Subaru Vortex Reviews

The tale of Subaru Impreza is like ugly duckling meets groundhog day.Repeatedly, it's styling has swung from pretty to pretty awful, drop dead gorgeous to drop kick.Honestly, Subaru has got it right this time - really right - and now I'm scared that the next model is going to look like a chewed suitcase. So a message to Subaru - just don't play with it.The sedan is now a balanced car in terms of style, has a neat nose and an interior - and particularly the dash - that is almost perfect, has soft-feel materials, is streets ahead of most rivals and belies the car's sub-$24,000 entry price.Even the engine is better, performance is good and fuel economy is back among the pack after previously having a reputation of being something of a lush.VALUEReally good. It's only when you stack the Impreza 2.0i up against similarly-priced rivals - Mazda3, Holden Cruze and Toyota Corolla - that you see it equals them on most things, wins on some but gives very little ground away. The fact it's all-wheel drive, now has a spacious interior and boot, has loads of features - Bluetooth, six speaker iPod/USB audio, cruise and a trip computer - for the price makes it close to a bargain. Not much point in up-speccing here because the lower priced Impreza models have it all.DESIGNAfter two - and more - years, finally a shape that looks good in your driveway. Impreza takes the good bits of big-sister Liberty but discards the slab-side look in favour of deep side glass, crease lines through the doors and eyebrows raised over the wheelarches.As mentioned, the soft-feel dash is light-years away from the previous Impreza's hard-plastic, satin-black finish that, at best, cheapened the car. The boot is big - again - and though there's a space-saver wheel, there's room for a real one. So why isn't there a real one there?TECHNOLOGYThe 2-litre engine appears to be the same but is a long-stroke version as Subaru aims to lift low-speed torque and reduce fuel consumption - both long-standing sticking points with its flat-four mill. With a modest 110kW/196Nm it works and is now on par with rivals. Fuel consumption is a claimed 6.8 L/100km which thrashes most rivals (see comparison box).The four-speed auto has gone in favour of a CVT auto - effectively a gearbox without gears so it's smooth and fuel efficient - which is great but needs a tweak, while the all-wheel drive remains the Impreza's core advantage.SAFETYNo surprises that this is a five-star car when crashed. It gets seven airbags. all the electronic brake aids, has all-wheel drive for extra safety but that space-saver spare shouldn't be there.DRIVINGA manual gearbox would show up the difference more but there's definitely more grunt of the mark than before. That makes driving the new Impreza a lot easier. The CVT auto has a great improvement on the previous wide-spaced four-cog auto. But it can sometimes ``hunt'' while cruising and show some initial hesitation when accelerating. It needs a bit of tweaking but in the overall scheme, still works well.One major change is the stance of the Impreza. It feels far more confident on the road, corners with more accuracy than before and the ride comfort - thanks in part to very comfortable seats - is excellent. It drives like a more expensive car and the engine - while a few more kiloWatts wouldn't hurt - is more than adequate for its target market.VERDICTIt's now amongst a (very small) handful of base model, small sedan cars that I'd consider buying. I actually disliked returning it to Subaru.

In fact, it was hard to even narrow the entries down to a shortlist. Just about every story was amazing, and we were in awe of all of you.  A special mention to all those selfless volunteers who have worked so hard for charity; all those who lent somebody else a helping hand; all those incredible acts of bravery; those people who have had the courage to leave abusive relationships; and those who mentioned special adventures they’d been on - or special love they’ve been given. We salute you all.  In the end, we narrowed it to down to two finalist entries - and then (in tandem with Subaru) had an even tougher time deciding between those two. But after all that, the prize goes to Rose Powell of Queensland, who wrote: “The best thing would be my partner teaching me to read and write again after having a stroke.”  The judges were won over by Rose having cited her partner’s effort to teach her to read and write, and also by what we know would have been a huge effort on her part to regain those skills. Congratulations, Rose.

