What's the difference?
Subaru's Liberty is probably one of the most recognised badges in the country. Talk to anyone outside of Australia, though, and unless they know their cars, they haven't the faintest idea what you're talking about. It's a mark of Subaru's respect of the Australian market - the company renamed it from Legacy for local consumption - and the power of a brand that's approaching 30 years old.
Just about every Australian reading these words has been in a Liberty of one age or another. Some even remember it for Colin McRae's heroics at the wheel of the blue-and-yellow machine in the early '90s before the switch to another famous Subaru, the Impreza.
The Liberty is now well into its sixth iteration which means time for a mid-life nip and tuck. Subaru has worked above and below the skin to breathe a bit of life into its mainstay sedan.
The Hyundai Sonata N Line is a sedan. Not a hatchback, not a fastback, nor a coupe and definitely not an SUV.
And even though only a handful of people in Australia buy the Sonata N Line each year it’s been updated with a completely different look and new technology, making it an outstanding car in many ways.
The thing is, because we’re obsessed with SUVs in Australia most people will never know how good this sedan is - unlike you.
So, let me congratulate you for making it this far. There’s probably so few of you I could possibly congratulate all of you in person. In an afternoon.
The big question is, though, is the Sonata N Line fit for Aussie families? Well, it scores well, but maybe not where it counts…
Let’s see what’s new and what the Sonata N Line can do.
The Liberty has a lot going for it - a great reputation for reliability, it isn't terribly priced (although servicing is a little steep) and has that signature all-wheel drive. While I've complained about the ride and handling, apart from STi and RS-badged versions, that has never been the Liberty's strong suit.
While it might be a shrinking part of the market - and Subaru is a founding architect of the modern SUV cult - Subaru and its competitors still care. The Liberty, like Forester and Outback, remains a stand-out in the sector with a boxer 2.5 and all-wheel drive. Sometimes that kind of individuality is enough.
The updated Sonata N Line looks beautifully modern from its new face to the refreshed cockpit, while remaining a ‘driver’s car’ with good dynamics, and a sporty engine.
The Sonata isn’t an ideal family car, however. This is down to a lack of practicality. Although the cabin is fairly roomy, if that roofline wasn’t so coupe-like and cabin storage was better, and the boot had a large hatch opening, and the ride height was more elevated then it would be a great family car. Oh, I’ve just described an SUV.
Note: CarsGuide attended this event as a guest of the manufacturer, with meals provided.