Subaru Vortex Reviews

When the first Subaru Liberty was launched 20 years ago it was the company's most ambitious model. It was a gamble on the mid-size segment that has paid off handsomely for Fuji Heavy Industries, which makes Subaru cars.With the arrival of fifth-generation Liberty, Fuji has also taken reasonably big gamble. The sedan and wagon have grown in size - most significantly in the cabin - gained a more conventional look, improved safety levels and some technical advances that have lifted economy.The wheelbase has grown 80mm in the sedan and 75mm in the Outback to provide more rear-seat leg and luggage space. The larger cabin also has more headroom and is significantly quieter with rear passengers benefiting most from the gains in space. Owners will appreciate the wider opening rear doors.In the sedan there is 476 litres of boot space, while the wagon gets 490 litres with the 60/40 rear seats upright and 1690 litres with the seats folded. The wagon's rear hatch has also been redesigned to be wider and lower to allow easier access to the boot.Depending on the model, weight has crept up between 17kg and 94kg, but new engines are more economical and kinder to the planet. Fuel consumption is improved in every Liberty, including 11.0 per cent in automatic Liberty GT and 9.7 per cent in automatic 2.5i models, in the combined cycle while emissions have also been cut.The Liberty also gets a five star crash rating, raising the safety bar by adding a driver's side knee airbag and engine cradle that is designed not only to isolate engine noise but absorb crash energy in a heavy front-on accident.Manual 2.5-litre Libertys now get an extra cog with six-speeds while automatic buyers, expected to be the bulk of Liberty sedan and wagon sales, gain a continuously variable transmission Subaru calls Lineartronic. The range-topper gets a 3.6-litre horizontally opposed six-cylinder "boxer" engine shared with the Tribeca, as well as a new five-speed automatic.A 2.0-litre turbodiesel 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 for 100km, compared with 9.5 litres for the old car.The 2.5i develops less power but better torque across the rev range with 123kW at 5600 revs and 229Nm at 4000 revs on tap.Importantly Subaru has managed to hold price points, despite exchange rate pressures earlier this year. The entry-level Liberty 2.5i starts from $33,990 while the range-topping Liberty GT Premium is $52,990, $4500 less than the superseded GT spec.B. The Liberty 3.6R Premium is the same price as the superseded Liberty 3.0R Premium.New Liberty models gain electric parking brakes and the Premium versions add automatic headlights, rain sensing wipers, keyless access and push button start.New to the range is the 2.5i Sports, which gets the CVT transmission, sports front bumper and grille, Bilstein suspension, alloy pedals, 18-inch alloy wheels and Xenon headlights with washers. Models with satellite navigation also get a reversing camera and integrated Bluetooth microphone.Visually the Liberty sedan and wagon - as well as the Outback - get a more upright look that critics have suggested loses some of the sportiness of the old model.The oversized eyebrow headlights sweep up the mudguards and the anonymous styling of the rear on the sedan has been compared to the Toyota Camry.Some of the quirks have gone too. Subaru's signature frameless windows have been replaced by frames that Subaru says help cabin quietness and the rigidity of the doors. The Liberty and Outback now join the Impreza and Forester in reverting to conventional window frames.Inside the cabin is light and airy with quality switchgear. Subaru's quirky SI-Drive system with intelligent, sports and sports-plus modes, appears on the GT and 3.6R.In growing up the Liberty has become more mainstream but what has not changed is Subaru's reputation for reliabilty and quality.For many prospective buyers, as well as existing owners, the brand's solid reputation will be enough to keep them coming back.Driving The new Liberty is a giant leap forward in a lot of areas, including the cabin space, transmission and suspension.After the mild makeovers on its main rivals, the Honda Accord Euro and Mazda6, the major changes come as a very pleasant surprise and one which is even more surprising after the Japanese cutbacks through the global economic downturn.So the Liberty - and the high-rider Outback - is obviously a Very Big Deal for Subaru, particularly for the US. In the past it has struggled to make a breakthrough there, even with Paul Hogan trumpeting the Outback, which is why it went for the bigger body and the . . . polarising . . . design work.Some people like the way the new Liberty look cuts through traffic, but others say it is too brutal and not remotely subtle. I say it's up to you. But you cannot argue with the extra space inside, the cushy front buckets, the excellent size and shape of the rear bench, and the extra space in the tail end of the Liberty wagon.It feels a full size bigger than the previous Liberty and is much more likely to get on the shopping list against a Commodore Sportwagon.The interior design also reflects new thinking at Subaru, something I like, and steps it away from the Euro and 6.Equipment levels are good, including a trip computer and cruise control on the basic car, but there is no Bluetooth link for the mobile and the operation of the electronic parking brake is an annoying fiddle.Dynamically, I think Subaru has taken a big leap forward with the new Liberty. It shares a lot of its components with the smaller Impreza, but the suspension is extremely smooth and compliant, there is great steering feel, and the car has more than enough grip and poise for family work.The suspension is clearly ahead of 6 and Euro, and a rival to the better Europeans, with its ability to soak nasty undulations and acne such as expansion joints and stutter bumps. And it is quiet, too. Speed bumps kick the back end around a bit, but that is my only complaint.The 2.5 boxer four is not overly perky, but the new six-speed transmission flatters it and must be great with the turbocharged GT engine. It's a sorta-CVT design but has six `gears' and paddle shifters if you want to make your own decisions.The car is a bit dozy from a standing start unless you floor the throttle, but once you get rolling it moves nicely and the manual shift allows surprisingly fun driving on twisty roads.I have no reason to question the safety in the new Liberty, or the long-term quality, and Subaru seems to have responded to criticism of the uninspiring latest Impreza by making this car more luxurious and significantly better than the outgoing model. It's a huge change and one that deserves recognition and kudos.The mid-size class is a real mix in Australia, with the latest Ford Mondeo making a strong claim and Toyota bouncing back with an update on the Camry. And perhaps it's a mistake to try the latest Subaru as a wagon first, but it has usually been the best from the brand.For me, the Liberty is now the benchmark in its class. Forget the way it looks, take a drive, and you will be won.Rating: 82/100

