Subaru Liberty Reviews

Yes, Subaru does have cars in the luxury car sector complete with leather interior and high performance. Its top car is the Liberty GT tuned by STI.The “tuned by STI” is the suffix that makes the difference. The GT Spec.B sedan and station wagon are pretty good things already, but the STI extras take them one step higher.STI is to Subaru what AMG is to Mercedes-Benz - giving a bit more hard-edge engine performance, some chassis (therefore handling and steering) improvements and some aerodynamic and aesthetic touches to the bodywork.STI stands for Subaru Tecnica International and enthusiasts already know that the STI version is the one to have if you're serious about performance in the Impreza WRX small sports hatchback.Let's take a quick look at the Liberty GT Spec.B and then see what STI version adds.The GT Spec.B uses Subaru's four-cylinder boxer engine of 2.5 litres, double overhead camshafts and turbocharged to give 184kW power and 339Nm torque.It's $55,990 for the sedan, in either the six-speed manual or five-speed sequential automatic, and $57,990 for the wagon.It comes with black leather interior, dual-zone climate control, eight-way power adjustment for the front seats (driver's with memory), 18in alloy wheels, satellite navigation, all-wheel-drive, airbags for front, front side and curtain, Momo sports steering wheel, ventilated ABS brakes front and rear plus Bilstein sports suspension. Sound system is a six-stack CD with six speakers. And it has the Subaru Intelligent Drive for programmed car settings. The new Subaru Liberty GT tuned by STI gets a series of enhancements (see Small Torque, right) to the above - starting with power raised to 194kW at 6000rm and torque to 350Nm at 2800rpm.The STI Liberty sedan is listed at $65,990 and the wagon $67,990, again regardless of being the six-speed manual or five-speed sequential automatic. SMALL TORQUESTI good stuffAs well as the lift in power and torque, the Subaru Liberty GT tuned by STI gets suspension upgrades and interior treatments.The Bilstein shock absorbers have damping ratios unique to STI, aimed at giving a flatter ride. The rear suspension kit has partial ball-bearing jointed bushes. This is said to reduce friction and improve road holding. STI springs lower the car by 5mm.Brembo brakes - four-piston at the front and two-pot on the rear - are painted black. A stainless-steel, mesh-type brake hose is fitted.The 12-spoke Enkei wheels with STI badging are 2.5kg lighter than the standard Liberty GT wheels and come in what's called luminosity silver.The front lip and rear boot spoilers are said to suppress lift, give better aerodynamics and stability at speed. The front grille is unique to this STI model.Inside, the leather and alcantara front seats get a cherry-coloured STI logo. There are further STI logos on instruments and door sills.Body colours for the STI versions are black, silver, grey and white. The cars carry “tuned by STI” badging. 

Odd to remember when the current generation Subaru Liberty was launched here in 2003 this moveable feast consisted only of the usual Japanese dishes and a Holden-badged European, which has now been 'replaced' — for want of a better word — by a re-badged Daewoo.To this satisfying fare add a Mexican-manufactured Volkswagen (the Jetta), a Czech-made version of the same (Skoda's Octavia), a garnishing of Swedes and even a few high-calorie but wholly unappetising Yanks. This segment is the most competitive and the richest in terms of choice of any in the passenger-vehicle market.The middle class offers family friendliness without causing Commodore- or Falcon-sized pains at the bowser, with no little styling and what marketing types call 'sophistication'.The best of them stand favourably with 'prestige' cars from BMW, Mercedes and Audi — but without being subject to the iniquity of the luxury car tax. The least of them are ignored - deservedly for some - but not so in the case of Hyundai's Sonata V6.We felt it high time to revisit the singular Soob. The Liberty has a bit over 12 months to run on its six-year cycle before the arrival of what Subaru Australia says is an all-new model.To the flock of front-wheel-drives it brings the marque's trademark symmetrical all-wheel-drive and its equally synonymous horizontally opposed boxer engine to a field of more conventional petrol (and, increasingly, turbo diesel) fours. It's largely for these that Subarus has a special cachet in a country where more are sold than in all of Europe. Owners tend to become devotees, and not readily lured by the newer and spicier items on the menu.And though it's approaching pensionable age, it isn't at all hard to see why this is so. Even back when most offerings were blandly functional in this realm of the auto lexicon, the Liberty always had something approaching personality, and an endearing one at that. The Soob's essential soundness, augmented by some smart upgrades, have seen age weary it very little. Some signs, though, can't be retrieved by cosmetic surgery.While people tend to shrink with age, the Liberty has been outgrown. To line