Subaru Liberty Reviews

Alistair Kennedy road tests and reviews the Subaru Liberty with specs, fuel consumption and verdict.

Chris Riley road tests and reviews the Subaru Liberty with specs, fuel consumption and verdict.

The decision to go all all-wheel-drive was a momentous one for Subaru. From a company building cars that no one really cared about it went to one that everyone wanted to know.If the hot rally-bred WRX led the charge it was the Liberty that did the hard yards in getting Subaru's name on the shopping lists of Australian buyers.The Gen 3 was a mid-sized model aimed at middle Australia. It was a family-sized car for people tired of the regular diet of Commodores and Falcons.It was a pleasant looking, sensible car, one that has stood the test of time and still looks attractive even today.The Liberty came in sedan and wagon forms, with three main specification levels in the GX, RX, and Heritage.Inside there was room enough for a normal family, mum and dad had plenty of room up front, and the kids were comfortably accommodated in the back.The Liberty came in sedan and wagon forms, with three main specification levels in the GX, RX, and Heritage.Two engines were offered, both flat-fours in the style Subaru had long used.A modest 2.0-litre single-overhead camshaft engine opened the bidding with 92kW and 184Nm. It was no ball of fire, but with an average fuel consumption of less than 9.0L/100km there was a lot to like about it.The other engine option was a single-overhead camshaft 2.5-litre unit that boasted 115kW and 223Nm, The extra torque not only boosted the Liberty's performance, but it also endowed it with an easy-driving flexibility. Fuel consumption increased, but was still only a touch over 9.0L/100 km.The transmission choices were straightforward, a five-speed manual and a no-fuss four-speed automatic, and the drive went through all four wheels.On the road the Liberty was well balanced with a reassuring grip on the road.It needs to be said straight up that the Gen 3 Liberty is getting on in years, the earliest 15 years old, and the kays are climbing, with many cars well over the 200,000km mark by now.Be choosy; don't buy any old Liberty you come acrossThat means they should be approached with caution, and patience needs to be employed when out shopping for a suitable car.Be choosy; don't buy any old Liberty you come across, look for the one in the best condition, with the lowest kays on the clock, and with a believable history.Having done 200,000-plus kays you have to understand that a car, any car, is nearer the end of the road than the starting grid, so buy in the knowledge that you are likely to be back in the market looking for another car in a couple of years.But that can be fine for some people, like parents shopping for a starter car for their kids who are hitting the road for the first time.For them the most important attributes are safety, low running costs, and reliability, and their kids are likely to be wanting to move on up in the motoring world in a short period of time.Being all-wheel drive the Liberty is miles ahead of other cars liked by youngsters, cars like the Commodore and Falcon, when it comes to safety. In the hands of a novice driver rear-wheel drive Commodores and Falcons can be lethal weapons, whereas the all-wheel drive Liberty is much less likely to bite them when they least expect it.Check for a service record to make sure your chosen car has been well maintainedLook for smoke issuing from the exhaust pipe when accelerating, it could signal wear in the engine and should be a warning.With more than 200,000km up most Gen 3 Liberties could do with an automatic transmission service, so consider doing that for ongoing reliability, even if the transmission checks out ok when driven.Check for a service record to make sure your chosen car has been well maintained, but the service record is a good way of confirming the odometer reading is credible.A service record will also be able to confirm that the timing belts have been changed as required at 160,000 km.

Murray Hubbard road tests and reviews the Subaru Liberty with specs, fuel consumption and verdict.

