Subaru Reviews

Is the tribe becoming too big for the faithful family sedan but cannot consign it to the remainder section? Look no further than the Subaru Liberty Exiga seven-seater wagon.Based on the Liberty platform, the Exiga started life as a six-seater wagon. Now, due to popular demand says the maker Subaru, an extra place has been set for someone in the 2013 Model Year vehicle, which went on sale in July.VALUEThe seven-seater comes in two models – the Liberty Exiga 2.5i, which includes a DVD, and the top spec Liberty Exiga 2.5i Premium (our test vehicle), which adds leather trim, satellite navigation, reversing camera, Bluetooth compatibility, eight-way electric driver and front passenger seats, and a new 17-inch alloy wheel design and new-look door mirrors. The former is priced from $37,990, the latter costs from $42,490, both plus on-road costs.With a model upgrade midway through 2012 the entry-level Exiga added a reversing camera plus dusk sensing headlights and steering wheel Bluetooth controls, voice command, audio streaming, USB connectivity and AUX jack. Dusk sensing headlights were also added to the MY12 Premium model.Liberty Exiga 2.5i’s factory-fitted 4.3-inch LCD screen displays audio information and reversing camera images. A saving grace on long drawn-out journeys is the roof-mounted, fold-down remote-control DVD system with infra-red wireless headphones which can keep even the most tiresome travellers in the two rows of rear seats occupied.TECHNOLOGYThe wagon is powered by Subaru’s four-cylinder 2.5-litre horizontally opposed boxer petrol engine producing 123kW of power at 5600 rpm and 229 Nm of torque at 4000 revs. Expect to get fuel consumption of 8.6 litres per 100 km, while emitting 202 grams of carbon dioxide every kilometre in the combined urban/highway cycle.DESIGNWith all seven seats occupied, there’s not much space in the back for two people’s luggage, let alone that for more than half a dozen. With the rear two rows of seats folded there’s a reasonably flat surface to take longer and more bulky items – even a street market marquee folded. Gone is the central storage compartment of the six-seater, but that’s understandable – you can’t expect to have everything.Designers, it seems, did not spend much time on the exterior, the Exiga having a boxy, old fashioned look. The high sides, however, do make for plenty of head room – 40 mm better than the Liberty – and good visibility all round for the driver.SAFETYLiberty Exiga has 16-inch solid disc brakes with aluminium callipers for weight savings of around 1 kg backed up by the latest anti-skid braking system with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution and Brake Assist. However, step into the past with an old-fashioned foot operated parking brake. Vehicle Dynamics Control, Subaru’s electronic stability program, is standard and the Exiga has a top five-star ANCAP crash rating for occupant safety and a three-star pedestrian rating. DRIVINGThere’s no arguing with the vehicle’s smooth operation, the new Subaru Lineartronic continuously variable transmission (CVT) seeing to that. An adaptive control helps select the optimum gear to suit driving style and road conditions. Driver demanded gearchanges within the CVT, at 100 milliseconds or less, are designed to be almost instantaneous to increase response.A six-speed manual mode can be engaged by tapping the gear lever across. The steering wheel paddles can then be used for manual shifting. If the speed remains unchanged, the transmission will move back to the Drive mode automatically.The tilt-and-rake adjustable steering column allows 40 mm of rake adjustment, while dual zone air-conditioning has been refined to reduce engine load and increase fuel efficiency, while double door seals and weather strips optimise window sealing and temperature insulation.VERDICTSubaru says comfort, noise, vibration and harshness were high on the designers’ list of priorities. Pity their colleagues did not attach the same importance to outward appearance. However, once you go past the dated ‘maxi taxi’ exterior the Liberty Exiga has much to offer, especially for the larger family, small sports team or groups of friends.

