Subaru Reviews

June 30 is D-Day. The end of the financial year is the best time to buy a new car because there are always special deals in showrooms. As carmakers and dealers aim to clear their outdated stock, Toyota uses a June push to cement its showroom leadership. Some of the special deals are on cars that have done demonstrator duty, or were built in 2012, or are just not selling as well as expected. So they're not the tastiest fruit in the bowl.But there is great buying across the board as demand for new cars fuels one of the longest growth periods in motoring. The bottom line is that you can save money -- and lots of it. So here's a look at the June sales, with Carsguide's assessment of the best deals on wheels.CITROENThe new importer is pushing hard so the Aircross SUV starts at $31,990 drive-away front-wheel drive or $33,990 with AWD, a saving of $3800. There's $5000 off the C4 Seduction turbo diesel auto hatch at $25,990. Carsguide says: The Aircross isn't great, but the C4 discount is tasty.FORDThe death notice for the Falcon and Territory has not helped buyer confidence but a 2.9 per cent finance push on Fiesta and Focus still looks good. The superseded Kuga SUV from $31,990 drive-away is a $10,000 saving. You can save about $3000 on a 2012 Escape SUV from $27,990 drive-away.The Territory gets a $6500 tickle, the TX seven-seater at $38,490 drive-away (third-row seat usually costs $2500). The impressive Mondeo liftback starts at $29,990. Good buying on Falcons, thanks to the arrival of the VF Commodore, from $33,990 and better if you haggle.HOLDENAs the VF Commodore creates queues, the outgoing Z-Series starts at $34,990 with five years' warranty and roadside assist. That also applies to the SV6 at $35,990 and the Cruze SRi and SRi-V at $23,490 and $26,990. Last year's Barina CD hatches are $15,990 drive-away with a sunroof. The Colorado is $39,990. Hard to see past the excellent Cruze SRi.HONDAClipped prices and free on-roads. The City VTi sedan is $17,990 and the (slightly) more lavish VTi-L automatic version starts at $21,990. The bigger Civic sedan is being cleared from $21,990. Free auto on the Jazz VTi at $19,990. The Civic is worth a look at $2500 off.KIAFree on-roads, discounts and $1000 gift vouchers on many models. A five-door Rio S is about $3K off at $15,990 drive-away with a $500 gift card; the three-door Rio is $14,990 and the five-door Si is $18,990. Runout Cerato TD sedans start at $17,990 for the S, saving about $5000, the Si sedan is $23,990 and hatch at $17,990. All get a $1000 gift card. Cerato SLi and SLS have drive-away pricing but miss the gift card. All Optimas have free on-roads. A 2012-build Optima Platinum is $37,990, saving about $4000 with a $1000 gift card. Most Sportage SUVs include on-roads and a $1000 gift card. Carnival and superseded Rondo pricing is drive-away. The Sportage diesel and Optima are top-notch.MITSUBISHIThe manual Lancer gets an old-school value pack on the Special Action Model for $19,990 drive-away. The Mirage is $12,990 drive-away for the ES manual, with a $500 cash-back that also applies to the auto.Driveaway prices also for the compact ASX at $24,990 for the 2WD manual, the Outlander LS 2WD auto at $29,990, Pajero GLX-R auto at $54,990 or $59,990 for VRX. Both come plus $3000 cash-back, saving about $6000.The Triton ute is now tackling Great Wall from China at $19,990 drive-away for a GL single-cab 2WD with alloy tray, or add luxury for a GLX dual-cab 4WD diesel at $31,990 drive-away with $2000 cash-back, saving about $14,000. The utes look good at those prices.NISSANA 2.9 per cent finance package, with agreed value after three years, makes the Pulsar ST sedan look good at $49 a week or $19,990 drive-away. The X-Trail ST 2WD petrol manual cops a $4000 reduction to $25,990 drive-away, while the Navara RX 4WD dual-cab manual is cheaper than ever with a $9500 cut to $30,990 drive-away. The Pulsar sedan deal is attractive.OPELThere are drive-away deals across the range. The basic Corsa is down by about $2500 to $16,990 drive-away, the Astra is from $22,990 drive-away for the 1.4-litre turbo petrol hatch with three years of free servicing, saving about $5500. The top-line Insignia sedan is from $39,990 drive-away with heated leather seats. The Astra is easily best of this breed.PEUGEOTFree on-roads at Peugeot on most models but not the cool new 208. The 4008 SUV cops a $1500 saving from $29,990 drive-away and there are deals on the outgoing 4007. Nothing to see here.RENAULTA Koleos from $26,990 drive-away looks even better with interest-free