Car manufacturers also dream of a new model going straight to the top of the segment in the first month. That dream is a reality for Subaru with its new XV selling 1005 in the first full month of sales, representing 20.46 per cent of the category or one in five. But the figures are not quite reflective of performance, because it is part of a new category in the official VFacts figures. The previous compact SUV category had ballooned to 27 models with sizes varying from the little Chery J11 to the Holden Captiva with one each from the US, UK, Thailand, France and Germany, two from the Czech republic, three from China, six from South Korea and the rest from Japan. Compact SUVs last year accounted for almost half of all SUV sales and 12 per cent of all new vehicle sales, increasing 5.8 per cent to 121,387 in 2011 while the whole market dropped 2.6 per cent to 1,008,437. The growing sub-compact SUVs now have their own segment called "SUV small under $40,000'' with just 11 models listed and the Mazda CX-5 entering this month for a round dozen models. Subaru Australia spokesman David Rowley says XV sales were going "through the roof''. "We'll await this month's results, but it's been very very strong,'' he says. Rowley says customer feedback shows a strong reaction to the styling and frugal economy of 7L/100km for the six-speed manual and 7.3L/100km for continuously variable transmission. "It's urban friendly while having that bit of go-anywhere ability as well, plus the feedback we are getting is that its fuel economy is quite a buying factor. From our point of view the early indications are that just as Forester and Outback pioneered new niches for us, this is heading in the same direction.'' Subaru's advertising has heavily featured the new orange (Tangerine Orange Pearl) paintwork, which Rowley says has been popular. "I've run a check with sales on XV colours and orange is presently running third to white and silver at just over 15 per cent, which is a healthy number," he says. Subaru is one of the few companies that does not charge extra for metallic or pearlescent paint. Subaru Australia managing director Nick Senior says the XV appeals to people who enjoy "expansive lifestyles''. "People who are active and enjoy new experiences,'' he explains. "They don't want to drive a large SUV, instead they demand car like ride and handling, and convenient cutting edge technology, to enable a fast-paced, adventurous lifestyle with comfort. "XV is a clear indicator of what's to come from Subaru in terms of new technology and design, so it's fair to say we're very excited about our future.'' Rowley says that despite the strong level of buyer interest, the waiting list is short. "Sales tell me range-topping S variants in particular are in great demand and the network is working closely to meet demand, but we can meet for now, at least," he says.

Be it an homage to Roman numerals, or an acronym from the adult film industry, the smallest of Subaru's new SUVs is leading the brand's showroom charge for 2012. Team with a new Impreza sibling, the XV (once a variant within the Impreza range but now a model in its own right) has been pumped up with ground clearance and a sterner look. We've spent time in the L six-speed manual middle child, followed by a week in the base-model, albeit fitted with the CVT with a six-step manual-change mode. VALUEThis is one of the XV's selling points, although it doesn't fight the pricepoint war with a 2WD model - it starts and finishes with all-wheel drive priced from $28,490, with the CVT adding $2500 to the ask. Standard fare includes the striking 17in alloy wheels, roof rails, fog lights, wheelarch flares and roof rails to differentiate it from the Impreza hatch. Inside, the cabin materials feel a little more upmarket, as does the features list - a super-informative trip computer, steering wheel (audio, cruise, phone and trip computer) controls, climate control, USB and Bluetooth (phone as well) connection for the decent six-speaker sound system, a reversing camera (displayed in the dash for the base model or on the satnav screen in the L), cruise control, power windows and mirrors. The CVT also gets paddles for the six-step manual change within the CVT - which actually holds in a "gear" as well, unlike some alleged manual shift options. The $31,990 L adds a leather-wrapped steering wheel and gearshift, dual-zone climate control, satellite navigation (with Handsfree SMS read functionality), a sunroof,  sliding centre console (which is largely useless) and rear "privacy" tinted windows for shy back-seat passengers. TECHNOLOGYWhile the outputs and capacity are unchanged at 110kW, 196Nm and two litres, the engine is third-generation flat-four boxer engine with variable valve system, lighter-weight engine components and a longer stroke to improve fuel economy.The outputs aren't going to set segment benchmarks but the emphasis is more towards fuel economy. The aims for better fuel economy are also assisted by the addition of Stop-Start - which Subaru says on its own is worth about five per cent in the chase for better fuel economy.The trip computer showed 8.6 litres per 100km after our stint in the manual; the number on the trip computer at the end of our week in the CVT was 9.2. +For boffins looking for information overload, the trip computer information display gives all manner of other data - some of it even useful - including how much fuel has not been wasted idling at the traffic lights.Our fortnight's tally was 986mL, all without making much of an effort, but the system also shows what's going on with the drivetrain - if you need that as the driver then perhaps you need to pay more attention to what you are doing, but it might keep passengers amused, or concerned.DESIGNThe new-look Subaru small car's are dominated by a new snout and "hawkeye" headlights, as Subaru calls them, but it's got a more muscular look to it. The cabin is surprisingly roomy and comfortable for leg and head room front and rear, with a better feel to the cabin materials and no shortage of features. The quality feel of the cabin is only marred by a lightweight feeling to the doors, which don't close with the same sort of thud that some previous Subarus have