22 Tech Torque
05
EDITOR
Mike Pavey
CONTRIBUTOR
Paul Ewins
ART DIRECTOR
Anita Pavey
CONTACT
mike@thedirt4wd.com.au
0432 320 650
Cover photo Subaru Australia
My Subaru

REVIEW
my subaru
03
DITOR
Welcome to My Subaru, a lifestyleoutdoor
publication geared for
Subaru enthusiasts. Our goal
is simply to get out and have fun in our
vehicles, exploring bush trails and open
beaches, outdoor activities and great
places to just kick back and relax.
Murray Bridge Subaru have stepped
forward as our key sponsor, so if you are
in the market for a new Subaru, at least
in Adelaide, we recommend you check
them out.
Over the coming issues, we’ll have
a crack at some awesome outdoor
activities, discover scenic destinations,
play with some cool products and
explore the Subaru range. So whether
you are Subaru enthusiast or just love
getting out and about, My Subaru is the
channel for you.
And if you have a destination, a
lifestyle product, or an outdoor activity
you’d like us to investigate, drop us a
comment on our Facebook page
www.facebook.com/groups/MySubaru
and we’ll check it out.
Feel free to share the My Subaru eMag
with your friends. It’s FREE, loaded with
cool reading, some giveaways, and
minimal advertising. It doesn’t get
much better!
Mike Pavey
NEED
CAMPING
TO BE
LIGHT,
QUICK AND
EASY?
SEE PAGE 24
OFF ROAD
CAMPERS
@ ADELAIDE’S ADVENTURE CENTRAL
www.thedirt4wd.com.au

04 my subaru
CREW
Mike & Anita with
their other rig, a
4.2L Nissan Patrol
From only 240kg,
the Stockman
Products Kwik
Kampa 2 is the ideal
couples camper
for the Subaru SUV
range.
Pictures Joe Press
and Anita Pavey
REW
MIKE AND ANITA PAVEY
The driving force behind My Subaru is husband
and wife team Mike & Anita Pavey. The Paveys’
are well-travelled camping enthusiasts and
photo-journalists to some of Australia’s most
respected camping and 4×4 publications.
Of their many adventures, a big lap of
Australia in 2011/12 was by far the highlight;
a largely unsealed itinerary over 13 months
discovering some of Australia’s most beautiful
and remote destinations. Some of the highlights:
the giant karri forests of the south coast of WA;
the Pilbara’s deep red gorges ripped into the
landscape; the spectacular Cockburn ranges of
the Kimberley; the Savannah Way across the
Top End; the Simpson Desert and Cape York.
But even the more accessible national parks
along the WA and NSW coastlines rated highly,
with pockets of lush rain forest and tall timber
running virtually into the sea.
In 2014, they setup a business in the Adelaide
Hills called ‘The Dirt’, specialising in Australianmade
off road campers. Manufacturers
represented include Rhinomax Campers, Pod
Trailer and 3 Dog Camping.
On 1 September they’ll move into a new
showroom at 26 Light Crescent Mount Barker.
You can read more about them here:
www.thedirt4wd.com.au/about

NEWS
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05
In this issue we check
out some of the latest
concept vehicles previewed
at the Tokyo and Geneva
Motor Shows
XV CONCEPT
EWS
Subaru has unveiled a new XV concept vehicle
at the 2016 Geneva International Motor Show.
The concept builds on the current shape:
it’s longer (+70mm) and wider (+140mm) than
the current model, riding on a wheelbase of
2670mm (+35mm).
You can read more about it here:
www.subaru.com.au/news/subaru-xv-concept-debuts-geneva
VIZIV SUV CONCEPT
Subaru unveiled its VIZIV (Vision for Innovation)
SUV Concept vehicle at the Tokyo Motor Show
late last year. From the outside, it gives the
appearance of a compact, two door SUV, with a
people-mover inspired entry.
Adding to the EyeSight® system currently
available on Outback and Forester, driver assist
technology uses radar technology including
including adaptive cruise control, lane departure
warning and pre-collision braking to helps
avoid vehicles, obstacles and pedestrians,
even around corners. It also offers automatic
reversing.
Check out the My Subaru Facebook page for
links to the video previews.
Photos
Subaru Australia