finance. The Megane hatch is from $22,990 drive-away with finance pegged at 1.9 per cent. The slow-selling Fluence and Latitude sedans are available with 2.9 per cent finance. The Megane CC convertible goes from $43,990 including on-roads. The sporty Clio RS is from $34,990 drive-away and the hotrod Megane RS has 2.9 per cent finance.Commercial deals start with the short-wheelbase Kangoo petrol manual with dual sliding doors from $20,990 drive-away, moving up to the Trafic short-wheelbase manual for $29,990 and the long-wheelbase manual for $32,990, while the Master large van starts from $46,990 drive-away. There's a five-year/200,000km warranty on all light commercials ordered in June. Hard to argue against a $3000 bonus on the Koleos but stocks are tight.SUBARUDrive-away pricing -- for savings of $3000 to $4000 -- is the bait, with Impreza pricing from $23,990 (excluding the WRX, of course). The Tribeca from $54,990 now includes on-roads but you need to visit a dealer to get the full story. Nothing outstanding.SUZUKIThe front-drive SX4 gets a Navigator pack with voice-controlled 6.6-inch satnav with Bluetooth for $19,990 drive-away for the manual and $21,990 auto. That also applies to the 2WD auto Grand Vitara at $29,990 drive-away, including reversing camera and satnav with Bluetooth. The Alto GL manual also gets satnav for $11,990 drive-away for the manual, with the Swift GL manual at $17,490 drive-away including cruise control and Bluetooth. The Grand Vitara is a polished piece.TOYOTAThere's 2.9 per cent finance on Aurion and Camry with the Camry Altise looking best at $29,990 drive-away. Other drive-away deals include $15,990 for the Yaris YR five-door, $21,490 for the Corolla Ascent automatic, $39,990 for the Kluger KX-R 2WD five-seater, $60,990 for the Prado GXL turbo diesel auto and $39,990 for the HiLux SR 4WD dual-cab ute. The right time for the cabbies' new favourite, the frugal hybrid Camry.VOLKSWAGENDrive-away pricing on passenger cars and zero finance on commercials. The Polo is $16,990 on-road, the Jetta is down to $25,990 and the Passat $36,690. The Polo is Carsguide's 2010 COTY.VOLVOFuel and servicing for three years or 60,000km plus roadside assistance. There are conditions -- with a pre-paid BP card based on 15,000km a year and $1.50 a-litre pricing -- and the latest V40 hatch is excluded. Clever twist on bargaining but a pity it doesn't apply to the V40.Paul Gover's 10 COMMANDMENTSYou must still do your homework. You must still check the fine print. You must still be prepared to haggle and compromise.But do it right, crunching the numbers and running right to the dealer's deadline, and you can drive away in something special at a special price.The starting point is all the deals, from sticker specials to cheap finance and steak knife-style free extras, being offered by most of the 60-plus brands in showrooms today.If something you want is on special, go for it. But check that the car was built in 2013, and is not a geriatric old-timer from 2012, and ensure your target is exactly what you want - not a stripped-out stocker, perhaps missing an automatic gearbox - that will cost thousands to get the way you want it.Once you lock down a target, don't think the advertised special is the end of the deal. You also need to negotiate for a better price on delivery and on-road costs, and avoid the trap of buying over-priced extras such as paint and upholstery protection, window tinting and extra-long warranties.No-one can expect to go into the ring with a showroom professional and expect to win, because buyers only get a new car occasionally and sales staff are dealing every day. But, by concentrating on the real bottom line - the changeover price - and being prepared to compromise, you can come out ahead.The best tips are the simplest. Run as close as you can to June 30 to sign the deal and get the car, because dealers are all aiming for targets that can mean tens of thousands in bonus money from headquarters. Also be prepared to take a car they have in stock, even if it's not your favourite colour, because dealers are aiming to clear everything they have on the lot.And have your finance in place before you arrive, especially if you're taking up a special deal, because that makes things quicker and you'll also be spared any hassle and potential extra costs.Watch out for 2012 cars because the warranty clock has already been running, don't forget that a big discount today will also mean less at changeover time, and remember that a demonstrator car could have had a hard life already. 

