2009 Subaru Outback Reviews

Ewan Kennedy road tests and reviews the 2003, 2004, 2009, 2010 and 2013 Subaru Liberty and Outback as used buys.

City types can venture off-road in Subaru’s high-riding wagon. New The idea of a high-riding station wagon with limited off-road capability seemed a clever one when Subaru introduced the Outback. After all, not everyone wanted to go serious bush-bashing and most SUV buyers really wanted the high-driving position

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

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.

Life - human and automotive - is so unpredictable. When my 75-year-old father went looking for a car to retire with, he sought reliability, durability, comfort and a long warranty.  He bought a Hyundai, thinking that with a five-year warranty it should ‘see me out’.In fact, he saw it out. The Hyundai Lantra is still ultra-reliable in the hands of a mate of mine while my now 84-year-old father has moved himself and my active mother into the latest Corolla.  I would have expected my parents to drive a Mercedes-Benz in later life as a reward for their tenacity through economic depressions and wars.In fact, they chose economy in reverence to their working-class lives and have come out with only minor financial scars from their post-retirement car purchases.  You can as well. Carsguide readers with retirement looming all want new cars. Most of them want a 4WD or something powerful to tow a caravan or boat because ‘we're not dead yet’.It doesn't have to be expensive, but if you are retired or just on the point of pulling the pin on a working career, you want the least possible hassles.  We'll start this week with 4WDs and SUVs. These are some choices. They clearly aren't all that is available and personal choice will play its role. At the very least, this should get you thinking.4WD is for the adventurer who actually wants to go off the beaten track. These have excellent towing ability, diesel engine options (the better choice), a versatile cabin with seven seats that can be removed when not wanted, good safety levels and a comprehensive feature list. On the downside, they are big, less comfortable than a sedan, require more expensive servicing and repair (especially tyre replacement) and for aged limbs can be difficult to get in and out.Toyota Prado (from $55,990)Solid, high resale (and high initial purchase), great off the road and in the latest model, comfortable on the road.Engine: 127kW/410Nm 3-litre 4-cyl turbo-dieselTransmission: 6-speed manual/5-speed auto/2-speed transferEconomy: 8.3 l/100kmSafety: 7 airbags, ESC, traction controlLand Rover Discovery-4 (from $81,990)Exceptionally competent and fitted out with excellent comfort. Fourth generation aims to rid Land Rover of quality bugs.Engine: 180kW/600Nm 3-litre V6 biturbo-dieselTransmission: 6-speed auto/2-speed transferEconomy: 9.3 l/100kmSafety: 8 airbags, ESC, traction controlMitsubishi Pajero(from $49,290)Great all-rounder on and off road at an affordable price. Better cabin package than Prado.Engine: 147kW/441Nm 3.2-litre 4-cyl turbo-dieselTransmission: 5-speed auto/2-speed transferEconomy: 8.4 l/100kmSafety: 2 airbags, ESC, traction controlSUV: Don't want to go to the Outback but like the practicality of a tall wagon? The SUV usually has all-wheel drive but less rugged construction and no low-range gearbox. Some are even only front-wheel drive so save on purchase price and fuel consumption.Hyundai Santa Fe (from $37,990)Practical, versatile and reliable with a long five-year warranty. A good allrounder. Only available as a diesel and with all-wheel drive.Engine: 145kW/421Nm 2.1-litre 4-cyl turbo-dieselTransmission: 5-speed manual/5-speed auto/AWDEconomy: 6.7 l/100kmSafety: 6 airbags, ESC, traction controlPeugeot 4007 (from $45,490)Culturally diverse Peugeot made by Mitsubishi (it's basically an Outlander shell) in Japan with an aggressive grille and very desirable turbo-diesel engine and optional six-speed auto.Engine: 115kW/380Nm 2.2-litre 4-cyl turbo-dieselTransmission: 6-speed manual/6-speed auto/AWDEconomy: 7.0 l/100kmSafety: 7 airbags, ESC, traction controlSubaru Outback diesel (from $40,490)Long-awaited diesel expands Subaru's out-of-town ability in a very desirable package. New style isn't the prettiest but is functional and roomy.Engine: 110kW/350Nm 2-litre 4-cyl turbo-dieselTransmission: 6-speed manual/AWDEconomy: 6.4 l/100kmSafety: 7 airbags, ESC, traction control

