Subaru Vortex Reviews

It's the 2006 package and continues a fun run that began in 1994. But time is catching up with Japan's Impreza WRX, and not just because it has been run down by the Mitsubishi Lancer Evo.The basic car is showing its age and, even if you're into turbo-charged total traction, it is hard to fire up every single time there is a new WRX.The '06 car is more enjoyable to drive with its 2.5-litre engine and extra torque and we are coming to like the new nose, but several questions still have to be answered.Park an Impreza alongside the latest Ford Focus and you get the picture. The Subaru looks small and outdated.Every Impreza still has the advantage of all-wheel-drive and Subaru deserves big ticks for its constant and successful update work, but we are still left wondering how much more can be done.WRX fans will rush to the new car and there is also an STi forpeople with big budgets and a need to beat a Lancer Evo.There is nothing wrong with that approach, but the buts keep coming.Subaru Australia says we are wrong."Sales have increased since the launch of the 2.5 engine. We are averaging around 200 cars a month, and they were selling around 140 to 150," Subaru Australia general manager Nick Senior says. "We have just sold an all-time record number of Imprezas. In terms of safety, value for money, equipment level, it is still a very competitive vehicle in the small-car market."He also says the second-hand support of the WRX, and the Impreza in general, proves Subaru is doing a good job. Still, WRX sales are down from their 2000 peak. It will be a couple of years before we see an all-new Impreza, which means the 2006 upgrade work has to get the job done.Subaru Australia concentrated a lot of effort on the basic models, even changing the name to 2.0i and holding the price for the five-speed manual model at $23,990.That price includes front and side airbags, automatic air-con, CD sound, cruise control and the all-wheel drive deal, and is pretty good value even in the hotbed of small-car action.The price of the WRX actually rose, but is still great value at $41,440 and includes the new 2.5-litre engine, xenon low-beam lamps and a big-bore exhaust.To put numbers into the picture, the new powerplant has 169kW and 320Nm, a slight drop in power but a 6.5 per cent boost in torque. And there is always the new nose.We were shocked at first but it is looking more and more familiar, and will be a must-have item for WRX fans as soon as Petter Solberg - or maybe even Australia's Chris Atkinson -- wins a round of the World Rally Championship with the new look."I think WRX is one of the few iconic names in the motor industry," says Senior. "You have to think about names like the Mini Cooper S and the hot Escorts."The recipe is that they are performance cars based on a stock small car, and at an affordable price. And that's the appeal of them. They never over-promise and under-deliver."ON THE ROADI first drove the 2.5-litre WRX at a Subaru test track in Japan. It was a left-hand-drive car for American drivers and it felt more responsive and easier to drive than the car sold in Australia.I was hooked and hoped to see it Down Under. Now it is here.The 2.5 drops a little maximum power from the previous 2-litre turbo four, but 169kW is still more than enough for most people, and the pay-off is a turbo surge from little more than 2000 revs and the extra torque.The result is a car easier to drive fast and not as hard to handle.There has always been some turbo lag in the WRX, but the new car feels to have less - a lot less than an Impreza STi or a Lancer Evo. This means ordinary driving is more relaxed and enjoyable.You can flow the car better along twisting roads without having to push to keep it boosting or compensate for off-boost bits, and it is stronger when overtaking without penalising fuel economy.The engine also seems a better match to the basic WRX, which has become my favourite over the all-or-nothing STi. It makes the whole car feel more mature.I also like the new xenon low-beam lamps, though a full set of the hi-tech headlights would be better. Subaru has always been a bit dim after dark, but is finally getting on the pace.As always, I was happy to slide into the comfy sports buckets and to use the meaty leather-wrapped wheel and smooth five-speed shifter.But I looked deeper this time, at the rear-seat space and comfort, the thinnish sound system, the standard of the carpet and other little things that small-car makers now do well.The Impreza is falling behind. It is not back at the level of a Holden Viva, but it is nowhere close to the Mazda3 and Ford Focus, which are setting the pace and winning most friends in the small-car business.Even cars such as the Renault Megane, which comes as a 225 sports model, are raising questions. And the Golf GTi, a ripper driving car with superior quality, makes a powerful alternative to a WRX, if you can wait three months.The WRX is a special case and will always be a winner because of its pace and the appeal of its all-wheel-drive, but it cannot just be measured against the Lancer Evo.Anyway, the Lancer is getting old and has many similar shortcomings.It is about time Subaru did something to freshen the cabin and took a good look at the rest of the car. We still like the WRX a lot, but it is not love.