it up with the latest Mazda6 is to line up cars that appear to belong to different classes. The Subaru is comparatively compact, oppressively so for any rear-seat passengers with bigger than the Japanese average foot size.Telescopic adjustment was added to the steering column during the mid-life upgrade, but not a lot of it. The driving position is a question of making do, though you have the consolation of interior materials that manage the feat of being both highly functional and rather pleasant.Unlike some others, the Liberty is one model line that's not had to be rushed in for an earlier-than-scheduled facelift. It's discreet but hardly anonymous, not so swept as the newer cars, but with lines that remain pleasing.Really, there are two active safety omissions but we were willing to forgo dynamic and traction controls simply to have the five-speed manual version of the 2.5i. These devices are listed with the auto, but so too is an old-world four-speeder. We just wanted to change gears for ourselves.Doing so in the Liberty is felt by some to be a chore, and it's true that the manual's action is some way from buttery in the Honda fashion. The gates are tightly sprung and the stick can need shoving into the old slot, but it's no chore and again less a fault than a personality trait.Even with AWD, the kerb weight is shy of 1400kg, making for what has always been one of the more agile handlers in the class and what remains the most rewarding. Its willingness to be thrown about is such that it takes time to trust it fully. The trade-off for the initial Soob-like understeer is the ability to launch out of corners with poise and power. Fun, you'd have to say. Though uneven surfaces can give the back end the skitters, ride is supremely competent in the main. Even my dear mum remarked on it.The distinctive thrum of the Boxer engine is best heard when accelerating firmly through low gears, something to which you'll have gratifyingly regular recourse with Liberty's comparative lack of low-down torque. And if the current Liberty's still a more-than-worthy competitor, becoming familiar with it makes the next generation model a prospect to positively savour.Verdict: 6.9/10The bottom line Liberty maintains equality with its fraternity … personality, poise and a large dose of fun in a medium-sized package. Snapshot Subaru Liberty 2.5i sedanPrice: from $32,490Engine: 2.5L/4-cylinder 127kw/226NmTransmission: 5-speed man; 4-speed autoEconomy: 8.2L/100km (manual tested) Rivals Honda Accord EuroPrice: TBA (due in June)Engine: 2.4L/4-cylinder 140kW/223NmTransmission: 6-speed man, 5-speed autoEconomy: 8.8L/100km claimed Mazda 6 classic sedanPrice: from $33,880Engine: 2.5L/4-cylinder; 125kW/226NmTransmission: 6-speed man; 5-speed autoEconomy: 8.4L/100km 

Subaru's Liberty GT tuned by STi is nothing if not a handsome machine.The STi 18-inch alloy wheels cannot hide the 316mm front discs and the four-piston Brembo calipers, not to mention the orange calipers on the 290mm discs at the rear.The high gloss "obsidian" black paint job, aggressive body kit, tinted rear windows and that air scoop on the bonnet for the intercooler, along with the STi monogrammed quadruple exhaust pipes, set the Liberty off perfectly.And that's before any of the STi (Subaru Technica international) work to the powertrain is taken into account.The STi Liberty in the CARSguide garage was one of just 300 Liberty STis coming to Australia. It is basically a Liberty GT spec B, a potent machine in its own right, that STi have “tarted-up” though tarted-up hardly does the car justice.The 2.5-litre four-cylinder turbocharged horizontally opposed engine now puts out 194kW @ 6000rpm and 350Nm of torque @ 2800rpm thanks to an upgraded engine management unit. That compares with the Spec B GT at 184/6000 and 339/3600, the Impreza WRX STi 206/5600, 392/4000 and the WRX Impreza at 169/5600, 320/3600.So apart from the STi Impreza, this Liberty is the most potent car Subaru produces. But thanks to their Intelligent Drive system, those behind the wheel might never know that, unless they selected “Sport Sharp”, the engine and gearbox mapping option that allows full power to be developed and the automatic gearbox to take full advantage of it.The other two modes are Power, which allows full power to be developed but keeps the gearbox restrained, and Intelligent, which not only has the gearbox short shifting, or changing up early, but which also cuts maximum power and torque by around 25 per cent.Quick changes up through the gearbox and a distinct reduction in power can, along with a light foot, return something like 20 per cent better fuel consumption.However, there seems to be little point in owning an STi tuned Liberty GT if fuel economy is what you're after.Inside, the car is typical Subaru — high quality finish and ergonomically close to perfect. In the test STi everything was in black set off with red (apart from the head lining). Black seats with red stitching, a black dashboard with red lighting, black dials with white numbers and red needles (which perform a little dance each time the ignition is