Subaru Liberty News

1233 Foresters, Imprezas, WRX, WRX STi, Liberty GT sedans and wagons locally are potentially affected, Subaru Australia spokesman David Rowley says.The cars were manufactured between January 8 and April 5.Rowley says there have been no reported incidents with the turbo engines in Australia. However, Fuji Heavy Industries, the manufacturer of Subaru vehicles, has temporarily suspended the production and sale of all 2.5-litre four-cylinder turbocharged engines built between the notified dates.Cars affected are the Forester XT, chassis number 002070 onwards; Impreza WRX and WRX STI, chassis number 015006 onwards; Liberty GT sedan, chassis number 038385 onwards; and Liberty GT wagon, chassis number 068148 onwards. Cars fitted with any other engines are not affected.Concerned customers can contact Subaru customer relations immediately on 1800226643. 

We collectively bought more than 82,000 vehicles last month, close enough to a 7 per cent rise over January 2007.Looking at it another way, contracts on 213 vehicles were signed for each of the 25 selling days in the month. That's a record over last year, which in itself was a record over 2006.Toyota remains king of the sales heap and the big movers were the small, medium and SUV sectors. Sales of large cars continued to plummet, which must be a worry to Ford as it prepares to launch its new Falcon.Mitsubishi, which is pulling out of manufacturing here, finished a distant sixth in the sales race, with Honda and Mazda both outselling the former car giant. So, according the industry statistician facts, who were the winners?Toyota's Yaris dominated the cheap and cheerful light market, with the Mazda2 and Honda Jazz also popular with buyers.The hotly contested small car market continues to be a bloody battleground. Toyota's Corolla was streets ahead of its opposition but the real fight was for the crumbs, with the Mazda3, Ford Focus and Honda Civic all doing well.The mid-sized market, which has been quiet, is picking up pace as buyers downsize. Most went for the Toyota Camry ahead of the Mazda6, with Subaru's Liberty a distant third.The large car market was a disaster for the local players. The Commodore was the best seller but it, along with the Falcon, Mitsubishi 380, Honda Accord and Hyundai Grandeur, lost ground.The star performer was Toyota's Aurion, which outsold the Falcon.Of the rest of the new car fleet, Honda's Odyssey beat the cheaper Kia Carnival in the people mover market, while the big surprise was in the SUV sector where Honda's CR-V outsold the Subaru Forester, Toyota's RAV 4 and recently launched Nissan X-Trail.The sales stats throw up some interesting facts and figures.Private buyers are taking a big liking to diesel engines (sales are up 82 per cent but still a low volume), while vehicles running on LPG are out of favour (down 64 per cent). Hybrid models enjoyed 11 per cent growth.And just to show how global the industry has become, last month we bought vehicles made in 23 countries. While most cars still come from Japan, there were models from the Czech Republic, Indonesia, Mexico, Poland, Portugal, Spain and Turkey. 

The world's first common-rail, horizontally opposed turbodiesel has just arrived in Europe in the Liberty and Outback. In Europe diesel is cheaper and demand for diesel-powered cars is high. In the UK

Expected high demand for the new turbodiesel Subaru engine in Europe has effectively ruled it out of the Australian market this year.The world's first common-rail, horizontally opposed turbodiesel has just arrived in Europe in the Liberty and Outback. In Europe diesel is cheaper and demand for diesel-powered cars is high.In the UK, diesel Libertys and Outbacks are expected to account for about 80 per cent of sales.The new Forester receives the engine in September and Impreza three months later.Subaru Australia had initially hoped to get the diesel into the Forester when it's launched in March. Now this is unlikely, according to spokesman David Rowley.However, the redesigned Outback and Liberty due next year are tipped to have the engine. The 2.0-litre TD Subbie engine develops 110kW at 3600 revs and 350Nm at 1800 revs.Subaru set out to make the common-rail engine exceptionally smooth, quiet and refined.It is similar in size to the 2.0-litre petrol engine.Like its petrol cousins, the turbodiesel sits low in the engine bay, providing a low centre of gravity.The company says the Liberty TD will hit 100km/h in 8.5 seconds and has a top of 202km/h. The Outback takes 8.8 seconds to reach 100km/h and has a fractionally slower top of 199km/h.The engine is Subaru's first diesel developed in-house after more than 40-years expertise in boxer engine technology.Compared with Subaru's 2.0-litre petrol engine, the 2.0-litre diesel has a 11mm longer stroke and 6mm smaller bore for a capacity of 1998cc versus 1994cc.Thanks to a bore pitch shortened from 113mm to 98.4mm, the overall engine block length is only 353.5mm, compared with 414.8mm in the petrol engine. The block is made of an extremely rigid design, and all five main bearings in the alloy cylinder block use metal composite supports for strength and durability.The diesel has liquid engine mounts, with the body benefiting from extra soundproofing. The five-speed manual gearbox has higher ratios to suit the diesel's stronger torque and lower engine speed.The variable-vane turbocharger is mounted under the engine for low centre of gravity, and a fast-warm catalytic converter is also mounted under the engine.The power-steering is electric, to improve fuel economy, yet is tuned for strong feel and response.The front spring rates and front brakes have been beefed up to cope with the extra weight.Even the airconditioning unit has been modified to provide hot air earlier in the engine's warm-up cycle.Visually, the Liberty and Outback diesels share the same bonnet scoop as the turbocharged petrol models.The Liberty TD will hit 100km/h IN 8.5 seconds and has a top of 202km/h. 