It is a stunning car that offers superb performance and handling, strong safety credentials and at $40,990 is eminently affordable. The fact that the WRX or a derivative of it has won a squillion rallies around the world is icing on the cake and then there is the way it sounds.No "buzz bomb" like many other high performance four cylinder cars, the WRX emits a feral sounding bellow that adds to its appeal.Now, the '06 WRX has moved to the next level with a DOHC, 2.5-litre, four cylinder engine and other improvements.Not only is performance enhanced, the new WRX is smoother, more refined and respon- sive, easier to drive and produces fewer emissions.It still needs premium unleaded to run right but that's a small price to pay for what this "mean and nasty" small sedan has to offer.Retained are the gripping all wheel drive system, dual front air bags (and side bags this time), ABS and that certain WRX look that includes a distinctive rear wing, large bonnet air scoop and mild aerodynamic body add ons.Added are xenon headlights, larger diameter exhausts system, electronic throttle control, new alloys and other goodies.You can pick the '06 model by its clear lens tail lights and the new nose with prominent grille "beak" and "predatory bird" head- lights. Subaru reckons the look is aerospace inspired.It may not initially appeal but grows on you. There's certainly no mistaking the car for anything else on the road and that holds appeal in itself.Power output from the new 2.5-litre boxer engine is 169kw with 320 Nm of torque.Gearing remains the same in the five speed 'box but throttle response is stronger through each ratio due to the greater torque output. The change mechanism has also been refined for a sportier feel.Standard features are extensive but the interior looks fairly generic Japanese. Comfort is good offering supportive seats and an adjustable driving position. The audio has pleasing tones and cruise control is welcome.It's a fairly practical car capable of taking five people and their luggage. But the WRX is all about sporty driving and this is where it excels. Acceleration is strong with a mid 5.0 second 0-100kmh pass achievable. Roll on acceleration is excellent and the thing is a hare out of the blocks.Handling is a good match for the engine aided by the all wheel drive system, aluminium suspension and grippy tyres. Multi-piston disc brakes make light work of stopping the WRX while the limited slip differential ensures ultimate traction going the other way.There's a keypad code to start the beast but it's totally justified and necessary to prevent theft.The big question is whether you'd go for this or the STi version. My preference as a road car is the WRX as it's easier to drive, more comfortable, almost as quick around corners and in a straight line and costs $16,000 less. `Nuff said.

