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3 of 3 Premium Clicks used this month SUBSCRIBE Print + Online Subscriber Activation | Register x Forgot Password | Need an Account? e-edition | subscribe | newsletter | deals Home News Latest Stories Since You Asked: Mistletoe is probably what's up in the tree Court awards $1 million to Jackson County 6-year-old injured at birth Emergency Services, March 21 Talent father faces assault charges in alleged whipping Mt. Ashland Ski Area to host party March 28 Crime, Courts and Emergency Services Emergency Services, March 21 Talent father faces assault charges in alleged whipping Firefighters stop Gold Hill shed fire before it spreads Missing man found dead in forest in Applegate Lake area 'We tried to de-escalate it' Politics and Elections Arthur I. Cyr: Iran – a crisis without end Arthur I. Cyr: South Korea represents long-term triumph – for them and for US Special election: Jackson County voters OK marijuana tax Ex-Merkley aide chosen as Oregon secretary of state Ashland: Budget increase, swimming pool funding discussion on council agenda Education Eight vie for Medford School Board positions Proposed Medford textbook raises constitutional concern North Medford High School principal to retire in June Southern Oregon University's building boom adds up to $130 million South Medford, Ashland, St. Mary's students building video game Environment Mt. Ashland Ski Area to host party March 28 Controversial asphalt plant in Talent wins county planning approval Mt. Ashland hopes coming storm will reopen ski area Odd visitors found off Oregon Coast Forum explores data gathered in Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument State News Bend company's aim: Connect investors to Africa Brown proposes $1 billion in California drought spending Are they decorations or desecration? The Dalles Standoff: Suicide by smoke inhalation Officials urge meningitis shots at University of Oregon Nation - World Obituaries Cornelius John Meany Lewis Mark Applebaker Death Notices David Braden Frohnmayer Ray Houck Weather Photo Galleries Since You Asked Videos Web Cams Mail Tribune 100 Shareable Bank of America is predicting a massive Tesla collapse Sports Latest Stories Green Machine Tago nets game-winner, MVP for Siskiyous Panthers kick off year with win Corban takes two from Raiders No. 8 Ducks advance with victory Varsity 541 College Sports Corban takes two from Raiders No. 8 Ducks advance with victory Wiese, OSU top South Dakota State Young, UC Irvine fall just short of upset Despite critics aplenty, UCLA surprises SMU on rare 3-pointer Pro Sports Payton lifts Magic over Blazers Hoffmann goes on birdie run at Bay Hill Harden erupts for 50 in Rockets victory Djokovic reaches semifinals via walkover Grandma dies, then Hoffman takes lead Community Sports Business Latest Stories Blog: Three Cheers for Today! Test Drive: 2015 Subaru Outback Limited Silvio Calabi: 2015 Cherokee is a modern Jeep Oregon winemaking emerges as mighty agricultural force Rogue Disposal plans natural gas fueling site Real Estate News East McAndrews Road sees a resurgence in commercial projects Business briefs: March 7 New construction prices jump 18.2 percent in Jackson County People In Business People in Business: Feb. 28 People in Business Transportation Rogue Disposal plans natural gas fueling site Alaska, United Express boost Medford airport to record February CEO Rieder leaving Erickson March 31 Lodging gains bode well for travel industries Agriculture Harry & David announces new president Warm winter has fruit growers poised for action Briefcase: Business briefs for Feb. 21 Opinion Latest Letters to the Editor, March 21 Other Views: Dave Frohnmayer was a man of honor Matthew T. Mangino: When is a confession not a confession? Our View: Textbook authors' reasoning hard to fathom Letters to the Editor, March 20 Editorials Other Views: Dave Frohnmayer was a man of honor Our View: Textbook authors' reasoning hard to fathom Our View: White House public records move is less than sunny Our View: Where the wild things shouldn't be Our View: Keeping the light trained on government Letters to the Editor Letters to the Editor, March 21 Letters to the Editor, March 20 Letters to the Editor, March 19 Letters to the Editor, March 18 Letters to the Editor, March 17 Columns Matthew T. Mangino: When is a confession not a confession? Michael Gerson: Hillary Clinton's Nixonian path to office Arthur I. Cyr: Iran – a crisis without end Dana Milbank: GOP budget is one big gimmick George Will: Kasich waits in the wings Guest Opinions Guest Opinion: Central Point Cemetery needs work and city action Guest Opinion: Return to clearcutting is wrong approach for counties Guest Opinion: Plan a Hawthorne playground