Call it desperation, or shrewd opportunism. Either way, Subaru Australia's decision to slash prices on 2015 Liberty and Outback by up to 25 per cent should give its mid-size sedan and SUV spin-off a healthy rev up in showrooms.Philanthropy doesn't come naturally to car companies, of course. Liberty and Outback were class frontrunners a decade ago, with combined sales of nearly 14,500 units in 2006. At the end of November last year, the tally was 3173 units.Both are ageing nameplates verging on atrophied with all the design flair of a fridge that has fallen off the back of a truck. The Liberty no longer possesses that critical desire factor either, for anybody but a few old blokes looking for a suitably somnolent conveyance to get them to God's waiting room in one piece.Subaru Australia boss Nick Senior's decision to reach for the sharp pencil on 2015 Liberty and Outback follows a similar strategy on the WRX STi hot rod, introduced at the beginning of last year with discounts of up to $11,000.It had the desired effect. WRX STi sales took off and ended the year more than 330 per cent up on 2013.Senior's "Have I got a deal for you!" pitch has been assisted by Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's policy of stimulating exports by anaesthetising the yen. Unlike its hometown rivals, most of which now make more cars abroad than in domestic factories, 80 per cent of Subaru's total production still comes out of Japan, so the revised Australian dollar-yen exchange rate works for Subaru Australia and its Fuji Heavy Industries parent.Senior has also pre-empted the elimination of the 5 per cent import tariff on imported vehicles when the Japan-Australia free trade agreement takes effect on January 15. Beyond these factors, though, it's the discrepancy between actual showroom transaction bottom lines and fanciful manufacturer's list prices in the ultra-competitive Australian market that has prompted the deep discounts. Holden did the same with the VF Commodore in 2013, dropping prices by up to $9800 because dealers were doing it anyway. The days of car companies introducing new models with take-it-or-leave-it price hikes are over.Liberty, now in its 25th year, faces the greatest challenge. Australian buyers are bailing out of sedans en masse, moving into larger SUVs if kids are part of the buying decision or downsizing to a hatch or small SUV if they're not. The exception is Mercedes' all-conquering C Class, which won every car award worth winning last year and outsells every other mid-size sedan bar the Toyota Camry.Prices for the 2015 Liberty start at $29,990 for the 2.5-litre four cylinder petrol/continuously variable transmission (CVT) base model, $3000 less than its 2014 equivalent. The 2.5i CVT Premium, which includes leather, sunroof and navigation, is $35,490 (a $4000 discount). The 3.6-litre six-cylinder petrol/CVT Liberty 3.6R is $41,990, a $14,000, or 25 per cent, haircut on the 2013 model's $55,990 sticker price.Senior sees an opportunity to cash in on Commodore's demise with the 3.6R. While we no longer buy enough family-sized six cylinder cars to keep making them in Australia, Commodore is still doing 30,000 or so units a year. Come 2017, when it disappears, Senior believes many of those customers will be looking for an alternative sixpack.The previous Liberty's major shortcoming - sheet metal styled by the House of Dork - has been addressed in the 2015 car, which has a lower profile, coupe-ish roofline and arch-filling 18-inch alloys. The word 'want' still doesn't spring to mind when it drives by, though.The previous model took Liberty close to large car territory; this one is longer again in the cabin, with the front pillar pushed forward by 50mm. There's generous back seat legroom, though the lower roofline has compromised headroom a little, and boot space is reasonable.Liberty's spacious, formal interior features an easy to use touch screen multimedia system, a luxurious, super-sized (read: American market) driver's seat and Subaru's signature precision fit and finish.Like its predecessors the 2015 Liberty comes with a blue-chip safety CV, including Isofix child restraint anchors, seven airbags, a reversing camera and Subaru's Eyesight system as standard. Eyesight uses cameras and radar to read the road and the traffic. It now incorporates a vehicle in front brake light alert function, plus automatic emergency braking from 50km/h or less, lane departure warning and adaptive (or conventional) cruise control.Drivetrains are basically unchanged, save for fuel efficiency gains of up to 10 per cent, derived from improved aerodynamics and automatic stop-start on the 2.5-litre variants.So the on-road Liberty experience is familiar. The 2.5's modest numbers and narrow powerband are flattered by the smooth, responsive CVT transmission, engine and road noise levels are low and the car is balanced, intuitive and easy to drive. Its all-wheel drive point of difference helps Liberty maintain its position as one of the best handlers in the class. The 3.6R also has that lovely linear power delivery and top-end kick you miss out on with turbocharged engines. Complaints? The steering's accurate but far from tactile while the ride's a touch fussy and sharpish on rough roads.Twenty years after its introduction, Outback remains the SUV you should consider if you hate SUVs. You'll find its light weight, fine balance, disciplined body control and outstanding road-holding a much more satisfying, enjoyable combination than the sloppy, barge-like histrionics you have to put up with in most rival wagons. It runs taller, more absorbent tyres than Liberty, so the ride is more comfortable, too, on any surface.Subaru has increased body rigidity and tightened up the suspension on the 2015 model, to excellent effect. A back-to-back test drive with the benchmark Audi Q5 will give you an idea of how far the Outback has progressed as a drive. It's a long way.Outback is the sole wagon in the 2015 line-up. Liberty-badged freighters are no longer offered.Prices start at $35,990 for the 2.5i CVT, a $3000 drop from 2014. Base Outback is now the 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel/six-speed manual 2.0D, at $35,490 (down $5000); CVT adds $2000 to the diesel and Premium specification adds $6000. Top of the range Outback 3.6R is $47,990, a $10,000 discount on the 2014 price.Petrol drivetrains are as per Liberty. The Outback's 2.0-litre turbodiesel, however, is a strange device that suffers from a lack of low down pulling power which is particularly apparent in the manual. As with the 2.5i petrol, the CVT almost disguises this deficiency, but you still need to be more vigorous with the go pedal than in other diesels and overall performance is sedate. However, the Subaru boxer engine is smooth, quiet and frugal.Eyesight is still being calibrated into the diesel drivetrain, so it's not yet available. Outback specification levels are close to Liberty equivalents; specific 2015 wagon improvements include wider opening doors for easier access, roof rails that can carry up to 80kg, and a power-operated tailgate on Premium variants.Outback inherits Forester's X-Mode system, an effective push-button substitute for low-range gearing that adjusts the traction control and enables it to crawl down, or up, a steep slope and traverse rough or slippery terrain with ease. In concert with 213mm of ground clearance, X-Mode gives the Outback genuine - if far from extreme - ability off the bitumen.

