THE original crossover is back bigger and better than ever, shouts Subaru. So it is, thanks to an all-new design that provides progress in the areas of space, safety, refinement, efficiency and comfort. But some of the previous Outback’s design verve and premium feel have been mislaid, it seems, as the Japanese company attempts to lure bargain-hunting buyers in key markets like North America. The result is a case where the head loves what it is hearing, but the heart is not so sure about what the eyes are seeing. The latest Outback is a better drive, though, with the 2.5i Lineartronic CVT combination emerging as a real surprise.