Welcome to the future of motoring. The quintessential farmer's car, the Subaru, now has so much technology it nearly drives itself. You don't need to spend long in a country town to know how popular the humble Subaru is. There are all vintages from the still coveted Brumby ute to shiny new Libertys and WRXs.And it's not hard to see why. They have 4WD, better ground clearance than many cars, plenty of room inside, they're “tuff'', somewhat utilitarian and they just keep on going. Having owned a number of them myself, it was a little daunting to get into the latest Subaru.Unlike my first variant a 1970s 4WD wagon, in which the greatest technology was the optional stereo-cassette deck the new Liberty X is a radar-guided, talking, automatic braking, technological marvel. It even has its own set of eyes. Seriously. One either side of the revision mirror.The Liberty X is a car that aims to be the best of both worlds, and is essentially a top of the line Liberty planted on the chassis of an Outback. This makes it ride 5cm higher, making it easier to get in and out of and providing more clearance on the road about 20cms to be exact.It's one of Subaru's major selling points for the Liberty X, which comes in two versions: either a 2.5-litre engine with continuously variable transmission or 3.6 litre engine mated to a five-speed automatic gearbox, which is the model we tested.FUTURISTIC TECHNOLOGYAt the heart of the technology inside the Subaru is the company's EyeSight system, similar to that found only in Volvos. That's where the eyes come in. Among other things, EyeSight warns the driver when they are veering out of a lane, keeps them from crashing into the car in front (at low speeds) and controls the highly intelligent cruise control.Unlike normal cruise control, in this version you can set the distance you want between you and the car in front. If the car in front slows, so do you as the car maintains the distance between you. Without even touching a brake. It's a seriously clever system, although it takes a lot of faith to take your foot off the brake and let the car do the work for you.Control freaks will never be comfortable with it and it's not flawless so you should never rely solely on the aids in the car. In one instance during our test drive the system applied the brakes hard when we passed a pedestrian, closely but not closely enough to make contact with them.The braking was brief, but enough to startle everyone on board and, if another car had been too close, they would almost certainly have rear-ended us. That said, most of the time the system was a reassuring background aid, particularly useful in stop-start traffic.ON THE ROADTechnology aside, however, the main business of the Subaru is to be a car. And, as it turns out, it does a pretty good job at it. On the road, the car has quite a “sporty” feel. Steering is light but quite direct and the ride is firm.On typical bumpy Australian roads, the ride was in fact sometimes a little too firm, although the tight suspension combined with the constant all wheel drive system makes sure the car was always sure footed and confident in its place on the road. A little more give in the suspension for Australian roads would have been nice.The five-speed automatic gearbox was not as slick as some these days, but fast, smooth and almost always chose the right gear at the right time. There are sport settings for more spirited driving, which allow the gearbox to rev harder and hold each gear longer. It works well. There's also manual mode, of course, which can be accessed at any time through the paddles on the steering wheel.POWERThere's no shortage of power under the bonnet, with the 3.6-litre variant producing 191kW/350Nm and propelling the car from 0 -100 in under 8 seconds. In the real world, this means that overtaking is a breeze at freeway speeds and you're rarely left wanting at any speed. The smaller 2.5-litre cousin produces 127kW and 235Nm.INSIDETypical for Subarus, there's plenty of room inside for two adults and three kids, and a cavernous boot that will easily swallow a weekend's worth of luggage. The (heated) leather seats are comfortable and the dashboard trim is a mixture hard plastics and fake metal.While it's not unpleasant, some of the materials do feel a little flimsy and look like they would be prone to scratching and damage. Taller or larger drivers will appreciate the additional 50mm of height, which makes a surprisingly large difference when getting in and out of the car.Overall the cabin is a very comfortable space, although at highway speeds there was a fair amount of tyre noise from the big 18 inch rims not enough to disrupt a conversation, but enough to notice and get a bit tiring on a long trip.PRICINGThere are two variations of the new Liberty the 2.5X and the 3.6X, with the 3.6 starting at $55,990 (plus on-roads) and the smaller 2.5 starting at $44,490. Most options you'd want are included, such as heated seats, sat nav, bluetooth, dual climate control, McIntosh sound system, reverse camera and sunroof.3.6 Litre Liberty XPrice: from $55,990Engine: 3.6-litre 6-cylinder, 191kW/350NmTransmission: 5-speed auto, 4WDThirst: 10.3L/100km, CO2 242g/km2.5 Litre Liberty XPrice: from $44,490Engine: 2.5-litre 4-cylinder, 127kW/235NmTransmission: 6-speed constantly variable, 4WDThirst: 8.0L/100km, CO2 185g/km