Totally understandable if you ask me.The STi is Subaru's biggest hitter, now with more firepower thanks to a boost in engine capacity to 2.5-litres. Now that rally homologation is not an issue it makes for an infinitely better road car.Gone is the previous model's Achilles Heel – terrible turbo lag especially off idle.It was embarrassing to say the least not to mention frustrating.That's all in the past now with the new STi cranking out just shy of 400Nm of torque at around 4000rpm and engine power has jumped to 206kW.In cold hard terms, this empowers the STi with the ability to probably see off pretty well anything made by HSV or FPV and a good few highly fancied Euro hot rods too.Not bad for a small four door turbo sedan costing $56,990.Everything is not the STi's way however as Mitsubishi's Lancer Evo 9 is every bit as good a drive and just as quick but it goes about business in a different way compared to the STi – more turbo boost and smaller capacity engine to begin with.The STi has Impreza's new look nose which polarises opinions but "grows" on you after a day or two. The body is essentially the same as before with minor external detail changes including a smaller bonnet scoop for improved aerodynamics.The engine is a twin overhead cam per cylinder bank boxer four that sounds better than ever thanks to a throaty exhaust note.It delivers sensational performance and still passes stringent Euro 4 emissions regulations while consuming fuel at a relatively modest rate.The 0-100kmh sprint is a low 5.0 second event but the real strength is mid-range roll on acceleration.It absolutely hauls from about 3500rpm to 7000rpm.This is all capably harnessed by the short shift, close ratio, six speed gearbox. Drive is to all four wheel via a Torsen limited slip differential that also offers a number of driver- select modes.And not only does it go, but cornering is awe inspiring. The STi refuses to put a foot wrong and rewards drivers with a fully engaging experience behind the wheel. The suspension is firm causing a jiggling ride on rough roads. Brakes are four piston Brembos."In your face" styling features a large boot lid wing, rear windscreen deflector, mild aerodynamic skirts and an under body diffuser to increase down force at speed. The interior is typically understated and fairly generic Japanese with a splash of metallic fascia and some luxury equipment including the steering wheel and rally style seats. A decent audio system cranks out pleasing tones.Engine redline is denoted by a red light at the top of the large tachometer with an audible buzzer – just like a rally car.The STi is available only as a four door sedan – the better looking variant in the new model range. It is practical and capable of carrying four adults in relative comfort – and their gear in the large boot. Access is easy, the climate control air is strong and the seats are firm but comfortable. Safety is fully addressed this time around with the STi gaining xenon headlights, dual front air bags but no side bags, sports ABS and a number of dynamic controls.The new STi is smoother, quicker, better mannered, easier to drive, safer and more affordable. A worthy addition to the STi lineage.

Leaked photos revealed the new Subaru nose, a big snout with two wings either side. It wasn't pretty.Now it's here, the Impreza doesn't look so bad. Maybe we are just used to it, maybe it looks better in the metal.Subaru does well selling base Imprezas, but the turbo WRX and even-more-potent STI are the poster cars.The WRX and STI used heavily turbo-boosted 2.0-litre engines that went like stink when the turbo spooled-up, but were gutless low in the rev range.Now Subaru has introduced a bigger, more torquey 2.5-litre engine for the WRX and STI.The new WRX inches up to 169kW and torque improves from 300Nm to 320Nm, which is available at 3600 revs.The new STI also gets a stronger engine, which has 11kW more power for a total of 206kW, and torque moves up from 343Nm to 392Nm at 4000 revs.Subaru says all Impreza engines sound throatier thanks to a redesigned exhaust system.The new engines are the biggest part of the Impreza upgrade, but there are other changes.Side airbags have been added as standard equipment across the range except for the fastest in the range, the STI.The new STI has a smaller turbo scoop on the bonnet (now the same size as the WRX scoop), which Subaru says is more aerodynamically efficient.Like the WRX, the STI is available only with a six-speed manual transmission and the STI's gearbox has been improved slightly.The STI comes standard with some hi-tech wizardry that manages torque distribution between all four wheels.This system uses a range of sensors to measure how the car is operating and controls where the torque goes to maximise traction.Subaru has added a torque-sensing, electronically controlled, centre-limited slip differential and a steering wheel angle