managed. SAFETYSubaru has - until the new test regime possibly alters this - a range-wide five-star ANCAP safety rating and the XV has seven airbags (including a driver's knee bag), front seatbelt pretensioners and load-limiters and a reversing camera.It also has what Subaru calls the Vehicle Dynamics Control system - encompassing stability and traction control, anti-lock brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution, hill start assist (in the manual) and a brake-assist traction control system that works like a limited slip diff.DRIVINGThere's no turbos here and that's a shame for anyone looking to play rally driver in the back paddock, but the XV is more, it seems, about getting dirty in a more sedate fashion. First and foremost, the two litre engine is not going to bother the traction control much away from standstill, thanks to the all-wheel drive system and the sedate flat-four. Keep it in the top half of the tacho and a brisk pace can be maintained, but don't expect bucketloads of torque down low. The six-speed manual can be a bit vague and it's not hard to miss a gate or get the wrong gear - it becomes less of an issue with familiarity but the action could be cleaner.The CVT is better than some other transmissions of that type previously sampled - it takes more throttle and steeper inclines to make the engine revs "flare" and it has a more direct feel (for a CVT) as well.The ride quality decent and the handling is composed, on sealed or unsealed surfaces - with 220mm of ground clearance it's also able to clamber over a bit more stuff than your average soft-roader, although there's no low-range transfer case.The manual model uses the old-school mechanical centre diff  with a viscous limited slip set-up that has a 50/50 torque split, while the CVT has an active torque split system that is constantly variable - having owned several Subaru all-wheel drive vehicles I have a personal preference for the mechanical system that doesn't have to react, but the active torque split systems are getting better.Bootspace is listed as 310 litres, rising to 741 if the back seats are folded - it's not the biggest boot in the class and the boot floor set-up covering the (sadly) temporary spare is a little cumbersome and intrudes on useful space.The stop-start fuel saver system is largely unobtrusive, working well enough with both the manual or automatic - it's subtle enough to work with differing brake pedal pressure (not just having the foot on or off the pedal). In the manual it needs the foot off the clutch pedal and in neutral, which doesn't always amount to a quick getaway from the lights if you're daydreaming. In the CVT model it's quicker but not as smooth - when releasing brake pedal pressure, there's some inching forward as pedal pressure is reduced, but on the whole it's a useful system.VERDICTThe old Impreza range had been left behind in terms of transmissions a little, but the new models have caught up and time will tell if the CVT route is the best course. It's a sharper-looking and value-for-money package that won't pin your ears back but will impress for economy, space and features and breadth of ability.

Kids aren’t usually a factor in Car of the Year judging.  But child friendliness rates highly with women buying cars – and with women judging cars.The countdown has been kicked off to decide the Women’s World Car of the Year, and the kid factor is one the judges pay a lot of attention to.“Statistics show that women drive children in cars significantly more often than men – and that means women need to take that into account, both when buying and as judges of cars,” WCOTY president Sandy Myhre said from New Zealand.“Any woman who has grappled constantly with child seats and belts and children considers those things when looking at buying a car.  Men might too but the fact is, women drive children in cars more than men.“Women would not consider that aspect in a Porsche 911 more than a bloke. The point is, it can be considered in these awards - and that is one of the points of difference in these awards.”Myhre points out that significant research into buying habits show that in addition to buying for themselves, women have a major influence in household purchase decisions for big ticket items.Ford Australia, for example, says their research shows that women are behind the majority of purchases of the Territory SUV – either as single women buying one, or in influencing the joint decision with their partner. “A report from Mattingly & Associates in Australia concluded, in part, that businesses that didn't understand this influence would be hard-pressed to stay in business.  That report was aptly called 'When I've Made Up Our Minds',” Myhre says.However, the kid factor is just one of the criteria by which the 2012 Women’s World Car of the Year will be judged.There are four categories in the Women's World Car of the Year – Family Car, Luxury Car, Sports Car and Economy Car. Points are allocated to each of ten criteria: driveability, engineering, comfort, child friendliness, style, interior, storage, dashboard efficiency, carbon footprint and colour range.The 20 judges from eleven countries have submitted their own personal short list and more than 300 cars were suggested. These individual choices were then whittled down to form a master list of 32 in terms of popularity. Judges will now allocate points for these cars from a criteria list.The announcement of the winning cars in each category and the supreme winner will be made before the end of March. The supreme award trophy and category certificates will be presented to the car companies concerned at the Mondial de l’Automobile 2012 – the Paris Motor Show – in September. The supreme trophy will this year be made in The Netherlands. Category-winner certificates will be designed at Peartree Studios in Colerne, UK.The first winner of the Women's World Car of the Year was the Jaguar XF in 2010 and the trophy made in South Africa was presented at the Jaguar boutique showroom in Knightsbridge, London. In 2011 there was a dead-heat between the Citroen DS3 and the BMW 5 Series. The two trophies made in India were presented at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September 2011. 