Canny motorists are facing a shopping bonanza as car makers start slashing prices to make way for new models. But it's not only outgoing models going cheap - look out for end-of-year sales as well.Any time a carmaker trumpets a new model, these shoppers are there ready to make a financial killing by buying up the old model. Look for sales at particular times of the year. June is traditionally a strong month for squeezing extra savings out of a dealer though, with a buoyant car market and fierce competition, anytime towards the end of any month can deliver a bonus.End of year sales are popular. Dealers always want to sell but the months of November and December provide a chance to discount cars built in the current year. Fighting this are car buyers who want a car built in the new year to preserve resale value. Here's some deals but be prepared for more as the calendar year draws to a close.HOLDENDeep Purple is no longer a rock band - it's Holden's new colour that is available on a range of cut-price “Z-Series” Commodore sedans, utes and wagons. The new colour is the same as Holden's iconic show car, the Efijy. Different models in the Z-Series line-up get different equipment levels but, as an example, the base Omega automatic is $41,990 but the Z-Series edition costs $39,990.The bonus is that the Z includes a heap of extras within that price, including leather upholstery, 18-inch wheels, rear camera and sensors, leather steering wheel and chrome door frames. The SV6 ute adds 19-inch alloys, carpet mats and leather seats for $38,490, down $1000 on the plane-Jane SV6.The discounts on the VE Holden Commodore range precede the launch early next year of the VF Commodore models. Holden is also running out the Barina five-door manual hatch at $16,490, a saving of $500.TOYOTAYou'll have to do some legwork here. The new Corolla is on sale and some dealers still have stocks of the old model. Officially, there's no discount on the outgoing model though some dealers - predominantly NSW and Victoria - have extra stock and have advertised a $18,990 price, $1000 off the list price. Note that the cheapest 2013 Corolla is also $19,990. Toyota WA says customers should discuss pricing direct with their dealer.It's not only the Corolla that may offer savings. The RAV4 gets updated early next year and though there's no official price, dealers will consider offers. On top of that, Toyota has zero per cent finance on Camry, Camry Hybrid and Aurion until the end of the year.HYUNDAIThere's a lot of previous-model stock available from Hyundai and buyers can make big savings if they're not chasing the latest car. These include old-stock i30 hatchbacks with $2000 off the normal price and previous Santa Fe SUVs for up to $3000 off.But there are also current models. The big one is the $13,990 drive-away price on the i20 three door which saves $2500. A similar discount is on the five-door i20. The i40 wagon is now from $29,990 driveaway, a saving of about $3000, and the sedan model with automatic transmission is also from $29,990, saving about $2500.Hyundai's popular baby SUV, the ix35, is now from $27,990 driveaway for the Active version, a saving of $1120, while other ix35 variants have been reduced by $500.MITSUBISHIThe new Outlander SUV arrives November 18 so Mitsubishi is sweeping out current stock. The "Enhancement Pack" model is an LS version with leather seats, heated front seats and an electric-adjust driver's seat. It has Bluetooth, 18-inch alloys with a full-size alloy spare, six airbags for the front-wheel drive version (up from two) and a cabin styling pack with bright trim to the door handles, console panel and rear door trim.Prices start at $28,990 drive away for the LS front-wheel drive model with five-speed manual transmission. The normal price is $29,340 plus on-road costs so the saving is about $4500. But for buyers who want the new model, register on Mitsubishi's website and there's the chance to win a $1000 Westfield shopping voucher and 15 per cent off accessories for the new Outlander. If that's not tempting, Mitsubishi also has 0.9 per cent finance until the end of this month.SUBARUThe 2012 run out has just started for Subaru which has chopped up to $5000 off three models. It replaces its Liberty and Outback in early 2013 as a mid-life makeover that includes upgrades to trim specifications. There is an all-new Forester also due about February. So the deals are now on the table.The Outback 2.5i manual is usually $37,490 plus on-road costs (say, $5000) but is being rolled out the showroom door for $35,990 including all on-road costs. The same axe has lobbed on the Forester X which is now $32,990 drive-away including leather-faced seats, alloy wheels and fog lights.The normal retail price is $30,990 without the extras and without on-road costs. Subaru is selling the Liberty 2.5i sedan manual for $31,990 drive away with leather seats, electric driver's seat and reverse camera. The car normally sells for $32,990 plus on-road costs.FORDKuga Trend $35,490 drive away (normally $38,990 plus on-road costs) and the upmarket Titanium is now $41,490 drive away, previously $44,990 plus all on the road charges. The Kuga is to be replaced with a new model in early 