Oils well that ends well ... that could well be the lesson from Subaru Australia's painfully drawn out entry into the diesel market.  The arrival this week of an oil-burning Outback powered by a 2-litre turbocharged boxer diesel is the culmination of more than a decade of global Subaru's slow and steady approach to developing the world's first flat four diesel for passenger use."The diesel was completely done in house," Subaru Australia's Nick Senior says. "There were a couple of reasons for the extended wait and just one of those was that a diesel engine is, by definition , quite an expensive engine to design and to build."When you are putting a business plan together you need to see a return on your investment and the major markets around the world that Subaru compete in — Japan and the US — are not big diesel markets."Senior says that while Europe and Australia had always shown interest in the engine Subaru sales in those markets did little to encourage head office to push ahead with the development.  "There was well over a decade of just studying the European market before they could establish a business case. Then they basically had to start from a clean sheet of paper because there is no passenger car boxer diesel anywhere in the world. Subaru set out to be innovative, do it all themselves and design it in-house."Senior says Australia started to push seriously for the diesel "a few years ago".  "We knew we wanted the car and I was fortunate enough to drive it about three years ago at the proving ground. That was back-to-back against some well-known European brands and it was obvious then that they had produced a car that was as refined as the Europeans and head-and-shoulders above some of the Japanese models that were there."In some ways it was fortunate that we waited until now as we have the new platform and the six-speed automatic rather than the five-speed that was on the first generation 18 months ago."PricingThe Outback 2.0D sits on the same new-generation platform as the current Liberty and Outback petrol models and shares the same equipment and trim levels but will come with a $2500 premium over the 2.5-litre petrol wagon. Not surprisingly, Subaru has worked out that driving 25,000 kilometres a year with the 6.4L/100km economy that premium will be returned in fuel savings in 20 months.The entry-level 2.0D manual is $40,490 (plus onroads), the Premium is $43,990 and the Premium with satellite navigation is $46,490.  While only available in a six-speed manual, Senior doesn't believe the lack of an automatic will be an issue despite the almost 70 per cent of all cars sold being automatic."I don't know whether that is a problem," Senior says. "There is no automatic so there is no point getting hung up about it. We will just concentrate on selling the six-speed manual.  "Obviously they will look at an automatic in the future, but it is not a short-term thing."Senior says early reaction from the market has been very positive with dealers already holding orders ahead of this week's launch, although supply is expected to be restricted at least until the first quarter of next year.  The diesel will roll out into the Forester around the middle of next year but that will be the last of Subaru's to get a diesel, at least in the short term"For now it will only be offered in the SUVs," Senior says. "It will be a great fillip for our rural dealers and those customers are the ones where there is a greater propensity to consider a diesel ... and where much of the pre-launch excitement has come from."DrivingOn the road the horizontally opposed diesel boasts all the benefits of the more traditional compression ignition engines — good economy and huge urge through the mid-range chief amongst them — and has a level of refinement that may not have been expected from a first effort.  It is not benchmark for quietness and smoothness — it is actually some way off the very best of the modern high-end diesels, but in the value market where it lives there are few better.With 110kW of power and 350Nm of torque, that maximum urge is available only from 1800-2400rpm but a large percentage of it starts earlier and hangs around later, the 2.0D is not rocket but it does make for a relaxed drive with the six gear ratios well suited to the engine.  For all intents and purposes the 2.0D drives very much like its petrol stablemate, the extra weight of the engine kept low by the boxer design and ably handled by the refined suspension set-up in the new generation Outback.Equipment levels are exactly the same as the equivalent petrol model, the diesel gets the same five-star safety rating and air-bag count as the petrol models ... the only real difference is the extra noise when the engine is cold, considerably reduced as it warms to the task, and the lack of an automatic.For fans of diesels these are not new characteristics and certainly will not equate to any form of discouragement. 

