Subaru Vortex Reviews

Think Impreza and you’ll most likely think of WRX, the red-hot rally-bred car that redefined affordable performance in the 1990s, but the Impreza is much more than that. The Impreza, on which the WRX is based, is a range of well-built small family cars including sedans and hatches made to serve much more ordinary motorists than performance-minded WRX owners.But the WRX has done wonders for the once invisible brand, to which it has brought a level of credibility that was once unimaginable. From a brand that was mired in the front-wheel drive mix Subaru, with the help of the WRX and a daring switch to all-wheel drive only, has become an icon brand that stands apart from the regular crowd.MODEL WATCH Once Subaru made the commitment to all-wheel drive across the range it had a unique point of difference that brought people to showrooms who might previously have simply dismissed it as just another front-wheel driver. Add to that the exploits of WRX on the world rally stage and there were lots of reasons to consider the Impreza when looking for a small car.Subaru offered the Impreza in four-door sedan or five-door hatch body styles; the latter looking more like a wagon than a hatch. Both looked a little frumpy, with rounded lines and dumpy proportions that gave them a rather plain appearance. As a result they tended to fade into the background, until 2000 that is, when the company unleashed the new model that everyone thought was ugly with odd-looking round headlights. So apparently did Subaru themselves as they rushed out a facelift that addressed the odd-looking front and made the Impreza much more attractive.Inside, it was a little snug for taller adults, but it had reasonable head and legroom for the class, and would swallow five at a pinch with three squeezed in the back seat.Apart from all-wheel drive Subaru also followed a different path with its engines, choosing to stick with a ‘boxer’ layout instead of following the more normal in-line engine layout.The bulk of the range had a single overhead camshaft 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with 92 kW and 184 Nm, to which buyers could couple either a five-speed manual ‘box or a four-speed auto. The RS joined the fleet in 2001 and brought with it a 2.5-litre motor that bumped the performance up to 112 kW and 223 Nm.Drive was directed to all four wheels as needed ensuring the Impreza had impressive grip in all conditions. A finely tuned chassis and powerful brakes gave the Impreza a solid road feel that inspired confidence in the driver.At the head of the Impreza pack sat the WRX, a high performance car by any measure. With a 2.0-litre turbocharged double overhead camshaft engine thumping out 160 kW and 290 Nm it had plenty of zip to keep most drivers on their toes. By 2005 the output of the engine had grown to 169 kW and 300 Nm, which kept it at the head of the performance pack.With a good-looking body kit, and big wheels, the WRX looked tough and was the benchmark for performance cars from the moment it hit the roads in the mid-1990s.IN THE SHOP Closely inspect the Impreza as many have been given a hard time by owners who would like to be driving a WRX, but can’t afford it.Cars used by families as regular transport generally stand up well and are rarely modified, but models like the RS often attract owners looking for a WRX look-alike and they often modify them. Check any modification for quality of workmanship and legality as some modifications can contravene the law and you end up sidelined by the police if checked.If well treated and properly serviced the Impreza will stand up well in service, so look for a service record.Be extra cautious when buying a WRX. Many of them have been driven hard, on the road and the track, so look for signs of competition use. Such things like holes drilled in the body for a roll cage and sports harnesses, fire extinguishers etc, and modifications to the engine and electronics are clues to a fast past.Also be wary of ‘grey’ imports, which have come into the country as a result of the popularity of the WRX. Most have little or no history on which to make a sound decision.IN A CRASH The Subaru had good active safety with all-wheel drive, but it didn’t get ABS anti-skid brakes across the range until 2001. Prior to that it was only the RX and WRX that had the safer braking system. Airbags for the driver and front passenger came in with the 1999 model RX, and followed on the other models in 2001. ANCAP rated the Impreza at three stars.AT THE PUMP Those models with the 2.0-litre engine will return 10-11 L/100 km in average round town driving, the RS will take around half a litre more. The WRX requires fuel even higher than PULP, even the 98 octane isn’t high enough to stop it pinging in some cases. Be prepared to pay for the best fuel possible.OWNERS SAY Adrian Nicolescu reckons his 2002 Impreza RS is a great all-round car. It's been slightly lowered, with an all-round body kit, 18-inch rims, low profile tyres (225/35), a Magnaflow exhaust with 2.5-inch drop down pipe and a JVC aftermarket CD/MP3 stereo with remote. Since purchasing the car he has upgraded to a Kenwood seven-inch DVD screen with a custom boot install to fit a subwoofer and amp, an IPod adapter to play and control music from the IPod, a high performance dry