turned on) and polished metal trim.The whole feel was definitely one of luxury rather than performance.The driver's seat has eight way electric adjustment with two memories, there is a 14-speaker McIntosh sound system with a six stacker in dash CD/MP3/WMA player, and a factory fitted sunroof.The test car was fitted with a five speed auto gearbox which could be left in auto to fend for itself, which it did with aplomb and alacrity, or changed manually by paddles on the steering column or sequentially using the gear shift lever.The only time the gearbox was anything but well mannered was when the Liberty was in full auto and copping a flogging in Sport. It sometimes held on to gears long after social responsibility had dictated enough right foot was enough.But then again it might well have been programmed to take into account the driver may have been on a race track or at a hill climb and wanting to hang on to the gear while slowing slightly for a corner before hammering it again.While there is no traction control as such, Subaru's all wheel drive system does a more than fair imitation of such a system. It is hard to get the STi out of shape and the drive is being sent just where it is needed.The Liberty handles beautifully, turning precisely and predictably with the Pirelli P-Zero Rosso tyres simply refusing to relinquish grip even when pushed on wet roads.The other side of that coin is that while the interior of the car may feel “luxury”, the ride is definitely “sporty”.The Bilstein dampers and short travel stiff springs on the STi keep the car in the right direction but tend to “juggle” the passengers a bit over anything that is not newly surfaced freeway.That is exaccerbated by the run-flat low profile tyres which have little or no give in the sidewalls.The front air dam of the body kit touches far too easily in this country which delights in putting humps and bumps everywhere and where kerbs and driveways seem to be designed 10mm higher than the lowest bit of the kit.The 215/45 low-profile tyres also put the graceful STi rims very close to the ground where any debris is in a perfect position to damage them.Verdict For: Fast and sporty.Against: Stiff ride, thirsty if pushed.* * * 1/2A bit of a wolf in sheep's clothing. 

It follows on the heels of the previous STI-tuned version of the car, which was unveiled towards the end of 2005.That car was the last hurrah for the 2.0-litre engine which was discontinued after it no longer met emission regulations.The model follows much the same formula, with power from a 2.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, cranked up from 184kW to 194kW and torque from 339Nm to 350Nm.This compares with the 2.0-litre STI-tuned car that delivered a substantial 200kW of power and 343Nm of torque in manual form.The increases in power and torque are small but do serve to set the car apart in the all important bragging stakes.More apparent are the accompanying cosmetic changes to the car, including the highly desirable pink and white STI badges. There's also a deeper front air dam and a mean-looking set of four tailpipes.Like the previous model, the Liberty GT, tuned by STI, is also available in sedan and wagon form with a choice of manual or automatic transmissions.But this time around, one will cost you considerably more with prices starting from $65,990 $6500 more than the previous model. In comparison, a standard GT Spec.B manual will set you back $55,990.You can take comfort, however, in the fact the cars command a higher resale value when it comes time to trade.Our test vehicle was the manual sedan. It certainly looks the part with a wicked set of 12-spoke, 18-inch alloys, complete with eye-catching gold coloured brake calipers and expensive Pirelli P-Zero Rosso rubber.The car rides a little lower, sitting on Bilstein dampers and STI-lowered springs, and has a firmer, sportier ride as a result.Brembo stoppers are fitted to reduce brake fade and shorten stopping distances.Inside, you get leather and an eight-way power adjustable driver's seat with two memory settings.Being a GT it comes with the 14-speaker McIntosh sound system. A factory-fitted sunroof is standard.We like the look of the car but question whether it's worth the extra money?Although it wears an STI badge, the car should not be confused in any way with the WRX STI, which offers much higher levels of performance.The performance gains over the standard GT Spec. B are marginal and the ride can be harsh at the best of times, which means most of the time.However, there is no doubting the poise and balance of the car when pushed to the limit. Roll-on, straight-line acceleration is impressive and makes short work for overtaking.The lower front air dam should come with a warning because it is prone to catching and scraping on driveways and in car parks.Subaru persists with its intelligent drive concept. It means you can dial in sport, normal or economy modes through a centre console-mounted control knob. You can feel the difference, but the changes are really about Subaru looking for a point of difference to move its cars up market. 

