Subaru Liberty 2.5X 2012 review

In its mind-boggling ability to multi-task, the latest Subaru is the automotive equivalent of a platypus. Made from parts of other models and sitting 50mm higher than its peers, the city-bred sedan with farming aspirations stands alone.

Perhaps not since the German Army in 1941 sat a Volkswagen Beetle body atop an all-wheel drive platform (Type 87 Kommandeurwagen) have we had his curious mix of an innocuous sedan with a serious off-road bent. But the Subaru Liberty X is more than a four-door skin with an Outback drivetrain.

At $44,490, it is a remarkable showcase of state-of-the-art safety systems and gives Australians access to a car that will avoid pedestrians, other cars and those infuriating moving bollards. It will seat five people, is at the pinnacle of automotive safety, is comfortable, relatively fuel efficient, loaded with features and even well built.

Explore the 2012 Subaru Liberty range

• Subaru Liberty 2012 review
• Subaru Liberty 2.5X 2012 review
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It can be all things to almost all men - and women - and though it's a combination of other car models, it is as bizarrely adaptable as Australian fauna and clearly would have been the automobile of choice of Charles Darwin.

VALUE

Affordable is the keyword here. The Liberty X is based on the top-line Liberty model but gets the high-riding suspension from the Outback wagon. It suits country folk, motorists with challenging driveways and owners who for some reason have less flexible bodies.

The X's extra seat height makes it easy to get in and out. Standard fare is impressive, starting with the Eyesight technology but adding 18-inch alloys, a superb McIntosh audio, sat-nav on a 200mm touch screen, electric front seats with heaters, leather upholstery and sunroof. It costs $44,490 for the 2.5-litre model but for more oomph, the 3.6-litre model is $55,990.

DESIGN

Subjectively, the latest Liberty isn't as pretty as its predecessor. But it is noticeably wider in the cabin and offers more rear-seat room. The extra 50mm ride height looks a bit strange but definitely makes access to the cabin much easier than the standard Liberty.

The dashboard is hard plastic but cleverly doesn't look low rent, while switch layout is good and the electric parkbrake is a boon. I'm disappointed there is no split-fold rear seat which would have better suited the car's do-anything role. Leather seats are nice but, again, cloth would be more durable.

TECHNOLOGY

Eyesight is Subaru's name for a camera and sonar-based radar system that detects objects in front of the moving car. Only Volvo has something similar. The system includes adaptive cruise control, lane-change monitor, lead vehicle start alert and an autonomous pre-collision braking system with emergency brake assist.

Brilliant. The 123kW/229Nm 2.5-litre flat-four engine is adequate and helped by a CVT auto - with paddle shifters - that doesn't have the horrible vices of some of Subaru's peers. The AWD system is constant, so it always has all wheels driven which is grippy on gravel roads and wet bitumen.

SAFETY

Eyesight (see Technology) tops the bill but there's more. The car has a five-star crash rating, seven airbags, auto wipers and lights, a reverse camera and wiper de-icers. The spare is a temporary tyre. 

DRIVING

It drives like any other Liberty around the city but corners and side winds make a subtle impact in the way the car holds the road. It's typical of a car with extra ground clearance and is the reason why some (expensive) SUVs have adjustable suspension that lowers the vehicle at high speeds.

There is a bit more body roll through corners and side winds buffet the car. The light steering feel is excellent for parking though the Liberty has quite a wide turning circle. Quietness and comfort are very good with low wind and tyre noise. The engine is adequate and some buyers may prefer the more sparkling 3.6 model for an extra $11,500.

Off the mark the 2.5 feels weak but has stronger mid and top-end delivery. The CVT auto displays its characteristic elastic-band engagement when accelerating but isn't as crude as some rival makes. The Liberty X is as accomplished in the dirt as its Outback sister.

The high 200mm ground clearance makes it tall enough to avoid dirt-road and track undulations and rocks while the long-travel suspension offers a cushy ride. It'll find its way down to the beach but is better in the company of a more traditional 4WD.

VERDICT

I like it. It has the style of a sedan (though not a particularly pretty one) and has an enviable go-anywhere ability, but undoubtedly its biggest feature is the Eyesight technology.