With the Liberty Exiga wagon due in November, the company is aiming to position it away from people-mover territory, describing the six-seater wagon as a ‘versatile utility vehicle’ with ‘multi-seat functionality’.It is deliberately not using the term people-mover to describe the wagon because it believes the newest entrant is sportier and will be a more engaging drive than conventional people-movers.Subaru Australia boss, Nick Senior, says the 2.5-litre Liberty Exiga will leverage its link with the Liberty wagon, sharing its 2.5-litre four-cylinder boxer’ engine and all-wheel drive underpinnings. "Exiga is on same wheelbase as Liberty and will have same dynamics," he says. "We'll be able to leverage the Liberty name and save a considerable amount of money trying to establish a new nameplate into the Australian market."As a new model, Subaru is forecasting modest sales of around 100 a month. Senior says the Exiga will have very targeted equipment levels, including standard DVD player and car-like driving dynamics. Subaru has built its success on the back of its wagons, which remain a critical part of the line-up. Last year wagons accounted for about 30 per cent of all Liberty sales. "Moving forward we will continue to offer customers what they want, not what we think they want," Senior says. "Because of that we're going to introduce a four-tier strategy with our Liberty wagons and Outback."This strategy is built around having four-cylinder economy, Sports/GT models, the Exiga and the Outback. "That range enables us to speak to more customer segments than we have been able to do previously," Senior says The Exiga is expected to be available as an entry and Premium model with prices starting under $45,000.Like the Liberty Premium models, the Exiga Premium will get leather and satellite navigation. Senior says the company is taking a six-seater Exiga from Japan because the middle seat in the second row is only available with a lap-seatbelt. Like other people-movers, the third-row seats fold into the floor.In Japan the Exiga is sold as a stand-alone model.Apart from the Exiga, Subaru will also roll out a 112kW/350Nm 2.0-litre turbo-diesel Outback in November. 

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)