06
my subaru
HISTORY
ISTORY
Small SUV’s now represent
the largest vehicle growth
sector. So what models have
shaped Subaru’s success in
this competitive market?
For many, Subaru launched the crossover
concept back in 1973 with the release of
the Subaru Wagon. It was initially seen as a
smart alternative to truck-like four-wheel drives,
offering car like handling with its smaller footprint,
yet still had the ability to engage all four wheels
at the flick of a lever.
The All-Wheel Drive platform introduced with
the Outback and Forester upped the ante,
offering improved levels of grip and safety with
fulltime all-wheel drive. And with improved
ground clearance to tackle mild off-road exploits
such as fire trails, the crossover concept
became a popular choice for those seeking a
lifestyle vehicle.
These days, the mainstays of the Subaru
crossover range include the XV, Forester and
Outback. Here’s a few of the critical milestones
that helped shape the company’s SUV success
in Australia.
1973 – The first Subaru All-Wheel Drive wagon
is released.
1977 – Two seater Brumby All-Wheel Drive Ute
joins the action.
1996 – Outback is released.
1997 – Forester is released.
1993 – Impreza is launched in Australia, later to
become the platform for the XV.
1993 – 2005 Success in the local & World Rally
Championships with the Legacy WRC and
Impreza WRX
Subaru becomes the first car company to
offer All-Wheel Drive as standard on every
model sold in Australia (including the non-SUV
variants).
2006 – Tribeca 7-seater SUV is released.
2007 – Subaru is awarded the maximum 5-star
ANCAP occupant safety rating across its entire
range.
2009-2010 – A diesel is introduced to the
Outback and Forester lines.
2012 – The XV compact SUV, based on the
Impreza is released.
Source: Subaru Australia

HISTORY
my subaru
07
THE ALL-WHEEL
DRIVE PLATFORM
INTRODUCED WITH THE
OUTBACK AND FORESTER
UPPED THE ANTE,
OFFERING IMPROVED
LEVELS OF GRIP AND
SAFETY WITH FULLTIME
ALL-WHEEL DRIVE
LEFT PAGE
1996 Outback
1997 Forester
1993 Impreza
2006 Tribeca
2012 XV
RIGHT PAGE
Advertising in the
1970’s for the
Subaru All-Wheel
Drive wagon and
two-seater Brumby
ute
2005 Cyprus Rally
Subaru Impreza
WRX STi
Photos
Petter Solberg and
Subaru Australia

08 my subaru
CHANGE GEARS
Murray Bridge Subaru
169 Adelaide Road,
Murray Bridge SA 5253
Call us today on (08) 8531 0044
murraybridgesubaru.com.au

CHANGE GEARS
my subaru
09
more in a new
Subaru
MURRAY BRIDGE SUBARU
We Deliver
Murray
Bridge

10
my subaru
REVIEW
REVIEW
FREEDOM
MACHINE
XV

REVIEW
my subaru
11
Photo The Fast Lane
Car, 2013 Subaru
Crosstrek 1st drive
and Off Road review
Youtube
BEYOND ITS
FUNKY GOOD
LOOKS, COMFORT AND
REFINEMENT, IT ADAPTS
WELL TO CHANGING
DRIVING CONDITIONS,
SUCH AS GREASY
ROADS OR EXPLORING
OFF THE BLACK TOP