sensor.The driver can manually control the differential and manage some of the torque split between the front and rear wheels.Unless the driver intervenes, in normal conditions 41 per cent of torque goes to the front wheels and 59 per cent to the back wheels.The STI comes standard with hefty Brembo anti-skid brakes with four-pot calipers at the front, two-pot calipers at the rear and sits on 17-inch gold alloy wheels.Other standard features include Xenon headlights, six-CD sound, a wild body kit with a large plastic rear wing and aluminium spoiler strip at the back of the roof and a new bigger exhaust outlet.It also features a driver-adjustable shift warning (which flashes and beeps when it is time to change gears) and an intercooler water spray.ON THE ROADThe STI is not good for everyday use. It is difficult to drive smoothly in stop-start traffic and is a nightmare to park because its all-wheel-drive components contribute to a poor turning circle.Then there is the rock-hard suspension that can make a highway feel as bumpy as a run down a country road - it is that bad.But for all its flaws, the STI is awesome. Its traction in wet and dry, on tarmac or dirt, is stunning.Subaru has fine-tuned the AWD system and it can make a bad driver seem good.You can pitch the STI into a turn, at a pace you think may unsettle the car, and the Subaru just sorts it all out and takes you through.The pace this car can handle around a bend is so far above what is acceptable on public roads that most owners will never be able to take advantage of the STI's true ability.Though it has been designed as a road car rather than a rally weapon, this car is actually at home on the dirt, where it accelerates nearly as quickly as it does on tarmac.The engine has even more meat than before, thanks to the increased displacement.It offers a much more progressive power delivery than the previous engine, which had little torque low in the rev range before it went into hyperdrive when the turbo spooled up.Now there is adequate go down low, but the real sweet spot is from 3000 revs onwards.It is great fun to accelerate hard and change just before the rev-limiter cuts in - just as the change alert beeps and flashes.Subaru has fitted the STI with track-ready tyres, which are more like slicks with far fewer grooves than a regular tyre and work well in wet or dry, but are noisy.The Brembo brakes are superb and pull up the car in an instant.The STI might have a smaller front scoop, but it is still cop bait with its skyscraper rear wing, big gold wheels and large exhaust.The wing is so tall you can actually see a fair amount of the following traffic below the top of the wing in your rear-view mirror.The top plane of the wing does tend to wobble in the wind at more than 80km/h, unlike the Mitsubishi Evo IX, which uses a carbon-fibre top section.The seats are fairly comfortable, but don't offer as much support as the Recaro seats in its Mitsubishi rival.The STI is a great showcase of automotive achievement, but anyone who buys one and doesn't spend some time at a track day, is wasting their money and should consider a regular WRX instead.

I could have felt frightened. I can remember many times of being afraid when caught in shocking conditions on the road.But out in the golden Subaru XS Forester I was sitting high and dry. I felt in absolute command of my world. I had a good view of the road. Just that little bit of elevation in the compact all-wheel-drive makes all the difference.I had good windscreen-wipers going front and back, and good headlights. Instead of the trepidation at driving in such foul conditions, I was quite enjoying myself. That's how we like it, we girls. There is nothing we love better than being in control.It was much the same story heading up into the Hills, this time in drizzly, foggy, slippery and generally lousy Hillsy conditions.The vertiginous twists and turns of Greenhill Rd were undaunting. The car hugged the road like a lover.The Forester was as friendly and affirming in the city as the country. It feels big and strong, but then, blow me down, it tucks away into narrow car parks like a little dream.This new model seems a little oomphier than the old one. I tried to find out why and got lost in a litany of tech-talk about displacement and linear motion. I let it go.After all, the big news is that they have added some much needed extra storage space – a secret compartment in the rear. My umbrella tucked into it quite nicely.We all know you can never have too many cup holders – and this one has fancy bonus ones with a wee tray which opens backwards from the centre console.That is a lovely feature for people in the rear. But, woe, front seaters. You have lost your fold-down armrests – not that most people noticed they had them.Most importantly, the Suby is really comfy and rides nicely, even over speed humps. The demister works in less than a trice. The fuel consumption seemed surprisingly low – and the quality of life on the road extremely high. It's a case of in XS and lovin' it.LOVE IT LEAVE ITSubaru Forester XS 2.5-litre manualPrice: $38,411LOVE ITThe heightThe sense of safetyThe extra storageThe fuel consumptionThe parkabilityMore oomph than the old modelLEAVE ITGiving it back