The National Motor Vehicle Theft Reduction Council (NMVTRC) yesterday revealed motor theft would become harder with the use of personal scanning, impact-resistant windows and automatic deadlocking doors.The council previewed a 3D virtual car featuring security innovations to be introduced in five to 10 years. Features of the future included an improved identification system, a satellite global-tracking system and a centrally monitored two-way communications system, including an interior camera and panic alert.Motor theft across Australia is down to a record low of 62,000 vehicles a year. NSW theft rates have dropped from 47,338 five years ago to 26,891 this year.NMVTRC executive director Ray Carroll yesterday called on motorists to be more aware of security features when buying a new car and urged car manufacturers to lift their game.The NMVTRC also unveiled the nine most secure cars in Australia.Among these were the Volkswagen Polo, Citroen C2, the Subaru Liberty 2.0R and the Mitsubishi 380.Do you think all new cars should have smart access system as a standard feature?

A Subdued Subaru is about to start making some noise with more power and a range of new models to be introduced over the next year.In Australia, the 2008 Liberty and Outback models will arrive with beefier engines and extra safety features.They will be followed by the launch of the new Impreza later this month, then a facelifted Tribeca luxury SUV with a more efficient 3.6-litre boxer engine and five-speed auto, and a new Forester in March.Subaru Australia managing director Nick Senior said “It has been relatively quiet for us on the model front, but the avalanche is here.”Subaru will also launch a new model blitz at next month's Frankfurt Motor Show.Leading the line-up is the new Impreza five-door hatchback, an Impreza-based World Rally Car Concept, new Justy one-litre supermini and a horizontally opposed boxer turbo-diesel engine, due to be progressively installed in models from early next year.Subaru Australia corporate affairs manager David Rowley said there were “no firm dates on diesel yet”.“We understand Europe will be the initial focus,” he said.The new Liberty and Outback, on sale now, look the same from the outside, but feature new engine technology, safety features and new prices.While the entry-level $31,990 Liberty 2.0R has gone and the new entry level is the Liberty 2.5i at $32,490, that price is down from $34,990.The automatic entry-level 2.5i is also down $2000 to $34,990.“The 2.0R was replaced in line with customer preference for the larger engine in an entry-level Liberty,” Rowley said.Senior also points out that these vehicles now have more power and features.Power in the Liberty and Outback 2.5 litre normally aspirated engine is up 5 per cent to 127Kw at 6000rpm.On the safety front, Outback 2.5i and 3.0R now get curtain airbags to complete this feature throughout the Liberty and Outback ranges, and Vehicle Dynamics Control is now standard on all Sportshift automatic 2.5-litre Liberty and Outback models.Also new to Liberty is a Heritage variant that adds rear privacy glass, black leather trim, eight-way adjustable power driver's seat and sunroof.Liberty 2.5i Premium adds a McIntosh audio system with six-stack in-dash CD and 14 speakers and self-levelling bi-Xenon headlights with pop-up washers at an extra $1300.Of the 22 Liberty variants, four are new, 10 are the same price as superseded models, three have decreased up to 7.1 per cent in price and five have increased, while adding features. 