2013.Focus Ambiente hatch now $19,990 drive away (normally $20,290 plus costs). The Mondeo Zetec hatch is $33,990 with all costs (usually $37,740 plus on-road fees) and Falcon's XR6 Turbo is down from $46,235 plus costs, to $43,490 drive away.KIAThere's a new Sorento SUV so the outgoing model has a $2000 gift voucher attached to its normal retail price.VOLKSWAGENIs running out stocks of the current Golf VI to make way for the Golf VII due early next year. Volkswagen Australia has set the price of the current Golf 77TSI manual at $20,990 including metallic paint and all drive-away costs. This is a saving of about $5000.The Golf Wagon 90TSI with DSG auto, metallic paint and all drive-away costs is now $29,990, saving about $3500. Note that for small-car wagon buyers, Volkswagen has not confirmed a wagon version of the new Golf. If you want this shape, this could be your last chance.VOLVOThe Swede is clearing out its 2012 stock by adding value rather than chopping the price tag. The S60 and V60 entry-level models now come with the upmarket Teknik pack valued at about $4500. But if you specify the Teknik model, Volvo will automatically give you the R-Design pack (valued at $3000) for free.The same deal applies to the XC60 SUV. There's also a deal on S60 or V60 from the dealer's existing stock. Volvo will include free scheduled servicing for three years or 100,000km.

Love them or despise them, the birth of all SUVs have their DNA in Subaru's Forester. It is the originator of the street-smart wagon that put on high heels and minced into the bush, creating a dual-use machine that Australians embraced like cold beer. In fact, Australians probably lit the fire that raged into the

It’s not often that the entire Australian motoring media agrees on the merits of a particular vehicle but such has been the case with the new Subaru BRZ. This exciting and affordable two-door coupe has gained rave reviews from just about everyone who’s driven it, although sadly very few members of the public, and so potential buyers, have had that opportunity and won’t have for some time.VALUEHigh global demand meant that barely BRZ 200 models made it to Australia. Of these around 50 were allocated to dealers as demonstrators meaning that demand was always going to heavily outweigh supply and all available cars were sold in just over three hours when they went on sale in July this year.BRZ is built at Subaru’s Ota plant in Japan as a joint venture with the company’s part-owner, Toyota, and it competes directly against its identical twin, the Toyota 86.The division of labour between the two companies makes a lot of sense with Toyota looking after the product planning and styling while Subaru in charge of its engineering development and production.With so few cars available Subaru adopted the unusual strategy of selling the BRZ exclusively over the internet and with national driveaway pricing – $37,150 for the manual and $39,730 for the automatic. While the entry-level Toyota 86 GT manual is priced at $29,990 that’s before on-road costs and with lower equipment levels than the Subaru so an apples-with-apples comparison brings the two models closer together in price.Standard equipment includes cruise control, leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear lever, push-button start and stop, sports seats, front and rear foglights and power folding side mirrors.Those that were lucky enough to purchase a BRZ will soon be able to dress it up with a range of performance parts and accessories that were shown with an STI concept car at the Sydney motor show and which will be on sale progressively from November.These parts include front, side and boot lip spoilers, 17-inch alloy wheels, sports muffler, push start switch, instrument panel trim, black wheel nuts, rear under diffuser and flexible tower bar.TECHNOLOGYThe BRZ breaks new ground for Subaru in that it has rear-wheel drive – all its other Australian models have all-wheel drive.Power for the BRZ comes from an all-new 2.0-litre horizontally-opposed petrol engine that generates 147 kW of power at 7000 rpm and 205 Nm of torque at 6600 revs. We’ve always loved the throaty sound of the Subaru ‘boxer’ engine and so were quite happy to sit and enjoy this aural prelude before setting out on our test drive.SAFETYEquipment levels are high with standard safety equipment that includes dual front, side and curtain airbags, ABS brakes with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution and Brake Assist, Vehicle Stability Control and a retractor brake pedal. It comes with a five-star ANCAP rating.DESIGNThe Subaru coupe certainly looks the part with its low-slung styling and short overhangs. The front is dominated by a large, hexagonal grille with sweeping headlights and the rear is tall and square with an additional brake light positioned between twin large tail pipes.Too often otherwise enjoyable driving cars are spoilt by cramped interior space but although it’s necessary to hunker down into the driver’s seat, once settled in the seat is firm but comfortable and there’s plenty of leg and headroom.Although there are four seats the rear pair are basically there for emergency use rather than for long-distance travel. The boot is quite small although the rear seatbacks do fold flat for