12
my subaru
REVIEW
The pint-sized XV is the
smallest in Subaru’s SUV
range. Does it have what it
takes to mix with the best in
the busy small SUV segment?
Mike Pavey
It’s a surreal experience punting the XV
through a few greasy corners during our
Adelaide Hills test drive. Off the bat, it feels
assuringly composed, cornering tight and flat,
with minimal body roll; no doubt a combination
of good suspension tune and all-paw grip. And if
you’ve never driven a vehicle with a continuously
variable transmission (CVT), there’s another
surprise package – quiet and refined as it
seamlessly glides through the gears.
The XV is the smallest sibling in Subaru’s SUV
range, behind Forester and Outback, yet still
provides a relatively roomy cabin, with plenty of
rear seat legroom and space for two adults or
three kids at a pinch.
Pivotal to its ‘fun to drive’ tag, it scores Subaru’s
All-Wheel Drive architecture and a useful 220mm
ground clearance, increasing safety while adding
outdoor adventure DNA. And that’s where the
fun begins, exploring forest trails, snow plains or
twisty terrain.
Back behind the wheel of the XV, it’s a massive
contrast from our former shopping trolley
runabout, being quiet, comfortable and refined,
cossetted in the leather pews of the range
topping 2.0-S. Safety is one of many highlights
with no less than seven airbags, antilock brakes,
stability control and a host of complimentary
safety features. Subaru boasts the maximum
5-star ANCAP occupant rating across its entire
vehicle range, ensuring safety is no accident.
The XV is available in three models with plenty
of kit as standard, matched with quality finishes
and an upmarket feel. The range starts with the
2.0-i packaging all-wheel drive, a comprehensive
collision avoidance and protection package,
reversing camera, electric windows and mirrors,
17” alloy wheels, DATADOT security system,
cruise control, Bluetooth, infotainment system
with touch screen, steering wheel controls and
more ($26,490). Mid-level 2.0-L adds satellite
navigation, electric sunroof, rear privacy glass,
dual zone climate control, leather steering wheel
and gear shift, 6 speaker stereo and a 7” touch
screen ($29,990). The range topping 2.0-S
scores leather seating, 8-way electric driver’s
seat, heated front seats, sports pedals, Xenon
self-levelling low beam head lights and Smart
key with push button start ($32,790).

REVIEW
my subaru
13
RIGHT PAGE
Range-topping 2.0S
boasts heated,
electric leather
seats
Optional CVT auto
transmission
Fingertip controls all
close at hand
Split fold rear seats
improve storage
access for larger
items
A six speed manual is standard with optional
CVT transmission.
Subaru’s 2.0 litre horizontally opposed
4-cylinder Boxer engine puts the rubber to the
road and provides a good compromise between
power and economy producing 110kW/196Nm
of power and torque respectively. A recent quick
trip to Melbourne yielded an overall consumption
average of 7.5L/100, marginally above the
claimed economy of 7.0L, yet quite often
returning sub-six litre economy between stops.
Not bad considering its all-wheel drive platform.
With room to move elsewhere, space is limited
in the rear hatch area, a common outcome in the
compact SUV class, however the back seats fold
Photos carsguide.
com.au,
carproductstested.
com and Subaru
Australia
CONTINUED ON PAGE 14

14 my subaru
REVIEW
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 13
forward easily to reveal a useable cargo area.
Roof rails are standard and can accommodate
optional hardware to mount bikes, kayaks, a roof
basket or awning. And with an unbraked/braked
towing capacity of 650/1400kg respectively,
the XV is able to haul a small trailer or camper
without the addition of a transmission cooler.
Gear changing paddles on either side of the
steering wheel ramp up the fun factor a further
notch. As you tap back a gear or two, the
transmission will resume control when it senses
the need to. Alternatively, the full manual mode
keeps you in constant control. Under normal
driving conditions, little manual input is required,
as the smart electronics monitor the vital inputs,
to row down the gears and up again as required.
Overall, the XV is a sweet ride. Beyond its
funky good looks, comfort and refinement, it
adapts well to changing driving conditions, such
as greasy roads or exploring off the black top.
And it’s that added feeling of safety that takes it
to the next level.
We liked it so much, we bought one, so expect
to see a lot more of it in the coming issues!

REVIEW
my subaru
15
LEFT PAGE
The low-riding Boxer
engine keeps the
cabin well isolated
from vibration
RIGHT PAGE
Cargo cover
Driver controls
Spilt 60/40 rear
seats
Photos carsguide.
com.au,
carproductstested.
com and Subaru
Australia