cycle battery to cope with power demands, K&N panel filter, front end stabilizer bar, and last but not least clear side indicators with bulbs and a light up Impreza badge mounted on the front of the grille. It has been a pleasure to drive he says. It handles nicely, performs well, and has great fuel economy. For a medium-sized bloke he feels snug inside the compact cabin, but well supported in the bucket seats.Nick Tan has owned his 2004 Impreza for a year and has found it a real treat to drive in all conditions. The AWD makes for great handling, it’s powerful enough and is comfortable for both long and short trips. The interior is well laid-out and the bucket seats are a nice bonus. He has not had any problems at all, but says it can be a little thirsty and expensive if you're using the recommended premium unleaded.Ken Lynch bought a 2002 Impreza RX Sedan new. During the time he owned it he had a trouble free run. He replaced the battery after five years and fitted new tyres at 69,000 km. The styling of the 2002 model was a matter of debate, but it was a joy to drive.LOOK FOR • Good reliability• Solid build quality• snug interior• Good drivability• Boxer engine a little harsh• Good resale• ModificationsTHE BOTTOM LINE Solid, well-built small car with a performance edge, but beware those abused.VERDICT 75/100

All-wheel drive is all about safety in all weather conditions on all road types, but almost as soon as those wonderful attributes were identified some rally tuner realised it also had enormous potential for rallying. It was about then that the all-wheel car went from a nice safe family car to a hotter-than-hell performance machine and we had some of the hottest special edition models, like the Subaru Liberty RS Turbo, appearing in our showrooms.At first it was a limited edition model available to rally competitors by way of special order, but such was the demand for it that Subaru released it for general consumption. Before the WRX with which the company is so closely identified, the RS Turbo was already attracting the attention of rally enthusiasts.MODEL WATCH Subaru was in a period of transition in the early 1990s. Apart from its all-wheel drive models Subaru was producing cars that were struggling to stand apart from the small Japanese crowd, but in a moment of marketing genius the company decided to become an all-wheel drive only company. It was a masterstroke, one from which the company hasn’t looked back.In late 1991 when the RS Liberty Turbo sedan was launched it looked much like its more mainstream cousin. If it wasn’t for the alloy wheels, sports rubber and modest rear wing you wouldn’t know you were looking at anything but a regular Liberty sedan. It’s not until you drove the RS Turbo that it became clear, instantly clear, that this wasn’t a family shopping trolley.If you dared bury the right foot in the carpet the RS Turbo’s blown 2.0-litre quad-cam flat four responded with nearly 50 per cent more power and almost 40 per cent more torque than the naturally aspirated 2.2-litre engine that lurked under the standard Liberty’s bonnet. Peak power was 147 kW at 6000 revs while the torque curve reached its maximum of 260 Nm at 3600 revs.To achieve the increased output Subaru beefed up the cylinder block, added four-coil ignition and added a liquid-cooled turbocharger and liquid/air intercooler. It then fed it through a five-speed manual gearbox and centre and rear differentials to all four wheels for a thrilling drive well beyond its modest looks suggest it’s capable of.Given its head the RS Turbo Liberty would run hard and fast. It was capable of reaching 100 km/h in seven seconds, the standing 400-metre sprint was dismissed in 15 seconds, and it would reach 215 km/h if pressed all the way in fifth gear. As you might expect with its rally credentials, the RS Turbo LIberty was a delight on the road. It handled fast and slow corners well, was very precise and could change direction easily. The ride, while firm, wasn’t uncomfortable and soaked up bumps and potholes without being upset.The brakes were perhaps an area for criticism. While discs were employed at all corners it lacked the added safety of ABS anti-skid electronics, which would definitely have been a bonus on a car of such high performance.Inside, the RS Turbo LIberty offered the full accommodation of a regular four-door with quite good headroom, good legroom and foot space, even for tall occupants. The cloth-trimmed seats were both supportive and comfortable, there was a footrest for the driver’s left foot and an adjustable steering column.Standard equipment included air-conditioning, power windows, mirrors and antenna, central locking, cruise, and there was an optional sunroof. The sound system was an AM/FM radio cassette with four speakers. A wagon version was released in 1992.IN THE SHOP The RS Liberty Turbo is at least 12 years old now, the last leaving dealerships in 1994, which means they will have racked up plenty of kays, some of which could well have been very hard ones. On average an early car will have done over 200,000 km, a later one around 170,000 km, but Subaru reliability is such that high kay cars can still be worth taking on.Some early cars had rattling valve lifters that were fixed on complaint by Subaru, but some might have slipped through the system