extra storage space. Surprisingly for a car where space is at a premium BRZ comes with a full-size spare wheel.Weight minimisation is paramount with performance cars and the BRZ’s combination of high tensile steel in the body and aluminium bonnet and wheels has kept its weight down to 1256 kg (manual) and 1278 kg (automatic).DRIVINGAs expected in a car of this type, the ride is firm with plenty of feel for the road yet comfortable enough for an extended trip. Steering is precise and direct with excellent driver feedback.Both the six-speed manual and six-speed automatic transmissions were specifically developed for the BRZ. Our test car had the manual, a delightful short-throw unit which is fast and smooth and just asks to be used frequently.VERDICTWe’ve left the bad news until last because, despite ongoing pleading with Subaru’s head office decision makers, the worldwide popularity of the BRZ means that there could be a wait for up to a year before the next shipload arrives in Australia.Subaru BRZPrice: from $37,150 (manual) to $39,730 (automatic)Warranty: 3 yearsEngine: 2.0-litre horizontal four-cylinder petrol, 147kW/205NmTransmission: six-speed manual or automatic, rear-wheel driveThirst: 7.8L/100Km, 181 g/km CO2

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.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.VALUEAffordable 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.DESIGNSubjectively, 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.TECHNOLOGYEyesight 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.SAFETYEyesight (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. DRIVINGIt 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.VERDICTI 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.

NEW - The WRX rally weapon inevitably comes to mind when you think of the Subaru Impreza, but the smallest member of the Subaru family is much more than that.If the WRX is the one young tearaways buy, the regular Imprezas are the ones bought by regular people. The new model that arrived in 2007 as a hatch only boasted all-wheel drive like all Subarus, and that’s what separates it from its rivals.Subaru made the smart move to all-wheel drive many years ago when it was struggling to find a place in the market, and has gone gang-busters ever since. Two body styles were offered; initially it was only a hatch in 2007 before a sedan arrived a year later.It was longer, higher and heavier than the previous model, with reasonable boot space. Power was provided by a 2.0-litre horizontally-opposed four-cylinder engine that had a little less power than the engine in the previous model, but more torque.In total it had 110 kW and 196 Nm, which was enough to get the job done without causing any excitement. In standard guise the Impreza came with a five-speed manual transmission with the option of a four-speed automatic, and the final drive was through all four wheels.On the road the Impreza showed the advantage of all-wheel drive in the poise and traction is had on all surfaces. It particularly came into its own on slick surfaces where other two-wheel drive cars struggled.There were three models offered before you got to the sporty ones like the WRX, these were the R, RX and RS. The RS had previously been a sporty model in earlier Imprezas, but was now a regular model with the same mechanical package as the rest of the regular range.NOWThe Impreza doesn't have any issues that need concern a used car buyer; the trade gives them its tick of approval. But one thing to be aware of is that, like all boxer engines, they use oil and you need to keep on top of it by regularly checking the oil and topping it up as needed.Don't leave it thinking that it will be right to leave it until the next service, because you might run it out of oil in the meantime and that could mean a big repair bill.It's important to check the oil level on any car under consideration for purchase, if down ask why. Some owners become less focussed on servicing once the warranty runs out, often skipping or delaying services and that can be where trouble starts, so be particularly attentive when inspecting a car when the warranty is up.SMITHY SAYSGood solid car that won't give trouble if it's properly serviced.Subaru Impreza - 2007-2010Price new: $26,490 to $31,490Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cylinder petrol, 110 kW/196 NmTransmission: 5-speed manual, 4-speed automatic, AWDEconomy: 8.8 L/100 km, ULPBody: 4-door sedan, 5-door hatchbackVariants: R, RX, RSSafety: 5-star ANCAP