16
my subaru
GEAR
EAR
STOCKMAN PRODUCTS
POD TRAILER
There’s only so much kit you can safely carry on
holidays these days. While compact cars have
done much to reduce running costs with their
diminutive sizes and efficient engines, it doesn’t
always bode well when it comes to carrying
capacity, particularly when you add a couple
of kids to the equation. It’s a similar scenario
with bigger vehicles, particularly when you
factor in the legal Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM);
the maximum wet weight including the vehicle,
passengers, accessories, fuel, and luggage.
Many vehicles simply stack their gear high on
the roof, imparting a significant centre of gravity
increase and a much bigger profile to punch
through the air.
The Stockman Products Pod Trailer provides
a unique solution to this problem by minimising
drag and the centre of gravity. And with
additional weight spread over another axle, it
prevents overshooting the GVM.
To maximise strength, but reduce weight,
the Pod tub and lid are manufactured from
6-8mm UV stabilised polyethylene, producing a
significant weight saving over a standard steel
trailer and eliminating any concerns of rust.
The foundation of the trailer is a hot dipped
galvanised steel chassis which is simply bolted
to the tub. With the entire package weighing
from as little as 200kg, they’re a doddle to tow
and without imparting a massive overhead on
your vehicle.
The lid pivots forward guided by twin gas struts
and a tailgate folds down for easy loading. Over
centre catches secure the lid in place, with a rubber
seal to minimise the ingress of dust and water.
Choose from three chassis’ – on road, leaf
spring off road and independent coil off road.
Optional roof bars add further storage potential
for a steel mesh basket, or modular hardware for
bikes, kayaks and other toys. An extensive range
of modular accessories extend the usage.
The Pod Trailer is manufactured wholly in
Australia using Australian steel and recycled
plastic (polyethylene). It is a well sorted package
being rugged but light in weight and wellregarded
by its owners, many of which have
dragged them to all corners of the country.
For further information on the Pod Trailer
www.podtrailer.com.au
SPECIFICATIONS
Manufacturer: Stockman Products
Model: Pod Trailer
Dimensions:
3300mm L x 1750mm W x 1300mm H
Internal measurements:
1820mm L x 1200mm W x 650mm H
Weight: from 200kg
Suspension: Six leaf slipper springs
(off-road options available)
Payload: up to 550kg
Price: From $3,995 plus on-road costs

GEAR
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17
SPECIFICATIONS
Manufacturer:
Projecta
Model: SPM180K
Size packed:
360mm x 500mm
Weight: 8.3kg
Peak power: 11A
Accessories: inbuilt
solar controller,
panel support legs,
canvas bag, 5m lead
and battery clips.
Price: $1,200 (RRP)
Photo Pod Trailer,
Joe Press, Anita
Pavey and Projecta
PROJECTA 180W
SOLAR PANEL
When it comes to solar panels, bigger is better
with larger panels throwing more amps into your
batteries, getting them to full capacity much
quicker. A larger panel also compensates for
less than perfect conditions.
Historically the main barriers to upsizing
a solar panel kit was cost and bulk, with an
average 120W suitcase style panel weighing
around 15kg and measuring about 1m2.
The Projecta SPM180K solar panel kit (180W)
is much more portable. It uses a light-weight
frameless design, with each scratch-resistant
monocrystalline panel mounted on a fibreglass
sheet with a tough canvas backing. The panels
simply fold back on each other and wrap up into
a laptop-size bag weighing a smidge over 8kg.
New for this release, the panel features an
on-board solar controller with a multi-stage
charger. Users can select the appropriate battery
type (wet, AGM, gel and calcium) and an LCD
readout shows the current amperage output of
the panel and total amps generated per use.
Supporting legs and hardware help align the
panels to the sun and are tucked into a pocket
on the bag after use preventing accidental loss.
Claimed output is 11A.
For further information on any Projecta
equipment products www.projecta.com.au
Check out our competition page for details on
how to win this awesome solar panel kit valued
at $1200!

18 my subaru
COMPETITION | NEXT ISSUE
WIN
PROJECTA
180W
SOLAR
PANEL
COMPETITON
Thanks to our mates
at Projecta, we have
a SPM180K foldable
solar panel to give
away to one lucky
reader.
HOW TO ENTER
Like OUR PAGE
www.facebook.com/groups/MySubaru
Share the eMag
post ON YOUR
FACEBOOK PAGE
And tag a
mate WHO
OWNS a Subaru
For Terms and
Conditions see
our website
EXT ISSUE
We tackle
kayak fishing,
discover
idyllic
camping spots
along the
Murray River
and sip some
of Adelaide’s
most awarded
craft beers