The latest Subaru Liberty has a fuel-saver system that could easily set the standard for future development of intelligent engine management controls. It is pitched as a performance booster in the new Liberty, but could be applied to almost any make or model as a way of coping with a world of high fuel prices and green priorities.The Subaru Intelligent Drive system has just been rolled into the performance models in the Liberty line-up, including a turbocharged GT that comes back to the family as the born-again flagship.It is also in the 3.0-litre six-cylinder cars which have been holding the top line in Australia in recent years.SI-Drive has three settings that let the driver choose between the leave-it-alone Intelligent mode, Sport and Sport Sharp.It makes a difference in the way the car responds, performs and how far it will run on a tank of fuel.But SI-Drive is not the only change to the 2007 model Liberty, as Subaru Australia has also added a telescoping steering wheel on every model and six-stack MP3 CD players across the range, with brake assist on the naturally aspirated 2.0-litre and 2.5-litre Libertys.The emphasis is obviously on the six-cylinder cars and the four-cylinder turbo GT, which pick up paddles for the automatic gearchange, xenon headlights and an electric driver's seat with memory.The GT spec.B and 3.0R spec.B come with Bilstein sports suspension, 18-inch alloy wheels and a six-speed manual gearbox developed from Subaru's STi parts bin. It can now also run on 95-octane fuel, not the super-costly 98.There are, obviously, some minor body changes but nothing that is going to mark the cars out to anyone who is not already familiar with the Liberty.And prices are as sharp as the Sport Sharp setting in SI-Drive."There is no change on entry-level models, while pricing is reduced by up to 3.8 per cent on 2.5i variants," the managing director of Subaru Australia, Nick Senior, says."With both GT and 3.0R spec.B variants we've simplified pricing by making the manual and Sportshift automatic versions the same price, so customers can choose purely on the basis of transmission preference."But the top-line cars are not cheap, with the 3.0R spec.B from $52,490 and the GT wagon running right up to $57,990.The prices move the Liberty range-toppers into the same paddock as some of the better-known European prestige brands, including BMW and Audi.There is potential to use the multi-mode SI-Drive engine control on cars that are not just high-line performance models.Subaru Australia is hopeful of extra SI-Drive cars, but says it is not sure yet on the roll-out from Japan.ON THE ROADTHE SI-Drive Liberty felt dozy at first. Very dozy.But that was partly because we had not played with the SI-Drive settings, and partly because the 3.0R spec.B has always been a feisty device. Refined, for sure, but always eager for a run and a rev.This time around, with the SI-Drive holding in the basic Intelligent setting, the car was so far into easy-driving economy that the throttle felt dull and the engine was reluctant to rev. It was not the car we had driven in the past.The rest of the package was as good as before, and a little better due to adjustment in the steering column and the paddle gearshift, but the engine was disappointing.Then we began to play with the settings and the car revealed its character and flexibility.In Sport it was much more like the car we remembered, and in Sports Sharp it was a real rabble rouser. Lusty and keen, with an engine that responded to the lightest pedal tickle.The suspension of the spec.B was as fluid and responsive as always, with good cornering grip and plenty of suspension travel. And the seats were comfy and supportive, the excellent McIntosh sound system was as punchy as we remembered, and everything from the split-zone aircon to the leather trim and sunroof made the car enjoyable and right for a $50,000-something bottom line.The test car came with the optional pack that combines electronic stability control with satellite navigation, which is good on both fronts but not cheap at $3490.We liked the minor styling changes, but were most impressed by the spec.B's low-key look, which has no hints to its go-faster ability.On the downside, we like xenon headlamps but get annoyed when they are only low-beam units, and the dashboard had too much happening. There is an instant fuel display in the main dials, mirrored in a central display that also has average fuel and throttle position.It is part of the SI-Drive system, but distracting and should be redundant if the driver is more interested in maximum performance. But they won't be, which is the great thing.The car gets along well enough in the basic setting and gets great economy. If you want a little more it will give you better overtaking response in the Sport setting, with Sport Sharp for the days and roads where you want