for all children Guest Opinion: There is nothing uniform about the Uniform Crime Report GUEST OPINION: Police, community should work to prevent profiling Lifestyle Latest stories Barbara Presnell: Why poetry? And why do it now? Get Out! March 20 calendar of things to do Looking Up: Looking for the zodiacal light Ocean salmon look plentiful off the Southern Oregon coast this year, but next year's a different story Wood bison to roam Alaska again Food Eat this, not that Peanut allergy breakthrough Eat your sprouts More fast food perils Pork perfection: Consider pork steaks instead of ham for the Easter dinner table Home and Garden Hello, honey: Invite bees for a lush garden Understand home inspection Dear Monty: Tips for checking out an existing septic system Garden Cameos: Now is the perfect time to spot wildflowers Paul Rogers: It’s time to assess the damage to yards Health Health Watch: 5 tips for seasonal allergy relief A better bedtime Studying stress Eat this, not that Peanut allergy breakthrough Hiking Biking Faith Religion briefs Religion News: Presbyterian Church gives approval on same-sex marriage Religion briefs: Friday, March 13 More religion events in the Rogue Valley Religion Briefs Milestones and Achievements Haga-Parks Exercise helps special-needs kids adjust to airport procedures Engagement: Workman-Wright Anniversary: Hofer Columnist for a Day Rogue Healthy Aging Tempo Latest stories Here's five top entertainment picks for the coming week Alt-rock band Key of Three is a contender this weekend at Rising Stars Improv rock and folk band hosts a dance party at the Ashland Community Center Andrew Lloyd Webber's lush musical 'Sunset Boulevard' opens at Camelot Theatre in Talent Review: 'Same Time' after all these years Theater Andrew Lloyd Webber's lush musical 'Sunset Boulevard' opens at Camelot Theatre in Talent Review: Thanks for the Memories pulls off challenging 'Anastasia' Review: 'Same Time' after all these years Randall Theatre presents playwright Bernard Slade's comedy Thanks for the Memories presents 'Anastasia' Music Live Music in Local Clubs Alt-rock band Key of Three is a contender this weekend at Rising Stars Improv rock and folk band hosts a dance party at the Ashland Community Center Kites & Crows, Ryan Marchand and Mercy Duo face-off this weekend at Rising Stars music competition in Jacksonville Rogue Valley Chorale presents 'A Festival of Choirs' at the Craterian Theatre Community Events Rogue Valley artist Linda Evans' pastel paintings capture landscapes of Southern Oregon Ashland Independent Film Festival announces this year's lineup OSF Hip-Hop Poetry Open Mic Ashland's First Friday Art Walk showcases new exhibits by regional artists Jesse Lawson and Joe Moxley host 'Barkeeper' Dining Jasmine Thai Cuisine Restaurant Inspections Agave offers gourmet tacos, tamales, ensaladas and more Serra storms Seattle Sakura Japanese Sushi Restaurant opens in new location Tempo Videos Classifieds Jobs Autos Real Estate FEATURED » Obits Blogs TV Listings Movie Listings Oregon Outdoors Oregon Healthy Living Magazines/Special Sections Business Services NEWS NOW Since You Asked: Mistletoe is probably what's up in the tree ... Court awards $1 million to Jackson County 6-year-old injured at birth ... Talent father faces assault charges in alleged whipping ... Since You Asked: Mistletoe is probably what's up in the tree ... Court awards $1 million to Jackson County 6-year-old injured at birth ... Talent father faces assault charges in alleged whipping ... Test Drive: 2015 Subaru Outback Limited By Greg Zyla More Content Now MailTribune.com By Greg Zyla More Content Now Posted Mar. 16, 2015 @ 7:43 am Updated Mar 16, 2015 at 7:44 AM By Greg Zyla More Content Now Posted Mar. 16, 2015 @ 7:43 am Updated Mar 16, 2015 at 7:44 AM » Social News p bs:newslist StartDate="20121121" EndDate="p bs:datecalc Months="3"" DateSort="1" UseObjects="1" ObjectClass="81" Taxonomywords="2325,665" ExactTaxonomyMatch="1" Image="1" Count="4" --> This week, we’re driving the new 2015 Subaru Outback Limited, powered by a powerful 3.6-liter “Boxer” six-cylinder engine and riding on 18-inch Bridgestone tires. Built on a slightly longer wheelbase than last year, this new generation is similar in footprint and mechanicals to the 2014 yet features notable upgrades from liquid filled engine mounts that ensure a quieter ride to more cargo room. Our tester is Subaru’s popular station wagon style, mid-size Outback that starts at just $24,895 and includes an economical Lineartronic CVT automatic transmission and the legendary Symmetrical all-wheel-drive. As noted in the past, Sir Malcolm Bricklin, he of Bricklin auto fame, is the person who brought Subaru to America in 1968, and it’s been a success story ever since. By 