The current Subaru WRX STI is a beast: powerful, capable, but something less than pretty. Despite its ungainly looks, it has made fans out of us and out of a large chunk of the populace. But it's due for replacement soon.So we took the opportunity to spend the better part of a week with the car in Ireland and on the Isle of Man as a sort of send-off. We're glad we did.Even in the five-door STI, which skips the massive wing of the sedan, there's no mistaking what you're driving, either from the curbside or from behind the wheel. The STI cuts an iconic figure like nothing else in its price segment--and it performs like nothing else, too.DRIVINGWhether over the bumpy, often broken, insanely narrow, recessed roads of the Isle of Man or the comparatively wider, smoother roads of Ireland, the STI's rally-bred suspension proved its mettle, absorbing the worst of the hits and smoothing out the smaller irregularities.The strong engine, six-speed manual gearbox, and scrappy all-wheel drive system provided the go and the grip to fly down the paved pathways at speeds that should really never be seen outside of a competitive rally--like, say, the Manx Rally. Or, say, setting the four-wheeled record around the Isle of Man's Snaefell Mountain Course, where the TT is run.But despite the almost unflappable adaptability, we did find a few faults to gripe about--faults we hope will be fixed in the upcoming re-design of the car.Turbo lag, the worst of our gripes, was quite noticeable. Perhaps more noticeable than it would be on our wider, more open roads, or most of Europe for that matter, the turbo lag at lower speeds, in lower gears (1st-3rd), was ever-present and rather annoying at times, occasionally requiring a wait of nearly two seconds from throttle application to response.While the WRX STI is a fairly large hatchback from the outside, on the inside, passenger room is at a bit of a premium, both in the front and the rear--doubly so if you're trying to stick a trio or foursome of six-footers inside. Can more legroom be dug out of the car's interior without extending the exterior to gargantuan proportions for the next STI? We certainly hope so.And, ultimately, the STI has continually proved itself to be a bit thirsty (13.8/10.2 L/100km city/highway), even considering its performance level. While sending extra fuel through the 2.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder Boxer engine might help preserve its longevity at its rated 221kW output, it also eats into the owner's wallet.These faults - or, perhaps, compromises - are by no means deal-breakers, however. For the money the STI is still an incredible combination of utility and performance, essentially unmatched by anything else on the road, despite being about six years old.Whether launching from a stop with boost-assisted, all-wheel drive pace or rocketing along a treacherous back road, the the STI is a willing and faithful companion. It's also a tremendous amount of fun.VERDICTWe just hope the next generation of STI keeps that magic, whatever else changes. For now, however, we say goodbye to the STI. Fare thee well, little rally-inspired buddy. We hope to find you again one day, perhaps at a bargain in a used car lot. Subaru WRX STIPrice: from $59,990 as testedEngine: 2.5-litre turbocharged four cylinder,  221kW/ 350NmTransmission: 6 speed manual / 5 speed automatic, AWDThirst: 10.5 litres/100km, 243 g/km CO2Body: four-door sedan or five-speed hatch www.motorauthority.com 

Friday we drove into the city to meet friends. Saturday we drove to the mountains to meet kangaroos. The Subaru Outback was just at home in the blue gum forests as it was in the concrete jungle. A manageable size and a very capable drive, the Outback fits into nearly any lifestyle.PRICE AND EQUIPMENTThe 2.0-litre diesel CVT Premium Outback starts at $45,490. It comes with symmetrical AWD, Subaru’s Vehicle Dynamics Control system, paddle shifters, electronic parking brake, rear view reverse camera, dual-zone climate control with rear vents, anti-dust filter, leather steering wheel, voice command recognition, 17-inch alloy wheels, full size spare, wheel-mounted audio, Bluetooth, and cruise, roof rails, 12-volt power jacks, and a seven-inch touch screen, to