Mazda CX-5 and Subaru XV go head-to-head in this comparative review.

Subaru's fourth generation Impreza has finally arrived, but it's an evolution rather than revolution. Subaru continues to persist with its flat four boxer engine and symmetrical all-wheel drive combo as the backbone of the car, with a heavy emphasis on safety. But we wonder whether punters are looking for something more, given the unexpected success of the pumped up XV off road version of the hatch that was launched recently. There hasn't been as much traffic through showrooms since the launch of the original Forester back in 97. Subaru sees the car as an alternative to the front-wheel drive "clones" that comprise the segment.Competitors include the Mazda3, Civic and Corolla. Market research has identified fuel economy as the prime feature for which buyers are looking and the investment in this is apparent, but at what cost?VALUEThe model designations are different this time around. R, RX and RS have been replaced with 2.0i, 2.0i-L and 2.0i-S. The 2.0i kicks off from $23,990, but the CVT will cost you another $2500.The 2.0i-L is $26,990 and the 2.0i-S which only comes with the CVT is $31.490 - all prices exclude on-road costs.DESIGNNever been a big fan of the Impreza's styling and can't say I'm overly impressed with this one either. But they say styling is a personal thing.TECHNOLOGYThird generation FB boxer engine. It's the same basic engine as in Forester, but with the addition of dual valve timing. Produces 110kW of power and 196Nm of torque, exactly the same as before. The design is different with a longer stroke and narrower bore to achieve better economy.Gets a timing chain this time around which means no more expensive timing belt services. The crusty old five speed manual and four speed automatic have been replaced with a six speed manual and six speed CVT. The big news is the arrival of the CVT in this model and the big gains in fuel economy that it brings. It's expected to account for 80 per cent of sales and is certainly a quantum leap forward from the old four-speed slush box, but not everyone cares for them because of their zoom like quality.CVTs or continuously variable transmissions are designed to find the perfect balance between power and economy in all situations. It also has a six speed manual mode and Subaru has thrown in change paddles to make the most of it.PERFORMANCELeisurely. The CVT is the pick in this department.  0-100km/h for the CVT is 10.5 secs and for the manual 11.1 secs. That's better than the previous auto, but not nearly as quick as the old five-speed manual at 9.6 and, in the broader context - not that quick at all. Although the new engine has the same output as before, maximum torque is produced at 4200 instead of 3200 revs which can't help matters.FUEL SAVINGSTakes standard unleaded. Subaru is claiming 6.8 litres/100km for the CVT and 7.1 for the six speed manual. That's a 22 per cent improvement over the previous auto and a 20 per cent improvement for the manual. That's on paper anyway because we saw nothing like this during the drive program. The CVT returned 8.2 litres/100km and the manual, 9.0 litres/100km - nothing like what it should be getting. This was however over a rather short drive route and we look forward to taking it for a longer drive.AUTO START/STOPAll models are also fitted with auto start/stop which shuts the engine down at traffic lights to save fuel and reduce pollution. Subaru says studies have shown that cars may be stopped for 30 per cent of the time, so there are big gains to be had in this area.If you don't like it, you can simply disable the function. When the engine is stopped, things like the airconditioining, navigation and audio systems run on auxiliary power. But if the system is overloaded it won't shut down.SAFETYScores a full five stars for safety, with not six but seven airbags this time around including a driver's kneebag to protect the lower legs in an accident.THE PACKAGEHas the same exterior dimensions as the previous model but sits 10mm lower, has a 20mm wider track and 25mm longer wheelbase.Body 10kg lighter, but 25 per cent stiffer. Has more room inside too, with more rear legroom, and more elbow