With the local car industry now at the halfway point in the 2007 sales race, it is easy to see who's winning and who's losing.Toyota is basking in the glory of not only being No.1, but also cementing its sales lead so convincingly that — barring a catastrophe — it will take out the sales crown this year.The Altona-based Japanese company is 40,404 vehicles clear of its nearest rival, Holden. It is also relishing the positive spin of the Corolla knocking off the Holden Commodore last month.But apart from Toyota, other players are also revelling in the good times.Of the importers, Mazda, Subaru, Suzuki and Peugeot managed strong June sales.Mazda sold 6932 cars, with the Mazda3 being the strongest seller on 3037.The company experienced the biggest market share gain of any importer.Its record half-yearly result is 20.3 per cent up on the same time last year, lifting market share from 6.7 per cent in 2006 to 7.5 per cent, a gain of 0.7 percentage points.Subaru's tally was 4085 for the month, with the Forester, Impreza and Liberty all breaking through 1000 sales.Suzuki, like many importers, was buoyed by keen end-of-financial year deals.It sold 2368 cars for the month, bringing its year-to-date tally to 10,910 vehicles, a 43 per cent lift over last year.Of the French, an ever-expanding Peugeot line-up continues to bolster sales, but Renault flops around due to a lack of new product.Peugeot sold 1016 vehicles last month, bringing its year-to-date run-rate to 4549, a 13 per cent lift over last year. The 307 continues to be Peugeot's best seller.By contrast, Renault has a year-to-date total of 1431 vehicles, 32 cars fewer than last year.Even Saab experienced some solid growth, albeit off a low base, as the 9-3 turbodiesel helped lift the marque's appeal.Saab sold 336 cars last month, its best month for 10 years, taking its year-to-date tally to 1148, a 170 per cent lift over last year.The X-Trail, Tiida and Navara continue to drive Nissan sales. The Japanese importer sold 5845 vehicles last month with 31,176 year-to-date, a 20 per cent lift over last year.The Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries monthly Vfacts figures show that most of the extra volume last month was generated by the light, small and medium car segments.A breakdown of large car sales shows that Holden sold 5588 Commodores last month, Ford 3206 Falcons, Toyota 2626 Aurions and Mitsubishi just 877 380 V6s.All three were eclipsed by the new four-cylinder Corolla, which secured 5890 sales.But a finer look at the figures shows that much of the Corolla's success was down to fleet purchases and pent-up demand for the new car, which spiked figures.But a sale is a sale. Holden's own figures point out that 29 per cent of VE Commodores are bought by private buyers, as opposed to 18.6 per cent for the VT Commodore.Apart from the Corolla, other small car stars were the Mitsubishi Lancer with 2143 sales, Holden Astra 1763 and Ford Focus 1550.Of the tiddlers, Toyota again ruled last month. The Yaris managed 2926 sales against 2486 for the Hyundai Getz, 1361 for the Kia Rio, 1351 for the Suzuki Swift and 1392 for the Honda Jazz.Despite the dominance of the light, small and medium segments, large cars were up 3.7 per cent in June and, in year-to-date terms, are running 5.1 per cent ahead of last year.However, Ford's overall market share has slipped 2 per cent and Holden's by almost 1 per cent, despite its Korean strategy, which was hoping to deliver an increased share.Mitsubishi is a bit stronger, experiencing a 0.6 per cent overall drop in share and, despite Toyota's increasing sales, its share has increased by only about 0.6 per cent.One of the more interesting results was for the Ford Fairlane.Ford sold 149 Fairlanes, bolstered by the news that the long-wheelbase sedan will be axed at the end of the year.Dealers are also reporting a slight pick-up in interest for the car from fleets.Overall, the year-to-date sales figure of 524,376 means that a record 1 million market is likely by December.   Top 10 makes  1 Toyota 24,5392 Holden 14,2563 Ford 10,3044 Mitsubishi 81945 Mazda 69326 Nissan 58457 Honda 57508 Hyundai 50239 Subaru 408510 Volkswagen 2848 Top 10 models1 Toyota Corolla 58902 Holden Commodore 55883 Toyota HiLux 42494 Ford Falcon 32065 Mazda3 30376 Toyota Yaris 29267 Toyota Camry 26458 Toyota Aurion 26269 Hyundai Getz 248610 Mitsubishi Lancer 2143 