In what may be a first, the Subaru BRZ sportscar can only be ordered online. Residents in the classiest suburbs of Toronto, Canada, got an unusual postcard recently. It featured their house with a new Porsche 911 in the drive.Not a dodgy bit of Photoshop, but a real picture taken by an advertising team that immediately turned it into a piece of highly personalised direct mail. The world's first instant direct mail, according to the agency.Although the operation was conducted from the back of a suspicious-looking white van and risked an encounter with over-zealous security, it was clearly a success.One-third of recipients booked themselves in for a 911 test drive with Pfaff Auto and the whole exercise was made into a video. Now this idea clearly has limitations but it's surprising no one has done it before. SOLD OUT ONLINEIt's not as though the technology is new. It's the same with the internet. Turns out ordering online works for books and all that stuff we used to buy from Gerry Harvey, but we're still reticent when it comes to new cars.Instead, we scour the web for reviews and specifications, and play with configurators. Then we head into showrooms to scare salespeople senseless by knowing more than they do. Examples of car-makers moving the entire transaction online are rare.So Subaru Australia, with its new BRZ sportscar, is a pioneer. When it went on sale in July, everything was handled via a special web program. All you needed was a credit card. Spokesman Dave Rowley believes it may be unique. “We did a search and the only place we found anything remotely similar was a dealer group in the UK selling one Ford model online,'' he says.Subaru decided to try it out when it realised that supply of the BRZ would be limited to just 201 for the rest of the year. That's fewer than two cars for each of its dealers, an impossible equation. Toyota, which launched its version here in June, has been bowled over by demand. The problem is even more acute for Subaru, with the Japanese factory making just one BRZ for every seven 86s.“We knew we were going to be extremely limited by supply because of worldwide demand for the car,” Rowley says. “Everywhere it's been launched it's been a huge hit. We knew we weren't going to have enough cars. We thought, how can we be fair to the entire network and customers? That's where the idea came from.”Subaru commissioned a local firm to write the online software. Rowley says Subaru was happy with the way it worked, although when it went live the site was overloaded. “There were some glitches because website traffic peaked at 50 times normal. But within a few hours it was working very smoothly. The average time to complete the contract process was 20 minutes.”Feedback has been positive, he says, and age was no bar to using the technology with at least one septuagenarian elbowing aside the gen Ys. Dealers are excluded from the order process but clip the ticket if nominated as the delivery venue. Some have even been lucky enough to get demonstrators, but the car has sold on its reputation.“It went absolutely through the roof and they have been steadily selling since,” Rowley says. The order bank now extends to March and the locals are sending begging letters to Japan.VALUESubaru kept it simple with limited options and one national driveaway price from $37,150, ironing out the state tax and insurance regimes. Three-years scheduled servicing is included, there's a facility for valuing trade-ins and an estimated delivery date.The options are limited: apart from a spare wheel cover you can add carpets, satnav and boot spoiler. Tick everything and you'll spend about $44k. And you'll need to buy a cover, for $175.TECHNOLOGYThe BRZ is an unusual Subaru because unlike every other Subaru sold here it lacks all-wheel drive, which has been a key point of difference for the brand. In traditional sportscar fashion it's rear-drive and the result of a joint development project with Toyota, which owns a stake in Subaru.The Toyota is called 86 and the two are virtually identical. They share compact dimensions, a Subaru flat four-cylinder engine with direct injection, modest mass and a reputation as a they-don't-build-'em-like-that-any-more enthusiast's sportscar.DESIGNIf you're in the queue, then I hardly need to spell out the BRZ's vital statistics. For everyone else, it's every bit as good as the 86. In fact, it's hard to tell them apart. From the outside little separates the twins, although the BRZ has different front and rear clips and the one I drove had terrific 17-inch alloys.Inside, some of the plastics are dud and buttons old-school. But the worst bit is the bodgy Bluetooth gizmo, a bit like the old number pad security systems fitted to WRXs. At least it works.However, the seats are good -- although even with the leather option there's more contrast stitching than leather -- and the rears fold for boot access. Cargo space is compromised by a full-size spare. So like the 86, the cabin is rudimentary but liveable.DRIVINGSome ingredients impressed differently. It was especially pleasing that the engine sounds better than I remember from the 86 -- looser and with a more appealing note. Which is odd since they're the same. It's also just as well because judging by the tyre roar, the cabin seems to lack soundproofing.The engine is more flexible than you expect, especially through the mid-range, and although it needs a few revs it's not as peaky as the output numbers suggest. As with the 86, the BRZ likes to be driven precisely and responds quickly to inputs.The slightest adjustment to the steering wheel or pedals and you feel the weight transfer slightly, as the chassis adjusts. It's light on its feet and has poise.But not all the ride comfort has been traded away. Over rough roads the bump absorption and damping would not disgrace something much more expensive. Subaru won't say if it will try online selling again. But it might. However, it would never do for Porsche.In the unlikely event that I find a postcard among the junk mail from a Porsche dealer, and the even more unlikely event I have the money to spend, I'll want to touch and feel and spend a long time poring over the lengthy options catalogue. And I'm sure Porsche would not want to discourage me from that.Subaru BRZPrice: from $37,150 (manual) to $39,730 (automatic)Warranty: 3 yearsEngine: 2.0-litre horizontal four-cylinder petrol, 147kW/205NmTransmission: six-speed manual or automatic, rear-wheel driveThirst: 7.8L/100Km, 181 g/km CO2