name a few.If you don’t need a lot of extra features, the non-premium diesel will save some cash, you’ll just have to live without the electric sunroof, leather-trim seats, and eight-way power driver seat with dual memory function.TECHNOLOGYThe 2.0-litre Outback has a turbo-charged horizontally opposed boxer diesel engine, producing 110kW@3,600 rpm and 350Nm@1800-2400. The Lineartronic CVT automatic gearbox provides smooth gear changes, but you can swap to manual mode and use the paddle shifters for more control.Official fuel combined is 6.5 litres per/100km. Our drive to the mountains and back found 7.2 litres per/100km combined.DESIGNExternally the Outback is stylish for an SUV, but it doesn’t turn a lot of heads...well maybe a few, but that could just be from the ungainly bonnet scoop.The dash is well presented, though the climate control buttons would work better as dials. The seven-inch touch screen and satnav are easy to use, and wheel-mounted audio, cruise, Bluetooth, and voice command give you plenty of control.With leather-trim seats the interior looks suave, though the seat back nets look cheap compared to the rest of the vehicle. The driver is well supported in the eight-way power seat with dual memory function, and the comfortable rear seats easily fold down to a 60/40 split, extending the boot space from 490 litres, to an impressive 1,690 litres.SAFETYThe Outback comes with a five-star ANCAP safety rating, and Subaru’s Vehicle Dynamics Control system which includes ESC, ABS, EBD, TCS, TCS Limited Slip Device, and Brake Assist. Seven SRS airbags, a ring-shaped passenger safety cell, and whiplash reduction seats further your safety, while the rear view reverse camera ensures you don’t accidently back over Skippy.DRIVINGThe Outback is all about the option to explore and we honestly enjoyed it. A steady and safe ride during our mountain adventure, it provided enough comfort inside that friends teased us for being pampered at the campsite.Kids will enjoy gazing out of the sunroof, and with symmetrical AWD, they’ll focus more on the scenery, than any bumps in the road. The Outback is manoeuvrable in the city, cruises on the motorway, and though there’s a bit of sway on gravel, it handles well through dirt and mud. Ground clearance is 213mm – not enough to get you over serious tracks, but plenty of clearance for weekend expeditions.Though we wish there were a few more perks with the Premium model (heated seats would have been appreciated in the chilly mountains, but we’re just being picky), it is a sturdy all-round vehicle ready to hit the trails and cruise around the city.VERDICTThe Outback has plenty of space for families, enough off road capabilities for the average adventurer, and solid drivability.

From pirate treasure map to automobile designation, the letter ‘X’ marks the spot of something excitingly special. This is never truer than with the Forester XT, Subaru’s new high-performance mid-size SUV.A best-seller since pioneering the high-performance SUV class in 1997, the latest Forester XT shows off an array of new features, technology and styling to stir Forester fans new and old.At first, I had my doubts about the XT – a 2.0-litre petrol engine, albeit turbocharged, mated with a continuously variable transmission. Not the recipe for sprightly performance I thought.How wrong can you be? New engine and transmission technology from Subaru manufacturer Fuji Heavy Industries has shifted the Forester performance up into what is almost a segment of its own.TECHNOLOGYThe 2.0-litre horizontally opposed Boxer motor makes use of direct petrol injection to pump out 177 kW of power at 5600 rpm and 350 Nm of torque between 2400 and 3600 rpm, a 4.7 per cent power gain and 9.4 torque increase over its predecessor.This is accompanied by a 19 per cent gain in fuel efficiency and 20.6 per cent improvement in emissions. Towing ability has also gone up by 12.5 per cent to 1800 kg for a trailer with brakes.The engine is hooked up to a Lineartronic continuously variable transmission with six preset speeds when required. And Subaru’s symmetrical all-wheel drive system.DESIGNOn the outside, the Forester XT has gone from an amenable compact all-wheel drive wagon 16 years ago to a