Craig Duff road tests and reviews the new Subaru Outback and Liberty at their Australian launch.

It's one thing writing about new technology. It's another thing all together when you see it in action, especially when it saves your bacon. That's what happened as we were in the midst of test driving the latest Subaru Liberty wagon.EYESIGHT TECHNOLOGYLike its name suggests, Subaru's Eyesight provides a second pair of eyes, to keep an eye on things when you're attention might wander. The system is now standard on the four cylinder 2.5-litre Premium model that we were driving. Two small cameras, located near the rear vision mirror mount, monitor the road ahead.When it detects a hazard a number of things happen, not the least of which is the car braking automatically if it thinks there's a risk of collision. It can also brake a lot harder and quicker than any human, which means you have a better chance of avoiding an accident.THE CAROur test vehicle was the four cylinder 2.5i Premium wagon with a CVT auto priced from $41,490. The petrol 2.5-litre four cylinder boxer engine produces slightly more power and torque than before at 127kW and 235Nm, with fuel consumption rated at 8.0 litres/100km (we were getting 8.4).We were supposed to have been driving the entry level model, that does not include Eyesight, but someone pranged it. The gods, it seems, must have been looking out for us?The Liberty gets a full five stars for safety, regardless of Eyesight or not. But the technology takes things to the next level, "actively" seeking out hazards instead of waiting passively to react to them.Along with the addition of Eyesight, the engine and automatic transmission have been upgraded in this latest model. The car comes with leather trim and factory-fitted satellite navigation with a new colour information display.DRIVINGThe Liberty is a very competent car. You can punt it hard without worrying about it letting go, not that most people would do so. It is well engineered and very good dynamically, with high levels of mid corner grip. It does however lack some punch when it comes to pulling out and overtaking. Not that that was the cause of the problem in this case. We were travelling on the inside lane of a two-lane roundabout, distracted momentarily by an elderly relative who needed assistance.Just as we started to leave the roundabout at the second exit, a car travelling in the outside lane decided to continue all the way around, cutting straight across our bow to use some nautical terminology. Quicker than we could react the Liberty braked heavily, scaring the hell out of me because I wasn't expecting it but saving us from certain collision. It happened so fast there wasn't even time to give the offending driver a friendly wave. The Liberty is still not the prettiest car on the road, but it's certainly one of the safest with technology that really works. And it gets you a 20 per cent reduction on your insurance premium. You've got to like that too.VERDICTAny day that technology helps avoid an accident and possible injury or death has got to be a good day.Subaru Liberty Premium wagonPrice: from $41,490Warranty: 3 years, unlimited kmWeight: 1501kgEngine: 2.5-litre 4-cylinder boxer, 127kW/235NmTransmission: CVT auto, AWDThirst: 8.0L/100Km, 185g/km CO2

