A NEW Subaru Outback is due for release in the UK by the end of May and will be priced from £33,995.

The sixth generation of the pumped-up version of Subaru's practical estate has more technology onboard and sits on the Japanese car maker's new global platform.

Performance details are still to be announced but Subaru says the latest Outback will be powered by a 2.5-llitre Boxer engine mated to an upgraded Lineartronic continuously variable transmission.

As before, the car is all-wheel-drive and comes with SUV-like body protection as well as off-road drive modes for snow and muddy conditions as well as hill descent control.

The Outback has become Subaru's flagship model and the new version has an upgraded version of the company's EyeSight driver assistance system which now includes facial monitoring to gauge a driver's attention as well as memorising vehicle preferences for up to five users.

Other features include adaptive cruise control, lane departure controls and speed sign recognition.

A new-look interior includes an 11.6-inch vertical touchscreen in the centre of the dash while minimum boot space is 522 litres. The car has a two-tonne towing limit and ground clearance of 213mm.

Three trim levels will be available with mid-range versions costing from £37,995 and high specification Touring models priced from £39,495.