maximum response and maximum enjoyment.We flicked between settings as we changed roads and traffic and were surprised by how easy it was to tune the car for the conditions. And our fuel economy was great at 10.1 litres per 100km, even with some spirited driving.We also discovered that the system has an extra smart feature, as it will not let you go beyond Intelligent once the fuel warning light is lit and you need to make an early fuel stop.Some are already dismissing SI-Drive as a gimmick, but that overlooks the intelligence of the system and the potential to tailor a car to the conditions and the driver's mood.The last time we drove a spec.B Liberty we gave it a 78 score, but SI-Drive has kicked it up to 82 for 2006 and beyond.The basic Liberty is a little better for 2007 and Subaru is going to win some crossover shoppers, but the SI-Drive is more than just a here-and-now technology tweak.It could easily be the door to something much bigger in the future.THE BOTTOM LINEA SWEET and sensible car with the smartest drive system we have seen in ages. 82/100FAST FACTSubaru is already talking about installing the SI-Drive system on the next new Impreza, which should be along some time next year

The half dollar would be from the gentleman who asserted that we care only for BMWs and therefore didn't hate absolutely everything.Though we are idiots, obviously. That's a given.Actually, it's not a question of liking BMWs per se, so much as being forced to admit that certain of them remain the benchmarks for their respective classes. Unless we're talking about the appalling 1 Series, but that's another story ...This story is about Subaru. About how top-spec Libertys murder comparably priced German cars in terms of value and go for your dough. Come to that, they also keep honest those that cost as much as $30,000 over the leading model Soobs' mid-$50k price tags.Since last Monday when we bid adieu to the newest go-fast Liberty — the GT spec. B — much time has been given to finding faults. As in distractingly detrimental, reason-not-to-buy faults.Fault: Visually it's a non-event.Retort: Understatement is part of the philosophy of this sport sedan. And you're too old for a WRX.F: The boot's not very big.R: Just how many sets of golf clubs do you need?F: It's too fast for Australia.R: What isn't? That's your fault for living in a Third World state.F: The cabin's cramped for height and the driving position is awkward.R: So lose weight, fatso.In isolation, there isn't a lot wrong with the new GT spec. B (stand by for AWD turbo sedan comparos) — it's you that's wrong.The exception is steering weighting that's too light for satisfaction. It's not overly so, not Audi-so, but disappointing in a performance sedan.That said, the nine-month gestation between the rubbing out of the first-gen GT for non-compliance with Euro III emission rules and the rebirth of the model line has been worth the wait.Not least for the item that puts the "B" in its moniker. We'll get to that in a sec — it's one of the salient borrowings from other Soobs.All GT models now come with the Impreza WRX STi's 'roidal 2.5 turbocharged boxer four, which will subsist on a diet of 95 RON. Good for 184kW/339Nm, it has been teamed with the STi's slottily decisive six-speed manual gearbox (or with a five-speed auto, if you must).Even without twiddling the Subaru Intelligent Drive dial into Sport Sharp mode to heighten response, the new GT's performance is enhanced with a torque curve that is, if not seamless in its progression, then certainly smoother.Claimed times for the 0-100km/h sprint are 6.5 seconds in the manual, 7.0 the auto.Better yet, the GT spec. B gets the Bilstein sports-tuned suspension from the Liberty 3.0R-B to complement its permanent all-wheel-drive. The pitch and tail wag that dogged the old GT in our comparo with Mazda's 6 MPS has been largely sorted.Combined with lowish profile rubber around its 18-inch alloys, the GT has almost absurd levels of grip, remaining poised to a scarcely believable degree through bends under provocation.For all this, the GT spec. B's ride is suburban compatible. It dealt with the rutted, rubbish roads near my abode more comfortably than, shall we say, a runflat-tyred BMW 3 Series.And although petrol prices have temporarily dipped, no one's going to decry the 12.8 litres per 100km we achieved in mostly urban driving with enough open road twistiness to appreciate the GT's handling qualities.Power-adjustable leather seats make the most of the limited reach adjustment that's been belatedly added to the steering wheel.That the GT spec. B comes exceptionally well endowed with standard kit makes the price list even more attractive. The manual sedan is $55,990, the auto $57,990.Add $2K more to each for the wagon and you have a package that's readily appreciable — even by those accused of being short of a full dollar.