Whenever a new Subaru hits the roads, Carsguide gets bombarded with questions about them. Of all the Japanese brands, the range produced by Fuji Heavy Industries, has an incredibly loyal following.So when the new mid-sizers arrived several weeks ago, we started receiving plenty of comment and inquiry from both existing owners and prospective buyers, particularly for the Outback.Critics may dismiss the Outback as just a jacked-up Liberty wagon with a higher price-tag. But Subaru has managed to position it as a separate entity and the new one further pushes the boundaries.There's no denying they share much, from engines to suspensions and interiors. But over the years, Subaru has successfully pitched the Outback as a distinct brand and this is reflected in the buyer profile, which is full of more active buyers both rural and city, who tend to hit the bush more.AppearanceThe latest Outback looks a whole lot chunkier, bigger and even more robust than the previous model. Visually it looks more grown up, with less plastic cladding while retaining the darker protection panels around the bumpers and sills.The newcomer's quirky styling and bulging wheel-arches also seem to work better on the Outback than the Liberty. Like the Liberty, it has grown in size and is now 65mm longer, 50mm wider, 70mm higher and the wheelbase is up 75mm. What this translates into is significantly more interior room, particularly out back.Drivetrains Like before there is a choice of ‘boxer’ four cylinder and six-cylinder power, with the bulk of sales expected to be the 2.5i. The 2.5-litre four develops 123kW at 5600 revs and 229Nm at 4000 revs while the 3.6R - which replaces the superseded 3.0-litre unit - develops 191kW at 5600 revs and 350Nm at 4400 revs.Fuel economy has improved with the 2.5i now getting a combined economy figure of 8.9 litres/100km for the six-speed manual and 10.3 for the 3.6R auto.Equipment and fit-out The Outback shares its five-star crash rating with the Liberty and full complement of safety features. There is a suite of airbags, including a driver's knee airbag, as well as traction and electronic stability control. Subaru's trademark symmetrical all-wheel drive is another safety bonus.Inside there is the usual attention to detail. A new dual centre console has side-by-side cupholders and more storage space. There's the expected AUX input and 12-volt power outlet as well as information display on the top of the dashboard.Steering wheel paddle shifters are standard on all automatic models with either the 2.5-litre or 3.6-litre engines - CVT on the 2.5 and a conventional five-speed auto on the 3.6R.The Outback 3.6R joins the Mitsubishi Outlander, Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage, Toyota RAV4 and Suzuki Grand Vitara as being the only ‘compact’ SUVs with the choice of a six-cylinder engine. But it also commands a higher entry price than the other sixes.PricingWith a starter for the boxer six cylinder of $48,490, buyers will not only be cross shopping against the compact segment but also some formidable six-cylinder rivals like the Ford Territory, Holden Captiva, Hyundai Santa Fe, Toyota Kluger and Nissan Murano in the medium off-roader segment.What helps the Subaru is its pedigree. Subaru buyers tend to be a loyal lot and the company has one of the most envious retention rates among buyers. The Outback should be no different.And those longing for a turbo-diesel will not have to wait long. A six-speed manual only 2.0-litre turbo-diesel joins the Outback range next month.Driving Where the Outback - and its Liberty wagon sibling - have made big gains is in ride comfort and interior space. The previous model was popular with skiers and rural folk. The new one will certainly impress these hard-core fans mainly because of the extra legroom in the back, better cargo space and wider opening doors.Comfort levels too are a notch up over the old model. The electric front seats are better shaped and more supportive and rear seat passengers will reveal in the room.On the road the 3.6R is particularly quiet at highway speeds. We suspect the new "cradle" housing the engine, which improves rigidity and isolates engine noise, is playing a big part here. There is also little wind or road noise from the tyres and the car's all-wheel drive means gravel roads are dispatched with ease.Grip levels are high when encountering slippery conditions. The Xenon low-beam headlights deliver a strong spread of light.The 213mm ground clearance also means there is plenty of space between you and potential hazards but sometimes there is a wallowy sensation through sharp corners brought on by the car's raised ride height. Its soft-road credentials are aided by higher-profile tyres that