and owners have to try and find a solution themselves.The body is fairly sturdy and stands the test of time well. Look for the usual car park dings, which are inevitable if the car has been driven daily.Many have been modified for more performance or handling so look carefully for mods and make sure they have been well done by professionals who know what they’re doing. Also make sure those modifications don’t adversely affect the things that matter to you.Fitting aftermarket springs and shocks, for instance, can make the ride hard and uncomfortable which diminishes its appeal as a family tourer. Look carefully for engine modifications, which might have boosted performance, but cut the reliability. Again seek expert help before buying a heavily modified car. Before you take on a car that has been modified check to ensure the modifications are legal rather than risk getting stuck with a car that doesn’t comply with the law.IN A CRASH Primary safety is the all-wheel drive RS Turbo Liberty’s great suit. Its handling in all conditions, boosted by its rally suspension is the perfect recipe for extracting yourself from a dicey situation. Airbags weren’t offered, but secondary safety comes down to its sturdy body construction.OWNERS SAY Dave Shephard has owned two RS Turbo wagons. The first was written off a few weeks after he bought it, but the second now has 260,000 km on it. When he bought them he was looking for a car with performance, but could still swallow his kite surfing gear. He says it’s a perfect compromise, a mix of power and performance with Subaru reliability.Oliver Lever says the RS Turbo Liberty is a fantastic car for the young enthusiast or the family. Like all cars, he says, they have their shortfalls, which in the case of the RS Turbo Liberty is the gearbox. He says there’s plenty of information on them, parts are readily available, and their modest looks means they don’t come in for regular attention from the police.Matthew Pyman has owned a 1991 RS Turbo for a year and says he has never been happier with any previous car. It is, he says, a dream to drive. He loves the handling, the rumble of the boxer engine, and the overall thrill of the drive.Jarrod Power has owned his RS Turbo Liberty for three years. The great thing about them, he says, is that while they are quite attractive, and can be improved upon easily by lowering them and fitting a set of alloy wheels, they don't attract the attention of the police, which allows you to enjoy the driving experience. The RS Turbo Liberty gets tick in every box with its looks, performance and cost.LOOK FOR • Rattling valve lifters• Illegal modifications• Great all-wheel drive handling• Roomy interior for family• Combination of performance and practicality• Good build qualityTHE BOTTOM LINE Its all-wheel drive safety makes it a great learning car for young drivers to gain experience.RATING 75/100

CHAD Reed hit another major milestone in his American motocross career when he scored his first outdoor race win on a 450-class bike last weekend in Pennsylvania. After a pair of third-place results, the indoor supercross star qualified fourth and completed a 1-1 sweep that also moving him to the top of the championship pointscore with his Makita-Rock Star Suzuki.A monster off-track shakeup has changed the operation of V8 Supercar racing. CEO Cameron Levich is out, chairman Tony Cochrane will run the day-to-day operations as caretaker CEO until the end of the year, Mark Skaife has joined the board as an independent and technical chief Campbell Little is working through a three-month notice period after tendering his resignation.A lacklustre 31st place was all Marcos Ambrose could take home from the high-speed Sprint Cup battle at Michigan International Raceway last weekend. Ambrose had a tail-happy car all weekend and only qualified 33rd after a string of recent top-10 efforts in his Toyota Camry, although he still holds 20th place after 15 races on this year's Nascar circuit.AUSTRALIAN co-drivers Dale Moscatt and Glenn MacNeal were close to the front at the Acropolis Rally in Greece, as world title leader Sebastian Loeb made a rare mistake and handed victory to Ford's Mikko Hirvonen after destroying his Citroen C4 in a massive crash. MacNeal took 10th place and third in Group N production cars with Japan's Toshi Arai in a Subaru Impreza as Moscatt guided Russian teenager Evgeny Novikov to four fastest stage times and a points place in a privately entered Citroen C4.DICK Johnson is now officially an icon. The retired touring car racer was one of 150 icons named by the Queensland government last week, joining a list which included everything from barbecues to sunshine after votes from 30,000 Queenslanders.JAMIE Whincup and Steven Johnson teamed up for a surprising off-track success on the Gold Coast last week. The two V8 Supercar stars, who are deadly rivals on the track, combined in a B-grade indoor cricket team _ the Tank Slappers _ to take their championships with a convincing win.A major innovation has come to the Australian Rally Championship with a top-10 shootout ahead of the next round in Adelaide on July 31-August 2. The Pedders No Bull Shootout will match the top-10 seeded drivers over a single special stage for additional title points a $1000 prize ahead of the two-day main event. 