The city-smart Liberty and its country cousin, the Outback, have been given a mid-life styling freshen and a much more significant injection of smarts with the SI-Drive (Subaru Intelligent Drive) technology on all 3.0-litre and turbo models."SI-Drive gives the driver three cars; a performance version or an economical version depending on the road, the conditions or the driver's emotions," Subaru Australia managing director Nick Senior says."We are particularly excited about being able to offer this technology as it has previously been the domain of much more expensive vehicles."SI-Drive is the culmination of almost two decades of determination and belief in an idea Liberty project general manager Toshio Masuda had as a young engineering student."When I was a student I imagined the day when you would not have to change the engine in your car to get very different characteristics," Masuda says at the Australian launch of SI-Drive. "I kept a belief in my idea and when I became a senior engineer with Subaru I knew it was time to introduce this idea to the world."But although the theory of SI-Drive was sound, he says resistance from some sections of the company was difficult to overcome. "Many in the company thought this (SI-Drive) was not possible because of the technical challenges ... challenges we have been able to overcome," he says.Operating through a simple dial situated on the central console behind the gear shift, the driver can select an economy mode (Intelligent), general driving mode (Sport) or aggressive attack mode (Sport Sharp).From the 3.0-litre engine, Intelligent mode provides performance like a 2.0-litre non-turbo, Sports mode raises the stakes to a 2.5- to 3.0-litre non-turbo equivalent, while Sports Sharp ensures maximum engine response.The reduction in engine output in Intelligent mode - with its consequent fuel saving - is 27 per cent in the 3.0-litre engine, down from 297Nm and 180kW to 200Nm and 147kW.For the 2.5-litre turbo engine, it reduces maximum torque by 19 per cent and power by 20 per cent down to 275Nm and 148kW."It is essential, however, that the driver also matches driving style to the engine output," Subaru's Derek Ashby says. "Aggressive driving techniques will only make the fuel consumption worse."To help drivers stay in the most efficient engine range, SI-Drive cars have what Subaru calls an Eco Gauge in the dash display.Manual models also come with a shift light indicating optimum time to change gears."Real-world testing by Subaru Australia in Australian conditions has shown significant fuel-consumption improvements in I mode compared to S mode," Ashbury says."For example, a Liberty GT manual transmission vehicle in I mode showed a 14 per cent improvement in the city cycle with the highway cycle achieving a gain of 6 per cent over the S mode."The facelift also marks the return of the turbo-charged GT model, this time with the superb 2.5-litre unit from the Impreza STi.With 184kW and 339Nm on tap, the GT comes as a base with a five-speed manual or a pair of Spec-B models with a five-speed auto or the STi's sublime six-speed manual. Spec-B cars also benefit from a Bilstein sports suspension package from the 3.0R Spec-B - and add 18-inch alloys and low-profile rubber.Specification levels across all models have been improved, with one of the key gripes against both Liberty and Outback (the lack of telescopic steering adjustment) answered.There is also brake assist and six-stacker in-dash CD. Higher up the model tree, the turbo and 3.0-litre cars also add a multi-function screen for trip, fuel and SI-drive information, high-intensity discharge lights, dual-zone climate control, expanded multi-function steering wheels and power seats with memory.Subaru has held prices for the 2.0-litre cars ($31,990 manual and $33,990 auto) and trimmed $1000 from the 2.5-litre range ($34,990 manual). The 3.0R remains at $50,990, the 3.0R-B is up $500 to $52,990, while the range-topping GT Spec-B starts at $55,990 (manual).