Now there are as many gears in the auto as there are stars in Liberty's NCAP crash test rating.The spec. B refers to Bilstein suspension and "big" 18in alloy wheels.At $51,000, the Spec B auto is approaching the price point of prestige European models like Benz C-Class and BMW 3-Series. But it's a whole lot more car, larger, more powerful, better mannered and just as handsome.And the flat six cylinder engine is a cracker, a smooter alternative to the turbo four in Liberty GT.Auto offers sequential shift mode, close ratio spacing and smooth shifts most of the time. Adaptive system can occasionally hold a ratio a little too long. Auto is actually $1000 less than the six speed manual. Flat six cylinder 3.0-litre engine delivers 180kW/297Nm output– has strong perform- ance across the range. Auto makes the most of engine output. Scores the full leather treatment inside plus premium McIntosh audio, climate control, electric seats and so on. Ride is firm, jiggles on rough roads but has excellent handling when pushed. Great steer- ing, excellent traction from all wheel drive system. Love the aluminium pedals and dash inserts_ adds a splash of flash. Full safety credentials including ABS with electronic brake force distribution, air bags everywhere including side curtains, double pretensioners on the front seat belts and seat belt warning lights on all seats. Roomy interior, adequate for five and a big boot. Spare is full size. Plenty of storage compartments in cabin. Electric sunroof is standard as is Momo wheel. Engine can be economical if driven carefully, hoof it and its upo there with Falconand Commodore. Dual exhausts look cool as do front driving lights. Spec. B sits lower than standard car, looks imposing standing still. Wheels are awesome.VerdictImpressive car– would have to be on the shopping list for European prestige car buyers if only to set a benchmark the Euros couldn't match for the money.

Subaru's latest incarnation of the Forester follows the path of improved manners to make the most of the SUV trend.Car makers have concentrated on providing buyers with a more civilised on-road package that can still get its wheels dirty with confidence.Subaru has taken its successful Forester – it is consistently near the top of its segment and is one of Subaru's top sales performers – and made some changes that have improved what was already a competent and value-for-money proposition. The nose is substantially altered, with a pushed-up look that may not be to all tastes, but the remainder of the vehicle is unmistakably Forester.The cabin has undergone some aesthetic changes, not the least of which is a new centre console that provides some storage as well as being an armrest – rear passengers also get two cup holders and a sliding mini-tray.While rear seat space is still at a premium, the seat base has been extended by 50mm to boost thigh support. Overall, the seats feel a bit too firm and could do with a little more lateral support, but the cabin is generally comfortable enough to spend some time in.Around town, the improved insulation from engine noise and vibration is immediately obvious, with the more powerful engine proving quite energetic when pushed, supplying the Forester with ample pace.Light steering and easy gearbox controls make the Forester an easy vehicle to drive, almost regardless of the surface.On the bitumen, the SUV behaves like a normal wagon, albeit with a little more body roll than is comfortable if hustling through the bends, but it never feels as though it is without grip.Road-biased tyres help the Forester handle adequately on bitumen, but once unsealed surfaces are encountered, its dirt road manners prove even better, despite the road-biased rubber.Rapid transit along B-grade dirt roads is easily handled by the Forester, with a tail-out rally attitude only achieved after considerable provocation.The MacPherson strut front suspension and the dual-link strut rear-end have undergone some changes to bushing, spring and damper rates, as well as changes to cross-members, and the alterations have had an effect.The all-wheel-drive grip and suspension changes have improved a driving package that was already pretty good.SMALL TORQUEPriced to goFORESTER XS starts at $34,990 for the manual, rising to $36,990 for the four-speed automatic.A luxury pack also is available, which increases the price to $38,490 for the manual and $40,490 for the auto.Power playTHE 2.5-litre, flat-four single overhead camshaft engine develops 121kW of power at 5600rpm, up from the previous vehicle's 112kW.