and shoulder room.The seats are more comfortable and the ride quality is very good, apart from the occasional intrusion of tyre noise on coarse bitumen. Surfaces are soft touch. Instruments are conservatively laid out but large and generally easy to use with an updated more extensive trip computer. Sadly no digital speedo in sight and still no one touch blinkers for lane changing.DRIVINGIt's more refined that's for sure, with a lower centre of gravity and hugs the road like a thoroughbred. It's quieter inside too. But and it's a big BUT, you really have to push this car hard to get it moving, especially the manual with it's tall gearing. The result not unexpectedly is poor economy which was reflected in the figures we got. Pulling away for the first time in the manual it felt lifeless, the change could be more precise and it doesn't like to be hurried between gears. The car really doesn't start to get mobile until you have 4-5000 revs on the tacho.The CVT in comparison doesn't have to work as hard and is the pick as far as we're concerned. It also feels more responsive to the throttle. But it's noisy and muffles the sporty note of the boxer engine which  is one of the car's main attractions.WRX?That's another story and another car as it turns out. The WRX hasn't been an Impreza for the last two years, but a standalone model that will continue to evolve in an entirely different direction. The word is we won't be seeing a new Rex until at least 2014.YOU GET $2000 worth of all-wheel drive for free as part of the price for a start. The audio system has six speakers, with iPod, Bluetooth and USB connectivity. All models get Bluetooth phone connection, with steering wheel phone, audio and cruise controls, climate air, USB input and multi-function display with distance to empty. 2.0i-L adds alloys, reversing camera, premium multi-function display, dual climate, sliding centre console, some leather bits, privacy glass and fog lights.2.0i-S adds upgraded speedo, upholstery and trim, alloy pedals, chrome fog surrounds, chrome door handle inserts, wing mirror indicators, side skirts and larger alloys.YOU DON'T GETNo alloys for 2.0i, just 16inch steels with hubcaps, and no full size spare for any of them. No leather unless you buy an option pack, no mention or parking sensors and satnav costs an arm and a leg (packaged with sunroof as $3000 option).VERDICTIt's quieter, more refined, roomier inside and better equipped than ever before and all for the same price. And Subaru has managed to pull off the impossible by making its boxer, all-wheel drive mainstay the class leader in fuel economy with a Green Guide rating that's almost as good as a Prius. Who said it couldn't be done? But it's not enough to be fuel efficient. It needs to be fun to drive too and sadly it falls dangerously short of this mark. 

Greener, leaner and not a turbo air intake in sight - Subaru has launched its Impreza small car range in Australia. The fourth incarnation of the all-wheel drive small car is aimed at the higher end of the small car market but has held it's pricetag to the same level as the previous incarnation.The unchanged asking price has been retained despite upgraded drivetrain, improved features list and better fuel economy (which the brand says debunks the claim of all-wheel drive being thirsty), which will no doubt help Subaru resurrect its sales volumes after a challenging 2011. Subaru Australia managing director Nick Senior says the new Impreza will attract new customers but should retain existing Impreza owners."These new customers will come along with our loyal Impreza owners, we've sold more than 144,000 Imprezas and the customers are a loyal bunch who will openly embrace the multitude of changes," he says.VALUEDespite not dwelling in the bargain basement, the value equation is strong, with the all-wheel drive entry-level car priced from $23,990 for the 2.0i manual sedan and hatch, heading up to $26,490 for the CVT model. Standard fare includes the stop-start fuel saving system, 16in steel wheels, climate control (dual-zone on the mid-spec L and flagship S), Bluetooth phone and audio link to the USB-compatible six-speaker sound system and trip computer.The L middle child