1972, Subaru offered 2WD and 4WD models, although a fully automatic 4x4 wasn‘t in the cards until 1987, dubbed “Fulltime AWD.” Then 10 years later, Subaru announced it would drop two-wheel drive configurations from all Subaru platforms to concentrate 100-percent on its AWD expertise. Since then, the manufacturer has never looked back and boasts perhaps one of the most loyal owner demographics in car ownership history. Because out tester came in top grade Limited form, only one option appeared on the price list and is included in the final $36,040 retail price (includes $850 delivery). The package features power moonroof, keyless entry, push button start and navigation. Other than this, our tester features just about every amenity Subaru offers as standard fare, including a top flight safety system with blind spot detection, lane change assist, rear cross traffic alert and electronic cruise control. Also notable are standard fare power driver seat with lumbar/memory; alloy wheels; special front fascia with HD headlamps; leather interior with wood trim; seven-inch touchscreen; 576-watt Harmon/Kardon 12 speaker stereo system with SiriusXM/HD/CD; MP3/WMA playback; iPod, USB, Homelink and Bluetooth. Your dealer will fully explain all features, from entry 2.5i to Limited including amenities that come standard on all Outbacks, like reclining rear seats, Active Torque Vectoring, eight cup holders and even steering wheel paddle shifters. Mechanically, Subaru Outback continues its Boxer engine development in both four and six cylinder designs. Additionally, the Boxer engine receives its nickname thanks to the unique crankshaft and piston rotating assembly featuring a side-to-side combustion cycle instead of a “V” or “inline-4” setup. (Porsche is the only other manufacturer to offer this technology.) The resulting piston “jab” punch sideways results in a smooth running engine and allows Subaru technicians to locate the engine much lower in the engine bay. This results in better center of gravity numbers and less body roll. The “Boxer Six” generates a powerful 256- horses and solid 20 city and 27 highway EPA numbers while the “Boxer Four” kicks in with 24 city and up to 33 highway EPA from 175 horses. I recommend testing both, as the more economical four-cylinder might be fine for your operating needs. Underneath, Outback features fully independent MacPherson strut front and double wishbone rear suspension. Other standard safety features include traction control, anti-lock four wheel discs, advanced airbags including side curtain, vehicle dynamic control and the aforementioned world famous Subaru Symmetrical AWD system. New for 2015 are front seat-cushion airbags that keep occupants in place during frontal collisions and brings the total airbag count to eight. Important numbers include a wheelbase of 108.1 inches (just .2 inches more than last year), 3,810 lb. curb weight, 35.5 to 73.3 cu. ft. of cargo space, 3,000 lb. tow capacity and an 18.5-gallon fuel tank. In summary, Subaru Outbacks are some of the best known AWD vehicles in the world. Its success is directly related to the millions of consumers who continue to purchase and, more importantly, purchase again Subaru vehicles. From economical Impreza, ($18,195 entry) to top line Outback, ($24,895 entry), these consumers know value when it stares them in the eye. And they’ll continue to do so in the years to come as Subaru has earned its stripes. 2015 Subaru Outback Limited Likes: More safety, powerful Boxer engine, AWD heritage. Dislikes: Option packages expensive, some safety features unavailable on entry 2,5i Outback, not much else. Entry price: $24,895 Price as tested: $36,040 Greg Zyla is a syndicated columnist. By Greg Zyla More Content Now MailTribune.com By Greg Zyla More Content Now Posted Mar. 16, 2015 @ 7:43 am Updated Mar 16, 2015 at 7:44 AM » Comment or view comments /* $( document ).ready(function() { // Jquery mobile is trying to style the button and leaving a blank gry button on top of a white button $("#viafouracoms .vf-comment-controls li.vf-right").html(' Submit '); });*/ » STAY INFORMED Email NewsLetter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. calendar Connect with MailTribune.com Facebook Twitter RSS Back to top Reader Services Reader Services Home Subscriptions Subscriber controls Contact us Submissions Photos Events Letters to the editor Corrections Announcements Obituaries Story ideas Since you asked Alerts Email Alerts RSS Feeds Text Alerts Advertise Media Kit Home Products and services Ad rates Advertising contacts Mail Tribune Daily Tidings The Nickel Shop Our Valley Blogs Stay Informed Email newsletter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. 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