Thanks for your prompt replies and comments / info steptoe, thunder039 & TOONGA.
Yes thunder039, thanks for the linked post and yes my problem sounds very similar to the issues explained in that post, except for the possible difference that my Outback is fine with the A/C off & almost un-driveable at low speeds with it on.
Will try to take one of their mechanics for a drive again to try & demonstrate the issue to their satisfaction to get something done.
Local Subaru service centre is in Wagga Wagga NSW (without putting a name out there), it is an ongoing issue trying to get them to recognise any problems being experienced with both Mazda & Subaru vehicles that we do / have owned even if we can clearly demonstrate them in a road test.
Clutch issue sort of makes sense to me I guess when thinking about it.
I have queried the service centre previously about a shudder in the clutch when engaging, and they said that it is normal operation of the dual mass flywheel so can anyone else confirm if this is normal in their experience? I know that clutch problems are a real issue in these outbacks and have read that a lot of people have had them replaced under warranty.
I am still interested in hearing from others and in particular other Outback diesel owners in regards to this throttle harshness / sensitivity issue when A/C is on and other issues (I have other problems which are still bothering me but less of a concern).
A little off topic to the above, anyone else find the gearing in these outbacks too tall? Makes hill starts etc a real battle and forces you to use more clutch to get up & going even with the hillstart assist etc.
They have probably made the gears taller for fuel efficiency but with an AWD which is likely to be off road you don't always want tall gears...
Anyone know if they have they changed the manual trans ratios in the newer models?
Recently there were a group of people testing the new outbacks with Auto Trans near to our area & I found the post here:
http://realcaradvices.blogspot.com.au/2 ... eview.html
I look forward to your replies.