is priced from $26,990 for the six-speed manual or the CVT slides in at $29,490 - the extra cash buys a reversing camera, 16in alloy wheels, a leather-trimmed steering wheel and fog lights. The flagship S is a CVT-only proposition, priced from $31,490, but comes with upgraded instruments and extra chrome trim bits, alloy pedals, side skirts and 17in alloy wheels. Option packs for the L and S comprise satnav and a sunroof for $3000, or the S alone can be upped to include satnav, sunroof, leather trim and power-adjustable driver's seat for $4000.TECHNOLOGYThe new Suby small car has the upgraded flat-four boxer engine with a longer stroke, which when combined with the variable valve system and the stop-start fuel saver system (which is on manual and CVT models and can re-start the engine between 0.2 and -35 of a second) has kept outputs unchanged at 110kW and 196Nm, but with 25 per cent better fuel economy.The CVT is hooked up to all four wheels via an electronically-controlled system that can run up to 95 per cent front-wheel drive, or the six-speed manual models use the long-serving all-wheel drive system with a mechanical centre Limited Slip Differential (LSD), split 50/50. The CVT claims 6.8 litres per 100km (a 22 per cent improvement) and the manual drinks a claimed 7.1 l/100km, 20 per cent better than the superseded model.DESIGNThe new Impreza is 4580mm long (4415mm for the hatch), 1740mm wide, sitting on a 2645mm wheelbase (up 25mm) and 1465mm tall, a 10mm drop. The nose is dominated by the new "hawkeye" headlights and has a less surprised look on its face than the Outback and Liberty models. The A-pillar's base has been brought forward 200mm and the C-pillar has also been slanted on more of an angle.Subaru says there is more interior space without much increase on overall vehicle size, with a 340 litre boot in the rump of the hatch (up from 301 litres); the sedan's 460 litre boot has also grown, up from 420 litres. The aerodynamic package has also contributed to the reduced fuel use, including underbody aero panels to reduce drag.The cabin redesign has also taken the childseat anchor points from the roof - where they intruded on loadspace and restricted rear vision - and put them down behind the rear seats.SAFETYSubaru says the five-star safety rating from NCAP remains thanks to seven airbags - dual front, side, curtain and one for the driver's knee - as well as body strength derived from construction topped by high-strength steel in the sills and B-pillar. There's also the inherent active safety and grip from all-wheel drive, as well as stability and traction control, anti-lock brakles, and the added safety of a reversing camera on the L and S models.DRIVINGMany will say about time, and plenty of those will earn their money within Subaru dealers. The new car is not an unattractive machine, certainly less polarising than its larger siblings.The first few minutes behind the wheel immediately suggests three things - it's quiet, the CVT (which the brand believes will be 80 per cent of the sales) suffers a little less "flaring" and the engine is tuned for economy. It's flexible but leisurely, and needs revs if you need to do something in a hurry - but the payoff is sub-9 fuel economy during the launch drive, which was through suburban traffic and into the Adelaide Hills, not terrain renowned for producing the best fuel economy figures. The hills roads also showed the work on the chassis has payed off for Subaru - the ride quality barely touches firm but the body control is good and handling is composed, it all bodes well for the next WRX.The CVT feels a little more direct than some 'boxes of the same type, while the six-speed manual is notchy but not a bad gearbox with which to swap cogs. The seats were comfortable and not completely without support, but the rear seating area was pleasantly surprising for its head and legroom. Bootspace is better than average, as is the features list.VERDICTIt's been a long hard slog for Subaru recently and the Impreza is a car for which the dealers have been crying out. The supply-constrained 700 per month sales target should not be hard for the company to achieve - it's a capable machine that is sharply-priced.