And there is likely to be more of it so with all the top resorts reporting big falls of crisp fresh white stuff, enthusiasts are dusting of their ski gear and talking snow talk.Carsguide this week takes a look at some of the newer off-roaders and others we think are some of the more desirable partners in snow.NISSAN DUALIS Price: From $28,990IT is a big seller overseas, but the compact Dualis has been slow to take off with buyers here.But it is a competent snow companion. It's not too big, nor too small, has composed on road manners and reasonable soft-road ability.In keeping with the current crop of smaller off-roaders, the Dualis has a wagon-style design, upright driving position and cabin that will swallow a decent amount of gear.The rear seats split fold 60/40 and the four-wheel drive system has a lock function that splits drive 50/50 front and rear when the going gets tough at lower speeds.The Dualis is powered by a 102kW/198Nm 2.0-litre four that delivers acceptable, but not outstanding performance.The Ti gets standard stability control, six airbags and heated leather front seats.Tick: Compact styling.Cross: Still relatively unknown. VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN Price: From $33,990THE Tiguan is essentially a grown up Golf and takes on all the attributes of its smaller brother, adding all-wheel drive into the mix with a choice of 2.0-litre petrol or turbo-diesel engines.It's slightly longer than the Golf and comes with the 4Motion Haldex all-wheel drive system.There is no low range but the Tig will get you out of most trouble in the snow.One of the impressive things about this off-roader is its handling. Anyone familiar with the Golf will be perfectly at home.Like all VW's the Tiguan is well equipped and gets standard stability control, six airbags and optional hill-descent system.Roof rails are standard and you will need them for a luggage pod because boot space is limited. However, the rear seats do fold almost flat. If you specify leather, the front seats are heated.Tick: Badge and handling.Cross: Luggage space and firm ride. SUBARU FORESTER Price: From $30,990LIKE the previous model, the Forester is a top seller and popular among skiers.The new-generation wagon answers the criticism of limited luggage and rear seat legroom by being bigger and even more practical.However, by growing 90mm in wheelbase and up in overall size the Forester has lost some of that on-road precision that marked the previous model as a standout. Some aspects of the cabin, like the dashboard execution, are not of the quality we expect from Subaru either.Pluses are its size and 2.5-litre boxer four cylinder engines. Subaru build quality is generally good too, as is the constant all-wheel drive system.The Forester has a five-star crash rating and raft of safety features that includes anti-skid brakes, stability control and brace of airbags. Manual Foresters get hill-start assist, which stops the car rolling backwards while first gear is engaged.Tick: It's a Subbie.Cross: Soggy SUV feel. RENAULT KOLEOS Price: From $29,990TO dismiss the Koleos as just a French car over the top of Nissan mechanicals is missing the point.The Koleos is well executed, solid and safe. It has six airbags, stability control and hazard lights that come on after an emergency stop.The "All-Mode 4x4i" all-wheel drive versions also get hill-start assist and hill-descent control.In auto mode, the torque split between the front and rear is automatically determined by the amount of available grip.Entry models are two-wheel drive while all-wheel drive buyers get a choice of the smooth Renault-sourced 2.0-litre dCi turbo diesel or 2.5-litre Nissan-sourced petrol four cylinder.There's plenty of room. The rear centre armrest is removable to allow skis to be pushed through and there are storage bins under the front seats and rear floor.Like the Tiguan, the range topping models with leather get heated front seats.Tick: Better looking than an X-Trail.Cross: Renault badge. AUDI Q5 Price: From: $59,900IT seems that just about any vehicle Audi launches at the moment is a sellout.The Q5 is one of them.Smaller than a Q7, the Q5 has the same off-road attributes in a smaller sharply styled package with good luggage space via the 40/20/40 split rear seats and optional cargo barrier that separates luggage.Two petrol and two turbo diesels are available and the S-tronic seven-speed gearbox contributes to good fuel figures.Audi's permanent quattro all-wheel drive system splits torque 40/60 front and rear, which gives the car relatively neutral handling.For those looking for something bigger, there's the A6 Allroad and the Q7.Unfortunately Audi is becoming just like its German rivals BMW and Mercedes-Benz when it comes to equipment.Tick: Space and diesel.Cross: Expensive options. FORD TERRITORY Price: From $39,490THE Territory has just undergone a recent update