Subaru Liberty to gain new engines | report

Subaru took the wraps off the new sixth-generation Liberty just last week, and there’s already talk of new engine options for the mid-size sedan in the near future.

The US-spec Legacy shown in Chicago featured almost-carryover 2.5-litre four and 3.6-litre six-cylinder boxer engines from the existing fifth-generation model, with minor efficiency tweaks and a CVT auto available with the six for the first time.

However, a report by Car and Driver suggests that a version of the 2.0-litre turbo four found in the Forester XT and new WRX will soon be added, and likely to replace the performance-focused 2.5-litre turbo GT for the Australian market.

The report also suggests the 3.6-litre six is set to be replaced by a smaller-capacity, yet more powerful unit within the next couple of years. Subaru are yet to release consumption figures for the CVT-equipped 3.6, but the existing five-speed auto paired version sips a relatively thirsty 10.3L/100.

Expect this figure to drop significantly with a new smaller engine, which is likely to embrace direct injection along with a CVT auto to rival the 9.3L/100km achieved by the Liberty’s Toyota Aurion and Nissan Altima V6 rivals.

The new engine is not expected to be ready for the new Liberty-based Outback’s debut at the New York motor show in April, with a debut in the Tribeca SUV’s replacement being more likely.

This reporter is on Twitter: @Mal_Flynn