mid-size SUV with substantial street presence from its bulked-up body.Not that aerodynamics have suffered, with efficiency improved by 11 per cent over the previous unit, producing a co-efficient of drag of 0.33, thanks to such refinements as a guard underneath the engine bay and a rear spoiler.Of further help is Forester’s narrower rear and lightweight aluminium bonnet, while the rear bumper corners were designed for aerodynamic efficiency, together with large underbody covers, including mudguards and air flaps.A gripe with previous Foresters has been the limited vision from the driver’s seat because of its lack of height. Seats in the new XT have got over that. Set higher, together with the A-pillar shifted 200 mm further forward, taking the windscreen further from front-seat occupants, there’s more of a command position for the driver, while the blind spot is reduced by one degree.PRICE AND EQUIPMENTPrices start from $30,990 for the Forester 2.0i manual. ‘Kid connectivity’ is well covered by USB, iPod and Bluetooth offering optimum vocal effect, richer bass tones by adding harmonics and a sound restorer that adds to the digital sound sources that get lost in music when compressed for iPod and MP3.Forester 2.0 XT also includes reversing camera, electric sunroof, dual zone air-conditioning, multi-function display, 18-inch alloy wheels and silver roof rails, and is priced from $43,490 plus on-road costs.SAFETYPutting occupants at ease is vehicle dynamic stability control which constantly checks vehicle behavior, including the anti-lock brakes, engine and limited-slip differential via the traction control system.VDC can use the engine and brakes to prevent side slip and achieve a high degree of stability and can be turned off allowing engine control and torque reduction to be cancelled when driving on snow and muddy surfaces.DRIVINGThe rush from zero to 100km/h can be done in an impressive 7.5 seconds. The test car pleasantly surprised with no ‘slipping-clutch whine’ as with some CVTs, just a constant hum from the engine.All Forester XTs are fitted with Subaru Intelligent-Drive (SI-Drive) which serves up engine and automatic transmission characteristics to suit various driving styles, preferences and conditions.At the push of a button, one of three modes can be chosen: ‘Intelligent’ increases engine output more gradually for a smoother eco-friendly drive. It also makes for easier handling on snowy and slippery surfaces. Intelligent mode automatically activates on engine start-up.In ‘Sport’ the engine accelerates in a linear fashion and long trips are ideal in this mode. Sport uses the engine to maximum potential, with a sensation of powerful acceleration. It makes use of an eight-speed gear pattern.Each mode gives the driver the opportunity to experience a ‘different’ vehicle, from sedate to sporty, without having to apologise to passengers for a rough ride or dodgy handling.To really get into it, however, the driver can add his or her own input. Using the steering wheel-mounted paddle shifts makes for a satisfying experience for those who want to do it their way, while passengers remain comfortable taking advantage of the extra elbow and shoulder room.There should be no squabbling over cabin storage which is plentiful and versatile, as is the easily accessed rear cargo area which can take 422 litres of gear with rear seat back up and 1457 litres with it folded.MODEL RANGEForester 2.0i manual $30,990Forester 2.5i auto $32,990Forester 2.0i-L manual $33,490Forester 2.5i-L auto $35,990Forester 2.5i-S auto $43,990Forester 2.0 D manual $35,490Forester 2.0 D-L manual $37,490Forester 2.0 D-S manual $43,990Forester 2.0 XT auto $43,490Forester 2.0 XT Premium auto $50,490Subaru Forester XTPrice: from $43,490Warranty: 3 years, unlimited kilometresEngine: 2.0-litre 4-cylinder, 177 kW/350 NmTransmission: CVT, AWDTare mass: 1607 kgTurning circle: 10.6 m kerb to kerbTowing: 750 kg (unbraked); 1800 kg (braked)Fuel tank capacity: 60 litresCargo capacity: 422 litres (rear seat back up), 1457 litres (rear seat back folded)0-100 km/h: 7.5 secThirst: 7.0 litres / 100km; 197 g of CO2 per kilometre (combined cycle)

Toyota RAV4 Cruiser and Subaru Forester XT go head-to-head in this comparative review. 