Subaru's largest passenger car, the Liberty, has a well-deserved reputation for toughness and reliability with Australian buyers. The Subaru Outback is an interesting variant on the Liberty station wagon. On the market since 1996 it is intended as a halfway step between a conventional station wagon and a dedicated 4WD.In its earlier models Subaru Outback had a tougher appearance than the standard wagon because of the additional protective plastic facings on the doors. These were discontinued with the new generation of 2003 to give the vehicle a more upmarket air, though there are many Subaru advocates who preferred the tougher look of the original.Since 1995 only all-wheel drive Liberty models have been sold in Australia, prior to then there were also front-wheel drive versions, even by 1995 these were comparatively rare because buyers had already sussed out the advantages of driving all four wheels.Unusually for Japanese cars, Libertys and Outbacks, indeed all Subarus, are popular with country drivers as well as those from metro areas. Libertys and Outbacks are much loved by snow skiers because their permanent all-wheel drive system makes them safer and more capable in slippery conditions than a 2WD vehicle.Subaru Liberty first arrived in this country in 1989 and struck a chord with local buyers almost immediately. These older models are generally getting long in the tooth so may be near the end of their lives. You’re probably better off avoiding them.Liberty is sold as a four-door sedan and a five-door station wagon, with a much larger percentage of wagons being sold than in other models in the mid-size class. The combination of the traction of all-wheel drive and the practicality of a wagon rear end is a strong one.The engines have a flat ‘boxer’ layout to lower the centre of gravity for improved road holding. Engine capacities in the four-cylinder models are 2.0, 2.2 and 2.5 litres. The 2.0 actually has more performance than the 2.2 being a later design.Flat-six engines began with a 3.0-litre unit in the Outback and later the Liberty range, its capacity increased to 3.6 litres in September 2009. Subaru calls the flat-six engines the H6 - ‘H’ for horizontally opposed, but most owners tend to retain the use of flat-six or boxer for it.There are a couple of high-performance Subaru Liberty variants. The Liberty RS has a 2.0-litre turbocharged unit and was introduced here in 1992. It was on sale for less than two years, when it was upstaged by the smaller and lighter Subaru Impreza WRX, a car that went on to be a huge success.The Liberty B4 sports machine has a twin-turbo 2.0-litre. It first came here in August 2001 but was somewhat of a disappointment in Australia because the engine had to be significantly detuned from the one offered on the Japanese market to run on our lower-octane petrol.These Subarus are reasonably easy to work on and most routine jobs can be carried out by an experienced home mechanic. However, safety items and most areas of the high-performance variants are best left to the professionals.Spare parts prices are about average for a car in this class. The Subaru dealer network, though relatively small, works efficiently. Because of Subarus’ popularity in country areas there are dealers in comparatively remote areas.Insurance charges on all but the turbocharged high-performance Liberty RS and Liberty B4 are moderate. The turbo models can be really expensive to cover, especially if you are a young and/or inexperienced driver. Living in a high-risk area further increases charges. Be sure to get a quote before falling in love with a turbo Liberty as premiums can be scary.Look over the interior trim and carpets for signs of damage, though they usually hold up well to all but the most outrageous of treatment. Mud or a real buildup of dust may indicate a lot of time spent of the beaten track.Check out the luggage area for signs of harsh treatment caused by carrying big and/or sharp loads. Have a look underneath a car, particularly the Outback, for signs of damage through it coming into contact with the ground. Some owners really do treat them as though they are ‘real’ 4WDs.The undersides of the bumpers, especially on their corners, are usually the first to suffer. Be sure the engine starts quickly and immediately idles smoothly no matter how cold the conditions. The sixes are naturally smoother than the fours, but the latter should be pretty good as well. Manual gearboxes should be quiet in operation and gearchanges should be smooth and light. Automatics which tend to hunt up and down the gears, or which are slow to go into gear, could be due for an overhaul. Rust is not common in Subarus, but if one has been badly repaired after a crash it may get into the metal. Call in a professional inspector if there’s the slightest doubt.