to bring it into line with the rest of the Ford range.However, the cabin remains largely the same, and that's not a bad thing. It's good for a family and has seven-seater capacity.The Territory's cabin is well thought out and there is lots of storage space.Buyers have a choice of four AWD models or three rear-drive models.Stability control is standard, as are four airbags and anti-skid brakes.The TS and Ghia four-wheel drive models get seven seats as standard. Mum and Dad will also appreciate the standard DVD player in the Ghia.The reversible rear-load floor and compartment for storing wet items is handy.Tick: Practical and good looking.Cross: Getting on despite update. VOLVO XC60 Price: From $57,950THE XC60 is one of the best handling Volvo wagons around and one of the most attractive.The new City Safety feature is more than just a gimmick. The system applies the brakes if you are about to rear-end another car in low-speed situations up to 30km/h.Other Volvo strengths are the lane change warning system and blind-spot warning system. Volvo seats are renown for their comfort. 40/20/40 split rear seat is practical.There is a choice of either the 2.4-litre D5 turbo-diesel, which is about to be upgraded to a twin-turbo for better economy and efficiency, or the 3.0-litre turbo petrol six.Tick: Styling and equipment.Cross: Rattly diesel. LEXUS RX350 Price: From $81,900.THE RX350 has grown slightly, which translates into more interior room.This wagon, like all Lexus models, is packed with equipment that is optional on its rivals like satellite navigation, power rear hatch and rear reversing camera.The Sports Luxury gets active headlights that follow the curve of the road, plus a heads-up display.The safety package consists of stability control with cooperative steering function (VSC+), traction control, anti-skid brakes, electronic brake-force distribution and brake assist.There is also, hill-start assist, 10 airbags and a first-aid kit.The rear seats split 40/20/40 and there is a wet-storage area in the luggage load floor. Thule luggage pods are also available.Tick: Standard equipment.Cross: Looks bloated. MAZDA CX9 Price: From $51,990It looks big and feels big but once under way, the CX9 shrink-wraps around you.It's well sorted on the road, has a host of safety gear and with seven seats, has plenty of room for the family.The cabin quality is better than the CX9 too.The 204kW/366Nm 3.7-litre V6 has plenty of poke but slurps petrol like a celebrity lining up for a free drink during Melbourne Cup week.The 60/40 split fold rear seats can be released from the luggage area.Tick: Rear seating, quality.Cross: Fuel economy. TOYOTA PRADOPrice: From $48,600THE Prado is the ideal family load-lugger if you need serious space and room for the family.It comes with eight seats and long-range fuel tank of 180 litres.The full-time 4WD system has a low-range setting for heavy off-roading.However only the higher spec Prados get standard stability control, anti-skid brakes, hill-descent control and six airbags as standard so it pays to check the fineprint.GXL, VX and Grande buyers get foglights and roof rails with satellite navigation and height-adjustable air suspension standard only on the top-of-the-range Grande.Tick: Standard and GX lack standard safety gear.Cross: Clunky styling. NISSAN MURANO Price: From $45,990THE previous-generation Murano was a sleeper.In a lineup dominated by the Navara and Patrol, it never really stood out other than a competent family wagon and its soft curves alienated many potential buyers.But Nissan hopes to change that with the new-generation Murano.The styling is sharper, the 191kW/336Nm 3.5-litre V6 a sweet engine that delivers good fuel economy. The packaging is good. The automatic All Mode 4x4-i all-wheel drive system can distribute torque on demand to where its needed.The luxury Ti gets all the fruit, from navigation system to heated front seats, reversing camera, automatic rear hatch and Bose sound system. The 60/40 split rear seats on both the ST and Ti can be flipped forward from the back of the car.Tick: Engine, equipment.Cross: Cheese-cutter grille. RANGE ROVER SPORT Price: From $90,900THE Range Rover brand has a strong following and is the preferred luxury chariot for seriously well-heeled snowgoers.Like the bigger Range Rover the Sport gets the nifty "Terrain Response" off-road system which means you just have to twist the switch to get the required off-road mode.The Range Rover Sport has real off-road capability but we don't think too many owners would ever go bush bashing in the leather-line luxury off-roader, particularly with the stylish 20-inch wheels available some models.The 65/35 split rear seats also have folding cushions and the full-size spare is easily accessible under the car. However, some of the bigger wheel/tyre options make do with a spacesaver.Tick: Luxury.Cross: Reliability.