Small SUVs are the auto equivalent of smartphones: you have to be seen with one. Those who haven’t already caught on are rushing to buy (or build) light and compact crossovers. In Australia, couples and families hold the view that SUVs represent the “best of both worlds”.With fuel economy and comfort to rival a small car; the space to carry furniture or friends and a high ride height for the “command” seating; SUVs are a multi-purpose lifestyle accessory. It’s just a case of which design suits that lifestyle.THE CARSExcluding the all-paw Forester, the rest of the fleet are front-wheel drive models. All are entry level automatic or continuously variable transmission versions. And all sold more than 1000 cars last month, making them as mainstream as a Toyota Camry.THIRSTSkyActiv technology gives the Mazda CX-5 the lead in the weekly fuel costs at around $26.33. That’s more than $8.50 cheaper than the dearest vehicle here, Hyundai’s iX35. It is small change over a week but adds up to more than $425 a year being siphoned out of the wallet/purse, so it’s worth considering.SERVICINGCaps off to the capped-price carmakers. Online disclosure means it is easy to see how much servicing of a Toyota or Hyundai will be. As yet, Honda doesn’t have the option of capped price servicing, while Subaru and Mazda want vehicle identification before they’ll quote the costs. Hyundai heads this pack with one yearly visit to the dealer that will cost $259.DEPRECIATIONBuying a new car is an investment in emotion, not practicality. The best-performing of this group - the Mazda, Subaru and Honda - will be worth just 54 per cent of its new price value in three years, according to Glass’s Guide. The Hyundai and Toyota will have halved in value over that period.MISCGovernment charges vary by state; check with your local authority for registration on a specific vehicle. The capped price servicing won’t cover items subject to wear in the normal course of their life, such as tyres, windscreen wipers and brake pads.*Fuel costs based on April national average of 142.6c for 91 ULP and 15,000km travelled annually.Mazda CX-5 FWD Fuel use @ 6.4L/100km = $1368.96 p/a = $4106.88 over 3 yrsCost $29,880. Residual value after 3 yrs 54 per centServicing: $394 first yr; $1745 over 3 yrs/60,000kmToyota RAV4 CVTFuel use @ 7.4L/100km = $1582.86 p/a = $4748.50 over 3 yrsCost $30,990. Residual value after 3 yrs 50 per centServicing: $340/yr; $1020 over 3 yrs/60,000kmHyundai ix35 ActiveFuel use @ 8.5L/100km = $1818.15 p/a = $5454.45 over 3 yrsCost $28,990. Residual value after 3 yrs 50 per centServicing: $259/yr; $777 over 3 yrs/45,000kmSubaru Forester 2.5iFuel use @ 8.1L/100km = $1732.59 p/a = $5197.77 over 3 yrsCost $32,990. Residual value after 3 yrs 54 per centServicing: $542.72 first yr; $1983.70 over 3 yrs/75,000kmHonda CR-V VTiFuel use @ 7.7L/100km = $1647.03 p/a = $4941.09 over 3 yrsCost $31,790. Residual value after 3 yrs 54 per centServicing: $483.64 first yr; $1450.92 over 3 yrs/60,000km 

Few carmakers have thought as laterally as Subaru has over the years.NEWThere was the switch to all-wheel drive, there was also the Outback wagon. The idea of a high-riding all-wheel drive wagon with limited offroad capability has always seemed a good one, after all few people really want to do any serious bush-bashing, they just like the high driving position afforded by a jacked-up wagon.With the Outback you could have a regular wagon with a high ride height that gives you the road view you want without going all the way to a road clogging SUV. The Outback has grown over the years as most cars tend to do, but it's still a reasonable size for the suburban crawl.As with earlier Outbacks, the new model in 2009 was heavily allied to the Liberty. The main differences to its lower riding model mate was its high ride height and some extra body cladding to protect it from the bumps and scrapes that inevitably come with a bush life, and there were some new bumpers to add to the differentiation.The Outback sat 70 mm higher than the Liberty, which gave it 13 mm more ground clearance, the secret to going beyond the black top. Along with the Liberty the Outback was longer and wider than the previous model, and it had a longer wheelbase.With its increased dimensions came increased interior space, particularly for rear seat passengers. Subaru offered three engines in the new model, including an economical 2.5-litre four, a zippy 3.6-litre six, and a 2.0-litre turbo-diesel fuel-miser.Those opting for the turbo-diesel engine were lumped with a six-speed manual gearbox, those going for the 2.5i petrol engine had the choice of the six-speed manual or a CVT, while those who chose the 3.6 got a five-speed automatic.Drive was, of course, through all four wheels all the time. Local tweaking of the suspension resulted in a flatter, more reassuring ride through corners and over undulating roads. One downside in a vehicle allegedly designed with the bush in mind was the temporary spare tyre.NOWLike all Subarus the Outback is generally well built and durable, but that doesn't mean it can't have issues as the kays accumulate. The Outback has been the subject of three recalls.The first was to address a potential leak from a hose related to the CVT transmission, the second was the fix a wiring fault that affected the operation of all systems related to the steering column, the cruise, sound system, paddle shifts etc., and