Liberty GT/GT Spec BMotoring journalists spend a good portion of their time on launches sifting through the marketing hype to find the hard facts. When Subaru claimed their SI-Drive gave the Liberty owner 'three engines in one', an eyebrow was raised in skepticism rather than surprise.But all that was needed to prove Subaru’s point with SI-Drive was a steep hill.Of the three SI-Drive modes, it is the 'Intelligent' (economy) mode that makes the biggest impact. Subaru claim the Intelligent setting reduces engine output to that of a 2.0-litre naturally aspirated car, regardless of the actual engine under the bonnet.The first steep hill in a turbo GT model was met with the appropriate minimal enthusiasm from the engine, slowly pulling up the incline before reluctantly kicking up a gear - and sipping a little more fuel.A similar incline in the default setting of Sport (the setting on which the Liberty’s fuel figures are based) brings a completely different response from the engine; the hill disappears behind familiar dollops of mid-range turbo torque.The frugal Intelligent setting is excellent on downhill and long highway stints, still providing enough power to accelerate around slower traffic, but drinks slightly more than Sport mode on the hills and feels frustratingly limited when the going gets tough.The best result from the SI-Drive was to leave it in Sport until a long flat highway stretch, then remembering to return to Sport through the bends.On the other end of the scale, the Sports Sharp mode picks up the throttle and gear changes in the automatic models with noticeable speed.The shifts are further hastened by a new blip function that briefly raises the rpm on the upshift, resulting in a smoother gear change and minimal shift shock.Shifting itself in the autos is a more involving prospect thanks to the excellent wheel-mounted paddles, easily allowing the driver to select gears even when in full Auto mode when the twists tighten.The manuals are still the pick for sports enthusiasts, particularly the GT spec B with its excellent new suspension, sublime symmetrical all-wheel-drive and newfound flat torque churning through the STi gearbox.SI-Drive is also available on the manuals, leveling its fuel consumption to a claimed 10.9L/100km; the same consumption as the auto, and only fractionally higher than most of the tiny turbocharged hot hatches on today’s market despite four doors, a boot and all that extra booty...Outback 3.0RAs a crossover car, the Outback has been a raging success for Subaru.The Outback has caught up to the Liberty a little in the looks department, with the revised corporate grille producing a more integrated and modern look that still stands apart from the Liberty wagon, but shared its sloped-roofed, understated style.Now riding on 17-inch alloys, the turn in is sharp and the wheels and suspension communicative, though it does not share the Liberty’s neutrality under pressure.On the twisted roads around Healesville in Victoria, a place well known to Subaru from its Rally of Melbourne days, the top-shelf Outback kept pace with the Liberty nat-atmo cars, but suffered more bodyroll on the tight bends.Not surprising, considering its higher clearance for off-road and towing ability (and it still drinks the same as Liberty at a respectable 11.1L/100km).Buyers would be hard-pressed to find a more capable all-wheel-drive with this much standard kit and five-star safety for the asking price.Samantha Stevens is a reviewer on the CARSguide test team. Her work appears here and in the Sunday Telegraph CARSguide. A version of this review, as well as other news, reviews and analysis appears in the Sunday Telegraph.