The Japanese company's new diesel boxer engine will not make it down under for another two months, well after the arrival of the all-new Liberty this week, and it will only be fitted to the high-rider Outback. "We're going to launch the diesel in Australia in the Outback model," says the father of the new Liberty-Outback range, Takeshi Tachimori.The Japanese vice-president of Subaru was driving in the first Outback diesel to reach Australia during Repco Rally Australia last weekend and says the car is a major breakthrough for the company. But he says a massive development program in recent years on everything from the latest Impreza to the new Tribeca means there will be a staggered roll-out of the diesel engine, even though it is already fitted to the Impreza, Forester, Liberty and Outback in Europe."In just two years we updated the whole vehicle line=-p. It's such big work for us," Tachimori says. "We launched the Forester last year and this is big work for us. We cannot do everything at the same time."He says the biggest changes for the new Liberty and Outback are the cabin space and body design, which were both focussed on American needs. The previous Subaru models were seen as too small in the USA and that meant a major change. "We discussed that we must look for the global market. We shifted the target to a global direction," he says. "Japanese people said the new Forester is too big, but it's not a big car in the United States or Australia. People looking at the new Liberty and Outback say they are so big, but the change is not so big.The height is a significant increase, and also the proportion. "For this fifth generation we changed our centre of gravity, moving to a global position."Tachimori also says Subaru went against the normal development flow by designing its Liberty wagon first. "Most car companies make the sedan, and then add the cargo space. We began with the wagon as we are sharing the car body with sedan, station wagon and outback. "We wanted a strong presence, especially with the Outback model. The packaging is a mixture of a sedan and SUV."Apart from the diesel engine, the big technical change for the new Liberty and Outback is Subaru's first constantly-variable automatic transmission. It has a six-speed manual mode and was done in-house because of the complication of mating it to the company's unique boxer engines and all-wheel drive package."Our powertrain is very unique and our problem is making a good transmission. We cannot have a transmission from a supplier," Tachimori says. "Transmission is always a problem for us. We had to a have a better transmission for better fuel economy, so several years ago we decided to make a new transmission and it will be CVT."The 2.0-litre Boxer diesel engine in the Impreza is claimed to achieve fuel economy of 5.9L/100km with CO2 emissions of 155g/km which is 20g less than a Corolla.It's no slouch, either, with 112kW of power and 350Nm of torque between 1800 and 240 revs, propelling it to 100km/h in nine seconds and a top speed over 200km/h.The horizontally opposed four-cylinder engine sits flat and deep in the engine well with a variable geometry turbocharger and catalytic converter mounted underneath for a low centre of gravity. Coupled with Symmetrical all-wheel drive, this improves handling and traction.Subaru claims the flat-four layout with horizontally-opposed pistons cancels out second harmonic vibration which means there is no need for heavy balancer shafts.Apart from reduced diesel noise, it also ensures a lively throttle response. The 1998cc Boxer diesel has an 11mm longer stroke and 6mm smaller bore than the 1994cc petrol engine. Cylinder bore spacing is reduced so the engine block is 61.3mm shorter at 353.5mm. It uses a common-rail fuel-injection system with fuel pressurised at 180MPa.The variable nozzle turbocharger ensures the correct boost at all engine speeds and placing it beneath the engine contributes to the Imprezas low centre of gravity, where it also connects directly to the catalytic converters, boosting environmental performance. 

Little separates the Subaru twins, except for some extra body cladding and the Outback's high-riding look. As it is based on the Liberty the Outback gains all the equipment and safety improvements of its urban sibling.Like the Liberty, the Outback is more spacious in every key dimension. It is 65mm longer, 50mm wider, 70mm higher and the wheelbase is up 75mm compared to the previous model. The flowing headlight design integrates with the indicators, while fog lights are standard across the range.Highlighting Outback's road presence are flared wheel arches and projector-style low-beam headlights.PricingOutback 2.5i manual $37,990Outback 2.5i Lineartronic CVT automatic $40,490Outback 2.5i Premium manual $41,490Outback 2.5i Premium Lineartronic CVT automatic $43,990Outback 2.5i Premium with SatNav manual $43,990Outback 2.5i Premium with SatNav Lineartronic CVT automatic $46,490Outback 3.6R automatic $48,490Outback 3.6R with SatNav automatic $55,990 