the last was related to a production fault that somehow meant some six-speed manual gearboxes escaped from the factory with a vital oil supply hole left undrilled.Check that these have been done, it should be indicated in the owner's manual. If not check with your nearest Subaru dealer.When checking an Outback prior to purchase, one that is equipped with the CVT transmission, it's important to conduct a thorough test drive to look for possible glitches in the way it drives. Look for stumbles, hesitations and shuddering.Otherwise check for a service record to ensure the factory recommended servicing has been carried out.SMITHY SAYSGood on road and off, without the bulk of a regular SUV the Outback is a standout.Subaru Outback - 2009Price new: $40,490 to $55,990Engines: 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbo-diesel, 110 kW/350 Nm; 2.5-litre 4-cylinder, 123 kW/229 Nm; 3.6-litre 6-cylinder, 191 kW/350 NmTransmissions: 6-speed manual, CVT, 5-speed autoEconomy: 6.4 L/100 km (2.0TD), 8.4 L/100 km (2.5), 10.3 L/100 km (3.6)Body: 4-door wagonVariants: 2.0D, 2.5i, 3.6RSafety: 5-star ANCAP

Packing the Forester for a weekend away, we brought rope to attach surfboards to the roof. We paused and looked at the boot. Could we actually travel the motorway without the irritating flap of board bags rattling overhead?A quick flip down of the back seats and the boards slid in beautifully, giving the Subaru Forester -- an instant win. And that's one of the keys to the Forester: it makes things easier than you imagine.PRICE AND EQUIPMENTDriving up at $35,990, the 2.5i-litre petrol comes with 17-inch alloy wheels, full size spare, Subaru Intelligent Drive system, X-mode, symmetrical AWD, privacy glass, roof rails, rear spoiler, dual zone climate control, LCD screen, wheel-mounted audio control, 12-volt power jacks, Bluetooth, cruise control, rear view reverse camera, paddle gear shift, Auto Stop Start, ESC, ABS, EBD, TCS, and TCS LSD which sounds like something you shouldn’t be given, but stands for a very legal Limited Slip Device.TECHNOLOGYThe 2.5-litre Lineartronic CVT Forester’s horizontally-opposed boxer engine produces 126kW@5,800 rpm and 235Nm@4,100 rpm. Official fuel combined is 8.1/100km. Our drive with a fully loaded vehicle on the motorway and in the city found 10.4 litres per/100km.Designed to suit active families, the Forester can handle plenty of baggage (of the physical kind), and can reach 0-100km/hr in 9.9 seconds. DESIGNInternally there is plenty of head and legroom, ample storage, and comfortable seating. Kids and adults have plenty of room in back and a good view of the road. The boot provides 422 litres of storage with seats raised, and a massive 1481 litres seats down - in which we were able to load two surfboards, snorkeling gear, body boards, and beach bags with room to spare. The dash is well organised with an LCD display, and wheel-mounted audio, Bluetooth, and cruise put plenty of control at your fingertips, including Subaru’s Intelligent Drive system.  SAFETYSeven SRS airbags, whiplash reduction seats, and Subaru’s Vehicle Dynamics Control System that includes ESC, ABS, EBD, TCS, TCS limited slip device and Brake Assist, achieves a five-star ANCAP safety rating.If that’s not enough reassurance, or you’re just feeling neurotic, you can get the optional Subaru EyeSight, which acts as a driver assist system, using cameras to anticipate collisions, providing pre-collision braking and lane sway warnings.DRIVINGSymmetrical AWD will get you through most road conditions, and for tougher tracks you can engage X-Mode for increased off-road capability. Ground clearance is 220mm. McPherson strut suspension up front and double wishbone rear suspension handle well off-road, but are a bit rigid on bitumen.The driver seat sits high, giving a clear view of the road ahead. There are a few blind spots to the rear and sides, but the rear view reverse camera will help minimise those. The Forester has a lot going for it - it’s spacious, sturdy, capable, and did we mention spacious?For some reason we didn’t fall madly in love with it, but we couldn’t fault it either, except...for Auto Stop Start. While switching the engine off at a long light can save fuel, and we’re all for that, the Forester is way too sensitive in what it considers a suitable time to switch off.We paused at a roundabout - the engine switched off. We paused in traffic - the engine switched off. We stopped at a stop sign - you get the picture. The engine cut prematurely so often, that if it were a man it would book an appointment with its GP. Yes, it took the Forester just a fraction of a second to turn back on, but we couldn’t help but get annoyed at this overly sensitive feature, and wonder how fuel efficient it really is. Unfortunately the only saving grace of Auto Stop Start, is that it can be switched off.Despite our issues with Auto Start Stop, the Forester is a capable vehicle that handles well on a wide range of roads.VERDICTWith on and off-road capabilities, a stylish design, and plenty of space, the Subaru Forester is great for families, and the active individual.Subaru Forester 2.5i-LPrice: from $35,990Warranty: 3 yearsWeight: 1528kgEngine: 2.5-litre 4-cylinder, 126kW/235NmTransmission: 6-speed CVT, 4WDThirst: 8.1L/100Km (10.4 on test), CO2 187g/km0-100Km/h: 9.9 seconds

VW Passat Alltrack and Subaru Outback Premium go head-to-head in this comparative review.