The Spec B has been available in manual for months, but it's the auto that will more likely attract the attention of a buyer in the $50,000-plus segment.Not that I'd suggest that anyone in that buyer range had gotten soft or lazy, but constant clutch use can become tiresome even with the most delightful of gearboxes, so why not try for the best of both worlds.Plus the auto is cheaper ... and that's no misprint. The six-speed manual is a gearbox sourced from the STi-side of Subaru and it obviously comes at price.The svelte new look of the Liberty did not appeal initially, but the look has grown on most people, with the airy cabin providing a bit more space than its predecessor.This top-spec model gets plenty to talk about in the cabin – leather trim on the electrically-adjustable front sports seats sets the tone for the plush cabin. The neat red instruments, lit up beneath the darkened screen, has enthusiastic needles that swing across the dials on start-up.The red rim lighting around the instruments hints at the car's slightly evil nature by flaring up after you've turned the engine off. It's a good sort of evil, the kind of street-sleeper ability that shows little beyond the sharp alloy wheels to suggest the Suby can hit 100km/h a blink over eight seconds. The three-litre flat-six is not an STi-firecracker powerplant in the upper reaches of its rev range, nor does it possess bucket loads of torque.There's more than enough urge when the right pedal is pressed, leaping away from standstill using 180kW and 297Nm to great effect, accompanied by a nice engine note that is best appreciated with windows down.The stance is low and it has a hint of purpose, again thanks to the 18in alloy wheels, but the Bilstein suspension does more than just help the car look good on its rims, giving a well-damped ride and the ability to rip through the corners with finesse. It has plenty of grip – a given with Subaru's all-wheel drive – but the drivetrain's traction doesn't detract from the drive experience.The quality of in-car audio has grown exponentially in recent years and the top-spec Subarus are among the leaders for top-grade sound.The McIntosh sound system is first-rate, thanks to Subaru and McIntosh co-operating to make it part of the car's development, and such attention has paid off. The McIntosh system, with 13 speakers including new midrange speakers and a subwoofer, pumps out serious volume with little audible quality loss.There's no shortage of safety or comfort features – anti-lock brakes with and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution, full length side curtain airbags as well as dual front and side airbags, front seatbelts with pretensioners (double for the driver) and load limiters. The driver also gets a tilt-adjustable steering column, with climate control, cruise control, power-adjustable driver's and front passenger seat, sunroof, Momo leather-trimmed steering wheel, trip computer, power mirrors and windows among the standard fare. The Liberty Spec B auto is listed at $50,990 – $1000 less than the model equipped with the STi-sourced six-speed manual gearbox. It's also about $4000 less than the Liberty GT, without losing out terribly in the performance stakes, not to mention the probable lower insurance premiums.Subaru aims this Liberty at the most obvious mid-sized competition – the upcoming Mazda6 MPS – with the prestige German marques of BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Audi also listed as targets.The quality of the cabin as well as the impressive on-road behaviour suggests that this particular Liberty model will go a long way to pinching owners from all of the above.SMALL TORQUESubaru Liberty 3.0R Spec B AutoPrice: $50,990Engine: Three-litre DOHC flat-six with Active Valve Control System (AVCS) and Variable Valve LiftPower: 180kW at 6600rpmTorque: 297Nm at 4200rpmFuel consumption: Claimed combined consumption 11.1 litres/100kmPerformance: 0-100km/h 8.2 seconds, top speed 243km/hBrakes: 310mm ventilated front discs and 290mm ventilated rear discs, with ABS and EBD

Here's a car that is not only a practical and comfortable small wagon, but is happy to go banging down a dirt track a rate of knots without breaking into a sweat.In the hands of a skilled driver, it is even capable of more adventurous exploits off road. 2.5-litre horizontally opposed four cylinder produces 121kW of power at 5600rpm and 226Nm of torque at 3600rpm. Power is up marginally from 115kW in line with earlier changes to the Liberty engine. The two share the same power plant. Our test vehicle was the better equipped XS model fitted with the optional four speed auto. XS gets a six stack CD sound system and a few other extra goodies. Four-speed auto is gated which means moving the change lever up and down and from side to side through a series of notches to select gears. Works well for quick down shifts to third for hills and overtaking, but it is easy to sail straight past D and into neutral when going back the other way. The engine is torquey enough that most drivers will probably be content to just leave it in D. Although it has only four gears, it has a good spread