A new 2.0-litre turbo-diesel available in Europe will arrive in November in the Outback first. However, Subaru Australia plans to gauge buyer reaction before looking at other models like the Liberty and Forester.In the meantime the local operations are pushing ahead with the launch of the new four and six-cylinder Liberty and Outback models. The fifth-generation Subaru Liberty is bigger, safer and has made gains in the areas of fuel economy and lowering emissions. The larger, significantly quieter cabin offers more comfort and better cabin and luggage space.Subaru Australia managing director, Nick Senior, says the fifth-generation Liberty improves in all areas. “It offers outstanding ride and handling, and every variant in the range offers better fuel efficiency and lower emissions,” he says. “Interior space is improved too in every key dimension.”Senior says safety has been improved in critical areas, with addition of the driver's knee airbag to complement the dual front side and curtain airbags. He said the energy-absorbing engine cradle and framed door windows aided cabin strength. ”That's in addition to standard electronic stability control and ABS brakes, plus a raft of other detailed safety features shows that Subaru isn't resting on its laurels, despite being a leader in this field.”Senior says Subaru has aimed to add equipment but keep prices down. “Every Liberty is keenly priced. The fact that none have increased and some have actually decreased, while specification is enhanced in so many key areas, makes these vehicles an attractive proposition,” he says.ChangesThe Liberty has a number of firsts for the model — a Lineartronic continuously variable transmission and a 3.6-litre horizontally opposed boxer engine, the Liberty's largest engine yet, as well as the addition of a Sports models to the 2.5i range and a six-speed manual gearbox.Fuel consumption has improved across the range, with an 11 per cent gain in automatic Liberty GT models and 9.7 per cent in automatic 2.5i models, in the combined cycle. Emissions have also been lowered. The automatic Liberty GT's CO2 emissions have been reduced by 31 g/km to 228 in the combined cycle.Pricing and variantsPrices for some variants have decreased by up to 7.8 per cent while others cost the same as the superseded variants. 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.Features and equipmentFuji Heavy Industries, which owns Subaru, has looked to Europe for inspiration for its new range. Among the features are seven airbags — including driver’s knee airbag - electronic stability control, dual zone air conditioning, Hill start assist, multi-function trip computer, cruise control, six-stacker in-dash CD stereo and 17-inch alloys (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 dusk sensing headlights, rain sensing wipers, McIntosh stereo systems, reversing camera, SI-Drive, satellite navigation, keyless access and push-button start.Apart from being bigger and roomier, the Liberty range is also stronger and safer, achieving a five-star ANCAP crash rating thanks to the addition of a front engine `cradle' and extensive use of high-tensile steel.The Lineartronic CVT on the entry-level and 2.5i Sports Liberty contributes to impressive fuel economy and requires no transmission fluid replacement, unless being driven in severe conditions continuallyAll automatics are available with steering-wheel mounted paddle shifters.Pricing Liberty 2.5i manual sedan $33,990Liberty 2.5i Lineartronic CVT sedan $36,490Liberty 2.5i manual wagon $35,990Liberty 2.5i Lineartronic CVT wagon $38,490Liberty 2.5i Sports Lineartronic CVT sedan $39,490Liberty 2.5i Sports Lineartronic CVT Premium sedan $43,490Liberty 2.5i Sports Premium Lineartronic CVT SatNav sedan $46,990Liberty 2.5i Sports Lineartronic CVT wagon $41,490Liberty 2.5i Sports Lineartronic CVT Premium wagon $45,490Liberty 2.5i Sports Premium Lineartronic CVT SatNav wagon $48,990Liberty 2.5i Premium Lineartronic CVT sedan $39,990Liberty 2.5i Premium Lineartronic CVT SatNav sedan $42,490Liberty 2.5i Premium Lineartronic CVT wagon $41,990Liberty 2.5i Premium Lineartronic CVT SatNav wagon $44,490Liberty 2.5 GT Premium manual SatNav sedan $52,990Liberty 2.5 GT Premium auto SatNav sedan $54,990Liberty 2.5 GT Premium manual SatNav wagon $54,990Liberty 2.5 GT Premium auto SatNav wagon $56,990Liberty 3.6R Premium auto SatNav sedan $51,990 

The four-time national champion set the fastest time during a production-class shakedown ahead of Repco Rally Australia, which begins on the NSW north coast on Thursday night.Speeding along a dusty forest road south of Murwillimbah at up to 180km/h, Bates was quickly into stride with the Toyota Corolla his team designed and developed at their race base in Canberra to take to back-to-back Australian championships with Bates and Simon Evans as drivers.Bates clocked a time 1 minute 49.1 seconds in his Toyota Corolla, comfortably ahead of Norwegian driver Evyind Brynildsson in a Mitsubishi Lancer on 1:50.17, with Aussie youngster Eli Evans third on 1:50.8 in his Subaru Impreza. Japan's Toshi Arai, who leads the Subaru effort in the world championship, was also in the leading group with Australian co-driver Glenn MacNeal."That looks pretty promising. Testing doesn't mean a lot, and there are plenty of quick foreign guys who are still learning the Australian conditions, but it looks good," Bates said. "I'm very happy to have a few runs through the stage and to have the car running well. It felt very slippery at first but once I got more into the groove it seemed to be working well."Bates is one of two wildcard local entries, along with three-time Australian champion Cody Crocker. The Subaru star has graduated since to the Asia-Pacific championship and is just five points from claiming his fourth straight crown this season.Crocker clocked 1:51.5 over the test stage, according to unofficial times from the crews' co-drivers, but said there is more to come as he learns a car supplied by Tasmanian team boss Les Walkden in a late deal for Rally Australia."I've still got some things to do," Crocker said. "I'm just glad it's happening. It looked like we were going to miss out when our regular car from Indonesia didn't make it, but now we're here. How good is that?"Bates and Crocker are both hoping to upset the regulars of the world production car championship and believe they have speed, as well as local experience, in their favour. "I want to win Group N (production class). That has to be the target," Crocker said. "There are quite a few good foreign drivers so the pace will be incredibly quick. But no-one is fast on every stage so we'll aim to be quick and consistent." "I've got to beat Cody. If I can do that we should have a shot at the production class win," said Bates. "I also think it's fantastic to have Rally Australia back, and to have it on the east coast for the first time. It was a fantastic event in Perth, but the reality is that the east coast is where all the people live and this should give a huge boost to Australian rallying."REPCO RALLY AUSTRALIAProduction car testing (unofficial times) 1. Neal Bates, Toyota Corolla, 1:49.1 2. Evyind Brynildsson, Mitsubishi Lancer, 1:50.17 3. Eli Evans, Subaru Impreza, 1:50.8 4. Toshi Arai, Subaru Impreza, 1:51.3 5. Cody Crocker, Subaru Impreza, 1:51.5 