The Gymkhana Two video was produced to market Ken Block’s first-ever Rally TeamWorks Collection for DC Shoes. Filmed at the Port of Los Angeles, Block hits the all-new course in a custo- tuned, high performance, and brand-new Subaru Impreza WRX STI, with a guest appearance from DC Team rider Rob Dyrdek.          

Yes, there is a chunky new body, but otherwise the Japanese niche maker has ticked all the expected boxes: a revised four-cylinder boxer turbo, a re-hashed symmetrical all-wheel drive system, and re-designed double-wishbone rear suspension as part of a mechanical package which allows a roomier cabin inside a bigger body.SafetyIt will almost certainly get the maximum five-star safety rating from ANCAP, although there was no need to test its crash performance during a first drive of the B4 2.5 Liberty GT in Japan last week.BodyAt my exclusive drive in the mountains of Subaru's Tochigi proving ground my first impression was the car's 'street presence.' The new Liberty looks bigger and taller all-round with substantial modifications in the sheetmetal.It is over 100mm longer, 50mm wider, 80mm higher and the wheelbase has stretched by 80mm as well, although kerb weight has only risen by 20kg. All that translates into oodles more head and legroom.EngineThe Liberty B4 has a fully-rebuilt 2.5-litre turbocharged boxer engine now making 210kW, up from 191, with torque in the five-speed auto up to 350Nm.Of special note is the redesigned turbo which now sits low down at the front of the engine bay just behind the number plate and a lot closer to the exhaust manifold, a modification that beefs up response while reducing turbo lag.Equipment The optional McIntosh sound system, arguably the best in-car sound system in the world, now plays DVDs and has a 40 gigabyte hard drive capable of storing 2000 songs and a 5.1-channel surround system. Other new stuff includes a 'Lineartronic' constantly-variable transmission, knee airbags, rain-sensing wipers and automatic headlamps, push-button starting and a reversing camera with factory satnav.DrivingThe new turbo engine strutted its stuff and demanded me to drive harder on Subaru's tight winding course, and the car felt more planted than any earlier Liberty.Power delivery is linear and strong with maximum torque coming on tap as low as 2000 revs and staying on the boil to 5500rpm. With almost no noticeable turbo lag, the Legacy's sequential five-speed auto gearbox devours gear shifts with the flick of its polished aluminium paddle-shifters and almost no shift shock. A re-tuned blipping control on the downshifts also delivers seamless entry into corners allowing me to focus more on smoother braking and turn-in. A six-speed manual will also be available.The newly fitted double wishbones do wonders for the suspension, and Subaru rates them as a priority change. The latest electronically-assisted power steering delivers a clear message and the chunky nose tucks in nicely while the rear end stays low and flat, generating more grip than ever before. These new wishbones counteract unwanted camber fluctuations while producing prodigious levels of grip. That equals quicker, more stable cornering.Surprisingly, ride quality has also improved, especially for rear-seat passengers.For more detailed information, see your newspaper’s Carsguide section or check back here later this week.

The Japanese versions will go on sale there mid-year, while the Liberty will be launched on the Australian market in September.The fifth-generation of the popular Liberty – known as the Subaru Legacy in overseas markets – is built on a new platform and will arrive with a raft of tech improvements, including the choices of a 3.6-litre six-cylinder horizontally opposed boxer engine , and a six-speed manual or continuously-variable transmissions.The two other engines are both 2.5-litre four-cylinder boxers, one of which gets a boost from turbocharging.Australia will get a six-speed manual diesel Outback in November, with the engine that has already gone on sale in the current model Outback in Europe developing 108kW at 3600rpm and 350Nm from 1800rpm. Fuel economy is said to come in under sub-7.0 litres/100km.Both 2.5-litre four cylinder and 3.0-litre six cylinder boxer engines are expected to carry over and diesel buyers will be pleased with the arrival of Subaru's first 2.0-litre turbo-diesel.The Liberty is wider and longer than the current model –the American version is even wider again – and should offer a large increase in both passenger and cargo area.Safety gets a big kick-up in the new models, with equipment on offer including an engine cradle that folds to isolate the block from the cabin in a crash, knee airbags, and a reversing camera with factory-fitted satnav. There are also rain-sensing wipers, automatic headlights and push-button start options.Of course, both nameplates get Subaru’s all-wheel drive system, and the dynamic chassis concept from the new Impreza and Forester.Subaru Australia managing director Nick Senior says the new Liberty has all the right ingredients to make a strong play in the market.“Safety, performance and style are all key ingredients in the new generation Liberty mix. Combined with the high quality engineering for which Subaru is renowned, it represents a formidable package.”“Liberty and Outback will build strongly on the respected records of the current cars, at the same time maintaining the fun driving that’s at the heart of every Subaru.”Pricing will be revealed at the Liberty’s Australian launch in September.