Only 300 models of the Liberty GT Spec B with STI tuning are available in Australia at an extra $10,000 to the normal Spec B price tag.Starting at $65,990 for the manual and automatic sedans, the STI-enhanced model produces an extra 10kW of power and 11Nm of torque through the upgraded ECU. It will also be available in a wagon variant for an extra $2000.With STI tuning, the limited model has firmer, sportier ride with better handling, better turbo response and a sportier sound, as well as improved grip."This is the second tuned-by-STI Liberty we've had," says Subaru spokeswoman Alicia Cannon. "With the MY07 model we expect it to sell very well, with a good customer response to locally tuned variants."Tweaked features include Bilstein sports-tuned dampers matched to STI lowered springs, the two STI twin-tip sports mufflers, Pillow-ball bush suspension components and Brembo performance brake upgrade. It sits on 18-inch lightweight alloy wheels and changes have been made to both transmissions with the manual featuring a six-speed STI short shift gear lever and the automatic given a sportier response.All models feature front lip spoiler and STI badging and the sedan gets an STI boot spoiler.

Nick Adamidis, national sales and marketing manager for automotive research company Glass's Information Service, says people are being forced to sell their cars cheaply."The new-car market has been booming for the past few years and as a result there's an oversupply in the market place, which means that used cars are not necessarily bringing the prices people believe they are worth," he said."The price of fuel has had a big effect on cars with V8 engines, for example, which are depreciating faster than other vehicles as people try to get rid of them."People now expect a discount if they are buying a V8, because of their petrol usage."In 2000, a three-year-old V6-engined Holden Commodore Executive sedan could be bought for just over 50 per cent of its original purchase price, but today buyers have to pay only 44 per cent of the original price.Mr Adamidis said drops in tariffs on imported vehicles were also driving prices down."It affects the whole market, because if the makers of imported vehicles drop their price by $2000 or $3000 then the local makers have to drop their prices as well to stay competitive," he said."It's a great time to be buying a used car — it's a buyers' market."But we've still got a fair way to go. In the US and the UK, where the markets are more free, the average car, after three years, is worth 30 per cent of the original purchase price."In Australia, the average is 45 per cent, but we're heading in that direction and we'll get there in the next five to seven years."The drop in used-car prices has also been noted by the NSW Department of Commerce, which manages the Government's fleet.A department spokeswoman said State Fleet had tracked a downward trend in the prices it was getting for its used vehicles.Large, locally manufactured cars have had the biggest drop with much less in the small car segment. The drop in prices was spurring sales, however, with clearance rates at government auctions over the past two weeks of 99 per cent and 94 per cent, respectively.David Smith, senior manager of divisional services for the Motor Traders' Association of NSW, said prices would continue to fall."Some of the less fuel-efficient cars are definitely feeling it, but small cars are holding their value fairly well," he said."That's a reflection of the new-car market, because a lot of people are buying smaller cars and a lot of them are being traded in."He said that used-car dealers were the ones being squeezed by the price falls."There are a lot of dealers out there who are doing it tough," Mr Smith added. BEST VALUE RETAINED*SmallSubaru Impreza ............. 62%Mini Cooper .................. 61%Mitsubishi Lancer .......... 59% MediumSubaru Liberty .............. 58%Mazda 6 ....................... 55%Honda Accord ............... 53% LargeToyota Camry(4cyl) ....... 45%Toyota Aurion ............... 42%Ford Falcon LPG ........... 42% 4WDNissan X-Trail ................ 64%Subaru Forester ............ 63%BMW X3 ....................... 61% WORST VALUE RETAINEDSmallKia Rio ......................... 38%Suzuki Swift ................. 38%Proton Savvy ................. 38% MediumKia Optima ................... 37%Kia Magentis ................ 37%Hyundai Grandeur ......... 37% LargeNissan Maxima ............. 37%Ford Fairmont ............... 34%Ford Falcon .................. 32% 4WDLand Rover Freelander ... 42%Land Rover Discovery .... 40%Ssangyong Musso ........ 40%* Based on wholesale prices of three-year-old vehicles in average condition.

Alfa Romeo stepped up straight after the Peugeot unveiling of a woman, I mean a car. A 207 apparently.