CHAD Reed can almost taste the victory champagne as he closes on an AMA outdoor motocross series victory in the USA. He rode his 450cc Suzuki to another 1-1 result at Unadilla in California last weekend, his fourth win of the season, and now has an almost unbeatable lead with just three races to run.CODY Crocker will come to Repco Rally Australia fresh from a dominant win in the Rally of Malaysia with Ben Atkinson alongside in his Subaru WRX. The Aussie crew continued their clean sweep of the Asia-Pacific championship series and were helped when their two closest rivals, Katsu Taguchi and Karamjit Singh, both crashed into retirement and left Crocker's team mate Emma Gilmour to follow him home last weekend.DANIEL Ricciardo is closing fast on the prestigious British Formula 3 championship after his fifth win of the season, this time at Silverstone, last weekend. He backed the victory with third place in the other heat at the home of the British Grand Prix to extend his series lead in his Carlin Motorsport-run Dallara-VW.WORLD touring car champion Andy Priaulx will be passing on tips to youngster David Reynolds when they share the Bundaberg Rum-backed Commodore at Phillip Island and Bathurst. Their pairing is part of the Walkinshaw Motorsport attack on the V8 Supercar classics which sees pairings of Garth Tander-Will Davison and Paul Dumbrell-Craig Baird at the Holden Racing Team, with Steve Owen-Shane Price in the Autobarn entry.Marcos Ambrose rebounded from his dominant form on the road course at Watkins Glen with a disappointing 35th place in the latest round of the Nascar Sprint Cup at the high-speed Michigan International Speedway. Ambrose could only qualify 26th and battled a poor handling car all day, although he is still 17th in series points.RISING star Daniel Erickson added a second, fifth and sixth to his results in the British Formula Ford championship at Silverstone last weekend. He actually qualified on pole position for the first of three races and scored enough points to be second for the weekend and is sixth in the series.CHRIS Wootton remains second in the Formula BMW Asia championship despite a disastrous weekend at Sentul. He was quick in practice and qualifying but had two mechanical failures before a seventh and a sixth place from the four races held in Indonesia. 

JAMES Davison drove brilliantly to convert pole position into an Indy Lights victory at the Mid-Ohio course last weekend. It was the second career victory for the third-generation racer and came at the same track where he scored his first Lights victory in 2008.RYAN Briscoe's snakes-and-ladders chase for the Indy Racing League crown took a slight slide at Mid-Ohio when he could only manage third place behind Kiwi Scott Dixon, who claimed the IRL record with his 20th series victory. Briscoe was also beaten by Britain's Justin Wilson, as Dixon moves into the championship lead with a 20-point margin over him.GARTH Tander will lead the Holden Racing Team until at least the end of 2011 after re-signing with the factory Holden team for another two seasons. He has been part of the Walkinshaw Racing stable for five years, winning his V8 Supercar championship with the HSV Dealer Team before being transferred to Team Red alongside Mark Skaife and now Will Davison.JACOB Smith, riding a Honda CRF 450, was the overall winner of the 2009 Australasian Safari with Stephen Riley and John Doble taking the auto division in a Mitsubishi Pajero. Smith led from the third stage and eventually took the overall victory from his brother Todd after seven days of competition that ended in KalgoorlieSHAWN Jamieson became the first 2009 title winner in the Shannons Nationals series when he took the saloon car crown in round seven at Morgan Park in Queensland. Matt Kingsley is on track for the PorscheGT3 Cup Challenge after his fourth straight round win as Lee Castle swept the Australian Manufacturers Championship races with his Subaru WRX STi. The Shannons Nationals moves to Oran Park next month for the last major meeting at the Sydney track.DAVID Brabham took another second place for Acura in the American Le Mans Series race at Mid-Ohio last weekend. He lost his shot at first place when his co-driver Scott Sharp damaged the bodywork while lapping a backmarker. 

…and explains why he likes to practise in an airport.