Toyota Camry Atara and Subaru Liberty Premium go head to head in this comparitive review.
VALUE from $39,990 |
VALUE from $40,990 |
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| If you think Toyota Camry's are boring - try this on for size. The price seems a bit rich for a Camry but the fit and finish is first class and the feature list is comprehensive. It could be European and in this sense, is so very close to the Liberty. Standard kit includes 10-speaker audio, leather, and rear vision camera. |
Strong brand loyalty and a reputation for safety and build quality still float Subaru's boat in Australia. The Liberty ensures the legend continues and though it's not cheap, it attracts buyers prepared to pay a premium. The Premium adds sat-nav, leather and sunroof - to a strong package. |
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 TECHNOLOGY |
 TECHNOLOGY |
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The engine is up to 2.5 litres from 2.4, so power increases but fuel consumption stays low. Better, the delivery is more linear than before. The six-speed auto is smooth and the paddle shifters are neat, but the electric steering's a bit dull. Ride and handling are very good. |
The 2.5-litre engine is not a new-generation design like the 2.0-litre in the Impreza. It could be more fuel-efficient, though the constantly variable transmission keeps the engine in its preferred high-torque, low-fuel consumption band. "Allwheel drive is all we do" is Subaru's mantra. |
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DESIGN |
DESIGN |
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| Evolutionary rather than innovative, the 2012 Camry is a maxi-Corolla that loses a lot of its fussy lines in its shuffle towards European styling. Clean and simple, it's more impressive than sister company Lexus. This should maximise its styling shelf-life to ensure strong resale. | Subaru has confronted fans with some challenging designs. The jury's out on this one. Compared to its svelte predecessor, the latest version is slab-sided and bulky. It's considerably bigger inside, especially in width, which makes life a lot more pleasant for the family. | ||||||||
 SAFETY |
SAFETY |
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Like the rest of the pack, the Camry comes with all the electronic nannies to overcome most of the driver's mistakes including blind-spot monitor and rear camera. It has seven airbags and a five-star crash rating. |
Subaru's big on this and the Liberty doesn't disappoint with five-star crash rating, all the accident avoidance electronics, seven airbags and a full-size spare. There's a lot of sheet metal around the passenger cell, as well. |
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DRIVING |
DRIVING |
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Quietness and smoothness are the most impressive traits. The bigger engine reduces the need to give it stick, so driving can be more relaxing. Handling is very good though the light steering can numb the experience through the bends. Supple ride comfort and extra bolstering in the driver's seat also help. |
All-wheel drive indicates a sporty bent but this car's more about grip for safety's sake. But it does hang on and it's only the vagaries of the CVT that anaethetise performance, especially through the corners. The steering is precise and the brakes really pull hard. It's a very confident and compliant drive. | ||||||||
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VERDICT
This is a very close call. Almost identical in performance, driving feel and equipment, each has its own appeal. For me, however, it's the Camry.