Subaru Liberty has been a popular seller in Australia for more than 20 years and has attracted loyal buyers partly because it’s just that little bit different from the mainstream. Not only with its boxer engine and all-wheel drive but also because of its well-earned reputation for toughness and reliability.The latest, fifth generation, Liberty was launched in 2010 with annual tweaks to keep it up to date ahead of the next generation model which is still a couple of years away. The model year 2013 Liberty arrived here late last year with some minor styling changes, handling improvements and extra equipment.TECHNOLOGYAs before Subaru Liberty comes with a large choice of variants in either sedan or wagon bodies starting with the 2.5i then 2.5i Premium and 2.5i GT Premium. For 2013 there’s a new model called Liberty X with extra ground clearance which sits in between the standard Liberty and the more rugged Outback. There’s also a seven-seat people mover called Liberty Exiga.As before, two petrol engines are offered with capacities of 2.5 and 3.6 litres although the latter, a six-cylinder unit, is now only available in the Liberty X. The upgraded four-cylinder 2.5-litre has managed the now-common combination of increased power and torque with reduced fuel consumption and emissions.Each of the changes is marginal, power up 4 kW, torque up 6 Nm, fuel consumption down 0.4 L/100 km and CO2 emissions down 11 g/km to make for more efficient vehicles.The Liberty 2.5i GT Premium gets a turbocharged version of the 2.5-litre engine with 195 kW of power and 350 Nm of torque between 2400 and 5200 rpm.Manual transmission (six-speed) is now only available with the 2.5 GT Premium which also has the option of five-speed automatic. The 3.6X only gets the five-speed auto while the lower-specced models all have CVT with paddle shifts.VALUEAnother big selling point for the 2013 Liberty is its price. With help from the high value of the Australian dollar against the drop in the cost of the Japanese yen, Subaru has been able to trim prices with the new entry-level Liberty 2.5i automatic sedan $1000 cheaper than its previous manual equivalent and so $3000 cheaper than the comparable automatic.DESIGNExternally the new Liberty gets a new grille, front fog light surrounds and re-designed alloy wheels. Inside there is a revised steering wheel design, one-touch lane-change indicator and electro-luminescent gauges with an integrated 3.5-inch colour monitor.SAFETYSubaru's EyeSight safety system has now been extended further into the Liberty range. Originally only available in the flagship Liberty 3.6R Premium it now comes as standard in the Premium, GT Premium and Liberty X models.Using stereo cameras mounted inside the windscreen on either side of the interior rear vision mirror EyeSight scans the road ahead and uses triangulation to estimate distances and angles of objects in front of the car. This information is sent to a computer that calculates which objects merely have to be monitored in case things change and those that require immediate action.Where EyeSight anticipates a potential collision with an object in front of the car the computer can activate the brakes. If the speed difference between your car and the one it's approaching is less than 30 km/h it can prevent a collision, above that speed a collision will take place, but the consequences will be less severe.Other standard safety features include seven airbags and Subaru’s Vehicle Dynamics Control system incorporating ABS brakes with brake assist and electronic brakeforce distribution, stability and traction control, hill hold and reversing camera.Also standard are alloy wheels, leather-trimmed steering wheel, Bluetooth telephone and audio streaming, auxiliary and USB jacks, and voice activiation. All models above the entry level 2.5i and the manual GT Premium get Eyesight and satellite navigation.DRIVINGOn the road Subaru Liberty has a real luxury feel to it enhanced by improvements in Noise, Vibration and Harshness (NVH) levels. Even in the standard 2.5i it really does feel like the kind of car that you could cruise in all day with confidence and emerge fresh and comfortable at journey’s end.VERDICTWhile it’s not what you call a driving enthusiast’s car (have a look around the Subaru showroom and check out the WRX and BRZ if that’s what you want) but nevertheless the underlying driving experience is one of confidence in the key areas of handling and safety.