The Liberty, released in 1989, was front-wheel drive – a transition model for the company as it made its way into an all-wheel drive future. The Liberty was a medium-sized sedan or wagon suitable for most families, even though it wasn't as big as the cars coming from the local manufacturers.It was cleanly styled with neat, simple lines forming a wedge shape with plenty of glass to give the interior an open, airy feel, and good visibility. Inside, there was generous leg, head and shoulder room, even for taller occupants. The shape of the rear seat made the Liberty essentially a four-seater, but there was room for five if really needed.Vision was clear with plenty of glass and well-designed pillars that didn't interfere with the view from the driver's seat.All the controls and switches were laid out sensibly and drivers were generally able to find a good driving position with plenty of seat adjustment, allowing everyone to establish a comfortable relationship between wheel, pedals and seat.The Liberty's performance was adequate without being particularly sporting. A 2.2-litre fuel-injected four-valve, horizontally opposed, four-cylinder engine provided sufficient performance with particularly good mid-range torque, giving it the sort of flexibility that makes for a comfortable driving experience. When asked for its best, the Liberty's engine would produce 100kW at 6000revs and 189Nm at 4800revs.A pleasant and efficient five-speed manual gearbox transferred the engine's output to the front wheels. In normal use, the Liberty returned quite commendable fuel economy with 10.5-litre/100km on average. The Liberty's ride was comfortable and compliant with plenty of control to swallow bumps without disturbing the inner peace, while the handling was predictable and precise with good road-holding when pressed through corners.The LX provided the entry point to the Liberty range and it came with a decent amount of equipment with tilt-adjustable steering column, illuminated vanity mirrors, cup-holders, remote boot release, power mirrors, AM/FM radio cassette sound, and driver's seat height adjustment.The Liberty enjoyed an enviable reputation for build quality and reliability and came with a three-year 70,000km warranty, which was unusually long for the time. But remember, the Liberty is now up to 15 years old and that means it must be approached with caution and the understanding that you're buying an old car that is nearing the end of its useful life.Use of galvanised steel in the body meant it was resistant to rust. But listen carefully for engine rattles and knocks during the test drive and have someone follow you to observe if there's smoke from the tailpipe. This may suggest an engine rebuild is needed.Check the condition of the oil. If it's dark and dirty, it hasn't been changed in a while, which will be indicative of the level of servicing that has been done.No airbags here, so it's down to good old sheetmetal and belts. In surveys of road crashes, the Liberty is rated above the average for occupant protection.Check seatbelts for any sign of wear.It's not a bad idea to replace the belts as a precaution, particularly if you're putting your kids in the car.

It is light, nimble, chews meagre amounts of fossil fuel and looks sporty, even if the four-cylinder engine is not quite up to the challenge.At $33,990, the car represents top value in these days of escalating petrol prices.For your dollar, you get a lot of quality standard fittings.There are five-spoke alloys with a full-size spare in the boot; climate control; leather steering wheel, gear shift and handbrake; plenty of cup holders; cruise control; dual exhausts; curtain and dual front side airbags; front fog lamps and DataDot technology which helps detect stolen vehicles.Integrated blinkers in the mirrors and a general tidy up all round make this a handsome little vehicle.Inside, there is smart trim, even in the cloth seats which are firm and supportive. The front seats are nearly as good as Recaros.Rear passengers get plenty of fore-aft room on the seat, with a trade-off of limited legroom, while headroom and shoulder room is fine for three adults.The quality of the interior continues all the way through to the cargo area which is neat, well-insulated, flat-bottomed and deceptively large for a medium-size vehicle.The cockpit is ergonomical, even though the steering wheel is only adjustable for height. You can find a comfortable driving position because the seat is adjustable in every direction, including height.Steering is light and neutral and handling is similarly light, but always predictable thanks to Subaru's symmetrical all-wheel-drive system.Off the mark, there is a little lag in the automatic transmission, but once it gets into the revs, there is ample go with good feel from the electronic throttle control.Up hills and with a bit of load, it struggles.The four-speed auto box doesn't help here, being a little sluggish and vague.Yet if you drive more conservatively, it is quiet and smooth, delivering fuel economy commensurate with the manufacturer's estimate of 9.1l/100km on the combined cycle.I achieved a lot better than this on a weekend trip to the Sunshine Coast.Being an entry model, it doesn't get the delightful McIntosh sound system found in some of the more expensive Liberty models.This one had a bass speaker that became particularly excited and buzzed annoyingly. I suppose you keep the duff-duff music for the WRX anyway.The Liberty 2.0R is more of a Michael Buble sort of car.