provide a comfortable ride over most surfaces.The Outback's double wishbone rear suspension is clearly an improvement over the old car in isolating both noise and improving ride comfort.The 3.6-litre "boxer" engine is a sweet unit. It is very smooth, reasonably powerful and the five-speed automatic works in well. The paddle shifters are are welcome addition. The 3.6R gets the gimmicky SI-Drive system, which we left in the default Sport setting most of the time.The three-mode SI-Drive system allows for Intelligent economy driving, Sport and Sport-plus. As the name suggests, Intelligent ensures gentle and smooth power delivery.Around town in stop-start traffic it worked a treat and helped bring economy down to 11.6 litres/100km. However, if you need more mumbo, Sports is the best setting and is also the default mode.There are some areas where Fuji Heavy Industries engineering thoroughness comes at the expense of some of the car's tactile senses .Take a closer look at some parts of the car and there is evidence of a thrifty approach to minor details. The temporary spare is a step backwards, particularly when there appears to be room enough for a full-size one.Subaru once crowed about having full-size spares - when so many other rivals get by with a spacesaver - so it's a backward step to see them fall into line with such shortcuts.Apart from the spare, the blank switch covers next to the gearshift in the 3.6R - where we assume the heated front seat switches are in American versions - are a constant reminder you're missing out on something.Subaru has also moved to save costs by replacing the light-weight aluminium bonnet with a steel unit. We also would have preferred a temperature gauge in place of the ‘eco’ meter, as well as reversing sensors and/or a camera on the base 3.6R. To get a reversing camera you have to spend extra for the satnav system.Subaru plugs its vehicles as ideal towing machines but as experienced caravaners or off-roaders know, a temperature gauge is not just cosmetic. The electric handbrake and its positioning low and to the right of the steering wheel also looks like an afterthought. We accidently hit the traction control switch one time searching in the dark for the handbrake switch. It may be a lack of familiarity but it is not intuitive.There is no doubt the Outback is a clear technical and engineering improvement over the old car. It is refined, reasonably classy and thoroughly well sorted. But for the price, the 3.6 R is facing increased competition from other commendable soft-roaders.However, there is no ignoring the bullet-proof build quality and the badge. And for many buyers that's enough to guarantee a sales hit.Overall, the design will polarise buyers, but the Outback is a strong effort from a company that builds bullet-proof cars.Score 79/100

Resale value is often overlooked by customers, but it should be considered as part of the whole value of a vehicle. Subaru's Outback has been particularly good on resale for a number of reasons: It is a good value, sensible and practical vehicle with looks that don't age and excellent reliability.AppearanceHowever, the new model is fatter and plumper and it also simply doesn't look like the slender and svelte Outback it used to be. Instead it looks more like all the other compact SUVs in the market. When a new model comes along that is so different from the previous models, it immediately makes those older models look ancient, thus depreciating their resale value.Owners of Outbacks won't be too happy about the new model. However, if Subaru stays with this look as long as they have in the past, this new model should hold its value. The larger proportions also make it look a bit dumpy which isn't helped by the abundance of dowdy exterior colours made for retirees. Of more interest to buyers might be the fact that prices remain unchanged.DrivetrainThe fourth-generation Outback is powered by a revised 2.5-litre horizontally opposed four-cylinder engine, and a new 3.6-litre six from the larger Tribeca replaces the 3.0R.  