TRENDING
my subaru
19
RENDING
Here’s a few Subaru owners
that caught our attention.
If you have a Subaru you’d
like to show off to the
world, put your photo on the
‘My Subaru’ Facebook page
and we’ll be in touch with a
few interview questions
www.facebook.com/groups/MySubaru
Subaru XV / Crosstrek
Anthony Maillis
Our type of winter, sun, sand and sea.
We LOVE our XV!
The Bahamas
Eric M Gibson
Our first camping trip with her!
Tatlanika Alaska.
Murray Bridge Subaru
Congratulations Kerry!!!! on the purchase of
your New Subaru XV, from all the team here at
Murray Bridge Subaru.
What a great day out on the track with the 2016
SA Murray Bridge Masters Games Cycling
Event. Proudly supported by Murray Bridge
Subaru.

20 my subaru
SNAPSHOT
NAPSHOT

SNAPSHOT
my subaru
21
Anita Pavey
Town of 1770
Agnes Water, Qld
Canon EOS 550D
10-22mm
ISO 800
f7.1
1/50th second

22
my subaru
ECH
TORQUE
Mike Pavey
TECH TORQUE
Subaru’s All-Wheel Drive
System is a class leader.
We’ve scoured YouTube to
come up with the best clips
to demonstrate why
As the name suggests, All Wheel Drive (AWD)
is the ability to direct power to all four wheels
to improve cornering and straight line
stability, particularly in conditions of limited traction
such as rain, snow, gravel and mud.
There are a number of different systems
available on the market. Some manufacturers
use a system that operates in two-wheel drive
(2WD), only engaging the other wheels when
slip is detected, which is often too little too late.
Other systems claim to offer full time 4WD yet
fail to deliver traction when it counts. So
despite the SUV designation, not all systems
are created equal.
In comparison, Subaru uses a constant
AWD system which applies power to all four
wheels, all of the time. It is a system that was
introduced with the Outback and Forester back
in 1996/97. When one wheel starts to slip, power
is redirected to those wheels with grip. Traction
control also contributes by braking the wheels
without traction to aid in forward progress.
The best way of demonstrating this process
is through video. The pedigree of the Subaru
system has been well documented and there
is no shortage of YouTube clips that
demonstrates this.
We’ve selected the following examples, but
you’ll find others of interest in your own searches.
https://youtu.be/wX1VezHjzQ0 A real-world
comparison of all-wheel drive systems from
various manufacturers on a dyno ramp. All
wheels except for the right rear are on rollers to
represent the loss of traction, such as driving
on ice. If the all-wheel drive system is working
as per design, the traction from the right wheel
should be sufficient to pull it through.
https://youtu.be/0_MXK2nzt2Y A similar field
test performed on a sharp gravel incline with
low grip.
https://youtu.be/BWdQqMRdTrs A comparison
between a Subaru XV and a Land Rover
Defender. While not a direct comparison,
it highlights the differences between the
Subaru’s car-like platform to the truck-like SUV
underpinnings of the Landy.
https://youtu.be/MsgzOnkDqlc Playing in the
dirt in a Subaru XV.

TECH TORQUE
my subaru
23
A Subaru Forester
is put to the test
Subaru has
delivered an AWD
system with an
emphasis on
improved safety
in all driving
conditions, a
strategy that
contributed to its
maximum 5-star
ANCAP occupant
safety rating across
its entire range in
2007, making them
one of the safest
cars on the market
Photos http://
paultan.org/ ,
Subaru Australia
ALL-WHEEL
D R I V E ( A W D )
IS THE ABILITY TO
DIRECT POWER TO
ALL FOUR WHEELS TO
IMPROVE CORNERING
AND STRAIGHT LINE
STABILITY, PARTICULARLY
IN CONDITIONS OF
LIMITED TRACTION
SUCH AS RAIN,
S N O W , G R A V E L
AND MUD

• TRAILERS FROM •
24
my subaru
PUT YOURSELF
IN THE PICTURE
WINDJANA GORGE NP
PHOTO BY ANITA PAVEY
5
• QUICK SET UP TIME •
hassle free camping
MINUTES
made from UV stabalised plastic200
KILOGRAMS
LIGHT, QUICK AND EASY SETUP
OFF ROAD
CAMPERS
@ ADELAIDE’S ADVENTURE CENTRAL
www.thedirt4wd.com.au