Humans make mistakes - otherwise, most of you wouldn't be here - and it's ironic that only humans make devices that can prevent us from making mistakes. Subaru's see-all, tell-all driver assistant package - called EyeSight - ranks alongside Volvo's City Safety as a vital tool to reduce road fatalities and even vehicle damage. But unlike most safety technology, it's debut isn't just for the wealthy motorist. Subaru includes EyeSight in two models - Liberty 3.6R Premium sedan and Outback 3.6R Premium wagon - as standard equipment with prices starting at $51,990.VALUEConsidering EyeSight is included in the price of the six-cylinder premium Liberty and Outback vers ions, it represents very good value for money. There's no price sufficient for replacing or restoring life. Aside from this system, the $51,990 Liberty sedan tested is a sleeper. It's loaded with features, is quick, comfortable and blessed with fine handling while exuding quality. It's not short of rivals - VW Passat 4Motion ($57,990) being the closest but other Euros are all in there - but EyeSight gives it the edge.DESIGNSubaru really restrains itself when it comes to styling. It's in-house  designers are conservative and appear driven by US trends, so the Liberty has a rather anonymous road presence. But it's spacious within with rear-seat room for three adults, has a big boot and good use of personal storage space. Dash design is simple and uncluttered, though the use of hard plastics and the sketchy sat-nav graphics date it against Subaru's latest - and low-cost - XV wagon.TECHNOLOGYEyeSight takes all the kudos here (and is explained below) but the Liberty's skeleton alone de serves a few elephant stamps. The all-wheel drive improves safety - and even simplifies ascending wet driveways - while the 191kW/350Nm 3.6-litre flat-six engine is flexible enough to be a sublime cruiser and yet pushed hard to induce a smile. The auto is a conventional five-cog box rather than the CVT used on some smaller Subarus.SAFETYAll-wheel drive, a five-star crash rating, seven airbags and a comprehensive list of safety equipment are standard. Add to that a reverse camera and the EyeSight. The downside is that the spare wheel is only a temporary unit.DRIVINGBuyers may not need the six-cylinder engine (Liberty has a four-cylinder and turbo option) but it certainly enlivens the journey. It's an unobtrusive mill mated to an equally as subdued automatic gearbox, though stomp the loud pedal and flick the gearshifter paddles and it's a surprisingly quick sedan. Handling is neutral but push hard and nose-heavy engine can induce understeer. A supple ride, the comfortable pleated leather seats, the clarity of the McIntosh audio and the appearance of quality in the cabin enforce Subaru's reputation - at least on its top-end models - for quality.VERDICTEyeSight is the icing on a quality car that should be bought with long-term ownership in mind.EYESIGHT EXAMINEDEyeSight uses two windscreen-mounted cameras to "see'' objects ahead and attempt to avoid a crash or collision. Key features include:Pre-Collision Throttle Management: Helps avoid or reduce impact in car park accidents by disengaging the accelerator. Also reduces impact in situations when Drive is accidentally selected instead of Reverse.Adaptive Cruise Control: Maintains a safe distance from the target car in front irrespective of the varying speed of that car. It can bring the Subaru to a complete standstill and then resume moving when the lead vehicle moves off.Pre-Collision Braking: Applies the brakes when a vehicle ahead is detected slowing or stopping suddenly and the Subaru driver has failed to apply the brakes. Also has brake assist for maximum braking power.Lane Departure Warning: A lerts the driver if the car drifts across clearly marked lanes. Is disengaged if the indicator is used.Vehicle Sway Warning: Alerts the driver if the car starts to sway from one side of the road to another, which may occur with fatigue.Lead Vehicle Start Alert: When the EyeSight-equipped vehicle is stopped and the vehicle in front starts to move, the driver receives an audible reminder.

A roaring result in 2011 saw the VW brand leapfrog Subaru and Honda to hit number eight spot, while the group, incorporating Skoda, sold more than 48,000 cars.Just weeks into the new year they’ve opened a flash new headquarters at Chullora in Sydney - announced a battalion of product on the way. February will kick off with a new five-door Polo base model, while March brings a new a 112TSI petrol addition to the Skoda Yeti line-up.May will see the arrival of a dual-clutch Skoda Fabia Monte Carlo to join the manual model – with a sport-spec Fabia RS 132TSI following it later in both hatch and wagon bodies. The wagon train will continue with a petrol 77TSI engine in both a Fabia wagon and a Roomster wagon.The early months will see the entry-level Amarok ute load up a cab-chassis body and two new turbo 2.0-litre engines: a 118kW/300Nm TSI300 – the first petrol unit in the Amarok – and a 90kW/340Nm TDI diesel.Both engines are mated only to a six-speed manual transmission. But there’s also good news for auto fans further up the range. The dual-cab is about to match an eight-speed automatic with the new 132kW/420Nm turbodiesel with 4Motion permanent all-wheel drive system.The Volkswagen CC – formerly known as the Passat CC – arrives mid-year, with the Passat Alltrack softroader hot on its heels.The final months will bring the tiny Up in three and five-door bodies (the latter unveiled last week) to slot in underneath the Polo. Bringing up the rear will be the new Beetle, redesigned and repositioned to appeal to a supposedly ‘butch’ buyer.