A new 2.0-litre turbo-diesel is scheduled to arrive in November.Our test car was the 2.5 with six-speed manual. It's very quiet and refined, although a bit doughy. You need to work gears for the best results. Unfortunately, the gearshift feels graunchy, it is difficult to find reverse and hard to tell whether it is in third or fifth, or fourth or sixth. At least the clutch was nice and light.Build, fit-out and equipmentBuild quality is still Subaru-superb. Doors close with a solid thump and no dust enters the doors or tailgate. The cabin is comfortable with plenty of legroom even in the back and a quality sound system that takes MP3 connection.I like the recess in the lid of the centre armrest which prevents your MP3 power and audio cables being snapped in half. However, it would be better to have included a USB connection and power socket in the console with complete iPod interface so you don't need to expose any cables at all. If Hyundai can do it, why can't Subaru?Its Outback credentials are aided by the high-profile tyres which provide a comfortable rural ride with less puncturing potential. However, its country credentials are hampered by the temporary spare tyre. I'm also not a fan of the electric handbrake. Why? Did anyone actually ask for it? The key is also a bit old-fashioned. It needs to be a fold-away fob like most other cars in its segment. But take it camping in the great outdoors and you won't be disappointed.DrivingImproved clearance and tyres make the Outback perfect for a back-roads camping trip. I also found the gearshift so close to the airconditioning controls I kept hitting the ‘AC off’ button or the hazard switch with my thumb when moving into third or fifth. Gears and engine aside, it has pleasant driving dynamics that would suit the bigger engine and perhaps the new Lineartronic continuously variable transmission from the Liberty.Steering is very light, precise, crisp and with good sensitivity, feeling and feedback. It is on of the best tillers on the market with an excellent turning circle that makes city driving and parking an absolute delight.City driving? In an Outback! Don't be too concerned, because the higher stance of the vehicle means clearance has been improved for the real Outback driving. We took the Outback camping and on to some rough roads to test it out. Here it feels very comfortable, bopping along the bumps with ease and not translating any of the discomforts into the better-appointed cabin. It straddles those humps between the wheel tracks better, too, with 13mm extra clearance. There is also an enormous flat space in the flat-floored fold-down cargo area to take all your bulky camping gear. And it has a huge rear tailgate which is wide and low for easy loading.Make One Degree of difference today by calculating your carbon footprint and finding out what you can do to reduce it.

Rival car companies covet the brand loyalty that Subaru has among its followers. When it comes to trade-in time, more than 70 per cent of owners stick with the Japanese brand. With this carpark of committed Subaru owners in mind, that the company has taken on-board customer feedback about how to make the latest-generation Liberty and Outback better.Bigger, safer and more economical Both all-wheel drive models have grown slightly in all dimensions with the 80mm longer wheelbase in the sedan and 75mm longer in the Outback contributing to more rear seat leg and headroom and luggage space. Despite being between 17kg and 94kg heavier than the old model, new engines are more economical than those they replace and kinder to the planet.Safety has also improved, with a new engine ‘cradle’ to not only help the car crumple better in an impact, but reduce noise and vibration.New technology, like a continuously variable transmission on 2.5i models and new six-speed manual transmission feature. Subaru has also dumped the Liberty GT wagon but added a new model, the 2.5i Sport. Subaru Australia managing director, Nick Senior, says the company also looked for greater styling differentiation between the Liberty and Outback too. "They look more distinct now," he says.Drivetrains Two new engines are available, a 2.5i four-cylinder and 3.6-litre six-cylinder, which replaces the 3.0-litre. A 2.0-litre turbo diesel arrives in the Outback in November. The 2.5i four-cylinder ‘boxer’ engine and CVT, which is expected to account for about 75 per cent of sales, has a combined fuel economy figure of 8.4 litres per 100km, compared to 9.5 for the old car. The 2.5i develops less power but more torque across the rev range than the old engine with 123kW at 5600 revs and 229Nm at 4000 revs on tap.The new 3.6-litre is the largest engine ever fitted to the Liberty range. The entry 2.5i and 2.5i Sports models get what Subaru calls its Lineartronic CVT. Also new on entry-level the 2.5i is a six-speed manual, shared with the turbocharged Liberty GT.All automatics, including Lineartronic CVT, have a sequential mode to suit driving style and road conditions as well as steering wheel mounted paddle shifters. The turbo GT and 3.6R get an improved five-speed automatic. Prices for some models have decrease by up to 7.8 per cent while others cost the same as the superseded variants.Variants and pricing Entry-level Liberty 2.5i starts from $33,990, with the CVT auto adding $2500 to the price. The range-topping Liberty GT Premium is $52,990, $4500 less than the