of ratios, and the car remains responsive to the throttle in most situations - although not in the same league as its turbocharged stablemate that we drove previously. The boxer engine is a little harsher than a regular in-line four, but the effect is not unpleasant and is far outweighed by the benefits. These include better balance, because the engine sits lower in the car. Boxer engines also tend to be harder wearing and more responsive to the throttle. On the downside all-wheel drives have a reputation for being a little thirstier, which is a consideration with the way petrol prices are going. Claimed fuel consumption for our test car is 9.7L per 100km. Subaru has cleaned up the exterior design of the car with trimmer, more compact lights up front and trendy clear lens tail lights down the back. Turn indicators have also been incorpor- ated into larger exterior mirrors. As with other models, the Subaru name has curiously been removed from the back. There's just the badge and Forester name, with no model designation. Inside the finish is first rate and light or dark coloured trim is a no cost option. However the metallic look plastic is prone to scratching. The suspension has also been firmed up which means less body roll in corners. Standard equipment includes temperature controlled airconditioning, side and front airbags, ABS brakes with electronic brake force distribution, as well as cruise control, fog lights and 16in alloy wheels. Our test car also gets self-leveling rear suspension which is handy for towing or for carrying loads.VERDICT: Forester is a fine example of what Subaru does best. It's a compact, well engineered all-wheel drive wagon capable of serving many roles, with a pedigree that stretches back to the company's original sports wagon. Our model as tested will set you back at least $36,990. 

Answer: a really, really good car with some different characteristics. That is just what Subaru has done with its latest little tweak of the wonderful Liberty 3.0-litre.Towards the end of last year, Subaru rolled out its 3.0R-B with those same Bilstein shocks, the same 18-inch wheels and the slick six-speed manual from the WRX STi.What they found was that, in the luxury-aligned Liberty market at least, there were plenty of folk who liked the idea of a car with a more sporty attitude, but damn it if they were going to spend their time changing gears.The solution was to perform the same tweaks but leave the standard-issue five-speed sportshift auto in place.The result is a car with all the really good things about the standard 3.0-litre flat-six Liberty but with a slightly tighter, more controlled ride and the willingness, if you are so inclined, to tip it in hard in the twisty bits,As the automatic is the "garden" variety from the standard range, the new model, at $50,990, actually comes in $1000 cheaper than the six-speed manual. Personally, I'd pay the extra to get that STi box.The five-speed automatic is reasonably well sorted, not prone to hunting, and can be a bit of fun to drive in its quasi-manual mode.However, the only real advantage over the manual is in day-to-day traffic, when allowing the car to choose comes into its own.The 180kW/297Nm 3.0-litre engine has reasonable low-end torque but definitely displays its finest character when stirred up.In full automatic, the changes are not really aggressive enough to match the chassis, but if forced to hold its gears the 3.0R-B will stay on urge right through the rev range and up to the cutout at about 7200rpm.You will pay for that sort of driving as fuel economy is not one of the boxer engine's highlight characteristics – more than 13l/100km was not unusual.Heaven only knows what it would have reached without the active valve control and variable-valve lift technology, which improve fuel consumption and emissions while also maximising power.The crisp dynamics of the chassis with Bilstein assistance are complemented by sharp steering that makes the Liberty a delight to push.The ride is acceptably firmer without too much trade-off in quality – a little extra harshness noticeable at low speeds. However, that is forgotten when the speed ramps up, with the B-spec Liberty taut and forgiving. All-wheel drive adds all-weather security to its impressive road-hugging capability. Body: On the highway the cabin is quiet with little noise intrusion to spoil the effect of the brilliant 13-speaker McIntosh sound system. In common with the standard 3.0R, the B-spec car gets a full safety complement of six airbags and impressive five-star crash rating, electric sports seats, cruise control, climate control, dual exhausts, ski hatch, height/reach adjustable Momo leather steering wheel and sunroof.The interior ambience is more European than Japanese – and that is a watershed. Without badges it would be impossible to nominate which of the prestige brands this one might be. There are some nice little touches that mean nothing other than offering a momentary delight – such as the speedo and tacho needles swinging through the full arch of their dials before settling back each time the car is turned on.Silly stuff, but memorable nonetheless.