Subaru Liberty 2007 review

It follows on the heels of the previous STI-tuned version of the car, which was unveiled towards the end of 2005.

That car was the last hurrah for the 2.0-litre engine which was discontinued after it no longer met emission regulations.

The model follows much the same formula, with power from a 2.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, cranked up from 184kW to 194kW and torque from 339Nm to 350Nm.

This compares with the 2.0-litre STI-tuned car that delivered a substantial 200kW of power and 343Nm of torque in manual form.

The increases in power and torque are small but do serve to set the car apart in the all important bragging stakes.

More apparent are the accompanying cosmetic changes to the car, including the highly desirable pink and white STI badges. There's also a deeper front air dam and a mean-looking set of four tailpipes.

Like the previous model, the Liberty GT, tuned by STI, is also available in sedan and wagon form with a choice of manual or automatic transmissions.

But this time around, one will cost you considerably more with prices starting from $65,990 $6500 more than the previous model. In comparison, a standard GT Spec.B manual will set you back $55,990.

You can take comfort, however, in the fact the cars command a higher resale value when it comes time to trade.

Our test vehicle was the manual sedan. It certainly looks the part with a wicked set of 12-spoke, 18-inch alloys, complete with eye-catching gold coloured brake calipers and expensive Pirelli P-Zero Rosso rubber.

The car rides a little lower, sitting on Bilstein dampers and STI-lowered springs, and has a firmer, sportier ride as a result.

Brembo stoppers are fitted to reduce brake fade and shorten stopping distances.

Inside, you get leather and an eight-way power adjustable driver's seat with two memory settings.

Being a GT it comes with the 14-speaker McIntosh sound system. A factory-fitted sunroof is standard.

We like the look of the car but question whether it's worth the extra money?

Although it wears an STI badge, the car should not be confused in any way with the WRX STI, which offers much higher levels of performance.

The performance gains over the standard GT Spec. B are marginal and the ride can be harsh at the best of times, which means most of the time.

However, there is no doubting the poise and balance of the car when pushed to the limit. Roll-on, straight-line acceleration is impressive and makes short work for overtaking.

The lower front air dam should come with a warning because it is prone to catching and scraping on driveways and in car parks.

Subaru persists with its intelligent drive concept. It means you can dial in sport, normal or economy modes through a centre console-mounted control knob. You can feel the difference, but the changes are really about Subaru looking for a point of difference to move its cars up market.