superseded GT spec.B, while the new Liberty 3.6R Premium is the same price as the superseded Liberty 3.0R Premium.Appearance and equipment Visually, the car has a more upright look with a flowing headlight design that sweeps high up the mudguards. Apart from the gains in cabin room, access to the rear seats is easier via larger opening doors. Standard equipment includes seven airbags - including driver's knee airbag - electronic stability control, dual zone air conditioning, hill start assist, trip computer, cruise control, six-stacker in-dash CD stereo and 17-inch alloys on the 2.5i.The 2.5i Premium adds sunroof, leather, CVT automatic, electric driver's seat and rear air vents. The 2.5i Sports opens the standard package with the Lineartronic CVT , 18-inch alloys, Bilstein suspension, sports grille and bumper, alloy pedals and Xenon headlights with washers. Premium models add automatic headlights and wipers, McIntosh stereo systems, reversing camera, SI-Drive, satellite navigation, keyless access and push-button start.The McPherson strut-type front suspension is now mounted to the cradle to improve steering response, handling and overall rigidity. The rear suspension is a compact double-wishbone rear suspension, shared with the Forester. The Liberty has followed the new-generation Forester with framed windows, which add to structural strength of the doors. Using an electric parking brake instead of a traditional lever has freed up more space between the front seats.DrivingThe gods did not shine kindly on the Liberty drive. The heavens opened up with lashing rain and blustery winds, leading to muddy and slippery country roads. But inside the Liberty sedan, all was serene. Subaru's relish being let lose in such conditions and the Liberty proved it has ability and confidence in spades. All-wheel drive is almost second nature and when you throw electronic stability control and traction control into the mix the Liberty is the perfect wet weather partner.We spent most of the time behind the wheel of the 2.5i CVT automatic, which is expected to account for the bulk of sales. What is immediately noticeable is how much room the car has, both in the front and rear seats. The front seats have also been redesigned and are more comfortable and supportive. Only the low-rent look of the seat fabric in the 2.5i let the interior down.There are some neat touches, like the levers to fold down the rear seats in the wagon, reversing camera on satellite navigation equipped models and the paddle shifters on the steering wheel. Yes, other brands have them but the Liberty is more than a match for equipment up against key rivals like the Mazda6, Toyota Camry and Honda Accord. The 2.5-litre four is quiet — almost too quiet for those Subaru fans who love the throb of the boxer layout — and the steering has plenty of feedback and feel.Developing 123kW, the new engine has lost 4kW but torque is up 2Nm to 229Nm and it is delivered lower in the rev range. This translates into more linear acceleration. There is little to fault about the dynamics or engineering. The Liberty is a very secure car to punt both on bitumen and gravel roads. The ride is composed and the multi-link double wishbone rear suspension provides the car with a surefooted stance over corrugated roads.The CVT, which has some links with Audi, is new and like these seamless transmissions, is smooth and can be used as a sequential six-speed - with paddle shifters - if you want. Fortunately Subaru has also managed to inject some conventional auto feel into the CVT via some trick software and there is no hint of the "slipping clutch" feeling of some CVTs.Cabin quality is as good as the best out of Japan despite some hard plastics around the cabin. The faux woodwork on the upper models is clearly meant for more conservative North American tastes. Despite the styling and interior presentation catering more to its biggest export market, North America, the grown up Liberty has lost little of its inherent Subaru-ness. And that should please Liberty owners who would not drive anything else.Subaru Liberty sedan and wagon Price: from $33,990 (2.5i manual) to $51,990 (3.6R Premium)Power: 123kW at 5600 revs (2.5i), 195kW at 5600 revs (2.5 GT), 191kW at 5600 revs (3.6R)Torque: 229Nm at 4000 revs (2.5i), 350Nm at 2400 revs (2.5 GT), 350Nm at 4400 revs (3.6R)Transmission: Six speed manual, five speed automatic and CVT automatic Economy: 2.5i manual is 8.9 litres/100km (combined), 2.5i CVT 8.4 litres/100km (combined), 2.5i GT manual 9.8 litres/100km (combined), 2.5i GT auto 9.7 litres/100km (combined), 3.6 R auto 10.3 litres/100km (combined).Emissions CO2: 209 g/km (2.5i), 198 g/km (2.5i auto), 230 g/km, (GT man), 228 g/km (GT auto), 242 g/km (3.6R)