Opel Insignia OPC and Subaru Liberty GT go head-to-head in this comparative review.

The in-dash push button engine start / stop is becoming an automotive affectation. Originally it was fitted to unique racing cars and their highly tuned road-going derivatives. These days it is increasingly finding its way into vehicles of all brands and price tags.Ironically, such a system will not work without the proximity of a computer controlled key fob, all of which requires more effort than simply slotting the key into the ignition and turning it to fire up the motor.Sundry stressful situations tracking down the key, from pocket to centre console, were put behind me with the new Subaru Liberty 2.5 sedan – keyless entry but buttonless start-up. How good is that?Not that there is anything yesterday about the car. For a start (or in this case stop) there’s an electric parking brake situated on a reworked centre console, a one-touch lane-change indicator, revised instrument panel, dashboard colour scheme and USB connection.And the one-time shrinking violet looks of the Liberty have made way for a more assertive character thanks to a new grille and front fog light surrounds, plus modern alloy wheel designs.VALUEOur test car carried an option pack which includes leather upholstery, satellite navigation and new colour info display adding $3000 to the price, the sat nav sporting a particularly clear on-screen street naming, which was most welcome for this gentleman of a certain age.Among the crop of changes to the MY13 range, the most pleasing economy for the newLiberty is a $2000 trim in price, putting the entry level model at just $32,990.ENGINE AND TRANSMISSIONThe new generation horizontally-opposed boxer engine is linked to the latest Lineartronic continuously variable transmission and a revised Subaru symmetrical all-wheel-drive system. The CVT has a six-speed manual mode with steering wheel-mounted paddles. Subaru engineers have waved a magic wand over the 2.5-litre motor to gain major improvements – power is up by three per cent (127 kW), torque by 3.3 pc (235 Nm), while fuel economy is cut by 4.8 pc (7.9 litres per 100 kilometres on the combined urban/highway cycle) and carbon dioxide emissions are down 5.7 per cent (182 g per kilometre).DRIVINGIt’s no surprise that the Liberty test car took to local conditions admirably, Australia had input here with tests being conducted Down Under.Much attention was paid to the drivability of the vehicle in the mid-to-low speed torque range, while the new Lineartronic CVT is quieter, lighter and more compact.The CVT has taken the car to a new level of fuss-free driving. The paddle-shift manual mode is competent but adds little to the overall driving experience for those wanting a little more action.Handling and stability have been given a fillip through revision of the all-wheel-drive system, stiffening of the suspension and a sharpened steering response. Noise vibration and harshness also comes in for improvement with changes in the construction of suspension systems.VERDICTThe Subaru Liberty has always maintained a spot at the heart of middle-of-the-road motoring. The latest incarnation looks to be in no mood to relinquish its position.

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.