Subaru chose to mimic its rivals when it revamped the Forester in 2008. It did so by making it bigger and taller while at the same time making it look more like an SUV.NEWIn doing so it made its SUV roomier inside, more refined and better equipped. The final result was that it was 75 mm longer, 60 mm wider, 110 mm taller and rode on a wheelbase that was 90 mm longer than the previous model.All of that meant it was roomier inside and had more space in the boot. The looks also changed, the new model boasting a smoother, more curved shape than the older, boxier model, and it rode 20 mm higher, which helped it fit in with the preconceived ideas of what an SUV should look like.What it didn't change was the boxer engine it used and the use of constant all-wheel drive, the latter in contrast to most of the Forester's rivals that continued to be front-wheel drive, except when the going gets slippery and the drive is then sent to the rear wheels as well.The 2.5-litre naturally-breathing horizontally-opposed 'boxer' engine was tweaked to give 5kW more power and 3Nm more power and torque respectively, not much it has to be said, but for more there was also the choice of a turbocharged version that gave quite a decent boost in performance for those who feel they need more.Subaru offered a choice of 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmissions, the latter with the ability to be shifted by the driver. Subaru claimed the new model was more fuel-efficient, which was fine, although the numbers they quoted weren't all that great.But it was right on the money in terms of safety with a maximum 5-star ANCAP rating on the back of front, side and curtain airbags, ABS braking and stability control across all models. The model line-up began with the X and climbed to the turbocharged XT Premium at the top of the tree.NOWSubarus are generally well regarded by owners and that's certainly the message we get at Carsguide where few are moved to complain about their cars. The trade similarly gives them a tick of approval for their reliability and durability.About the only thing that crops up when we ask about Subarus in general, including the Forester is their tendency to consume oil. It's not something that is likely to cause a problem, but it is something that owners need to be conscious of and make sure they check the engine oil regularly, and top it up when needed.Forgetting to do it, or simply ignoring it, can lead to expensive repairs. When test driving an auto Forester observe for clean shifting and engagement of gears. It's a regular automatic and in many respects nicer to drive than the CVT transmissions most of its rivals now use. Check for a service record, nothing kills a car faster than a lack of servicing, and the Forster is no different to any other car in that respect.SMITHY SAYSBigger and better than the previous model, it ticks the family boxes.Subaru Forester 2008-2010Price new: $30,490 to $44,990Engine: 2.5-litre 4-cylinder, 126 kW/229 Nm; 2.5-litre turbocharged 4-  cylinder, 169 kW/320 Nm.Transmission: 5-speed manual, 4-speed auto, AWDEconomy: 9.3 L/100 km (2.5), 10.5 L/100 kmBody: 4-door wagonVariants: X, XS, XS Premium, XT, XT PremiumSafety: 5-star ANCAPCOMING UPDo you own a Toyota Yaris? If so tell us what you think of it by sending your comments to Graham Smith at grah.smith@bigpond.com or Carsguide, PO Box 4245, Sydney, NSW, 2010.