NewsText - PITSTOPS Marcos misses outMARCOS Ambrose could manage only 33rd after crashing in the Sprint Cup race at Darlington on the weekend. The resulting trip to the garage for repairs left him 20th on the Nascar points table going into the next race, his home event at Charlotte in North Carolina.Vintage RemoREMO Luciani scored the 49th state title win of his karting career as Victorians dominated their home championship at Puckapunyal. Luciani won in the over-40s clubman class to head a winner's list including Aaron Johnstone in junior national heavy, Jarrod Egan in junior clubman and Reece Sidebottom in midgets.Rising starBRENDAN Reeves is Australia's Star Driver under a scheme that is searching for the next generation of World Rally Championship winners. Reeves trumped four other youngsters competing for the Pirelli prize in Rally Queensland last weekend with his Subaru WRX.

So you, the driver, can choose who sits in the remaining seat. No kids in the back jabbing each other with their elbows, staring at the floor so they turn green with car sickness or whine about not be

RYAN Briscoe has slipped to second in the IndyCar championship chase after a fourth-place finish behind defending champion Scott Dixon at Kansas Speedway last weekend. Briscoe led for more than 50 laps in his Team Penske racer and managed to improve three spots from his starting position.CHAD Reed must win the grand final of the AMA and World Supercross series in Las Vegas this weekend to have any chance of beating James Stewart to the crown, after a controversial second-place finish last weekend in Salt Lake City. Reed was badly baulked by Stewart's team mate as they battled for top spot in the second-last round of the series, although the Australian refused to blame the incident for another second-place finish behind Stewart on his Rockstar Suzuki.CASEY Stoner was only fourth on his Ducati as Jorge Lorenzo took a surprise win for Yamaha at the Japanese MotoGP at Motegi. Lorenzo led home Valentino Rossi and Honda's Dani Pedrosa.SEBASTIAN Loeb and Daniel Elana stretched their unbeaten run in this year's World Rally Championship to five events when they took an easy victory in Argentina last weekend, with their Citroen C4 team mate Dani Sordo following them home. Loeb's job was made much easier when his only potential title rival, Mikko Hirvonen of Ford, retired with engine trouble.JAMES Davison finished where he started in the latest race of the Indy Lights series in the USA. He qualified eighth and was in the same slot at the finish of the oval race at Kansas Speedway.CHRIS Atkinson will be back in a rally car on the weekend of May 8-10 when he drives a Subaru in Rally Queensland. But it's not what the World Rally Championship refugee really wants, as he will only be the course car for his home event in this year's Australian championship, currently led by defending title holder Neal Bates in his Corolla.WARREN Luff is back with Dick Johnson for this year's V8 Supercar enduro races. The former fulltimer with the Queensland team has been signed to race again for Jim Beam Racing at Phillip Island and Bathurst, with Jonathan Webber filling the final endurance seat for the team alongside James Courtney and Steven Johnson.JOEY Foster extended his lead in the Australian Formula 3 championship when the Shannons Nationals classes competed at Wakefield Park in NSW last weekend. The latest English raider got the job done despite 2007 champion Tim Macrow taking a race from him, with Garry Holt and Adam Wallis also on the winners' list in the Australian manufacturers championship and the V8 touring car series.TALENTED young co-driver Rhianon Smyth has earned a big break with a spot in this year's Asia-Pacific rally championship. Smyth, who has done most of her work alongside her brother Brendan Reeves in the Australian series, was chosen by Emma Gilmour as her partner in a Subaru WRX STi for this year's Asia-Pacific series, starting with Rally Queensland next week.