Subaru's Latest Liberty Is All Class
Over 20 years and four generations, Subaru's Liberty has grown up. Now the competent Subaru is our number four best-selling medium sedan - outperforming big names like the Ford Mondeo and Holden Epica.
The fifth generation Liberty lineup delivers a new look, more space and technology plus of course the Subaru 'DNA' - all-wheel-drive and five-star ANCAP safety rating.
What You Get
For the fifth generation model, the Subaru folk really sharpened their pencils - there were no price increases and some models decreased dollars by up to 7.8 per cent.
Subaru handed Car Showroom a 2.5i Liberty fitted with the continuously variable automatic transmission. This vehicle is stickered at $36,490 while the entry-level six-speed manual carries a price tag of $33,990.
The Premium model gains Subaru's new 3.6-litre flat six-cylinder engine (also fitted to Premium Outback models) while GT models are powered by a turbocharged version of the 2.5-litre four-cylinder powerplant.
Across the range, the fifth generation Liberty boasts extra kit, an improved interior and luggage space plus enhanced fuel economy and emissions.
Under The Hood
Our Liberty was fitted with the 2.5i SOHC naturally-aspirated four cylinder horizontally opposed 'Boxer' engine which produces 123kW of power at 5,600rpm and peak torque of 229Nm at 4,000rpm. Those figures eclipse the segment's bestseller - the 2.4-litre Toyota Camry (117kw/218Nm) - but the Mazda6 and Honda Accord Euro both offer marginally more power and torque.
Subaru's engine development for the fifth generation Liberty focused on reduced emissions and fuel economy plus extra drivability from a wider torque curve. Weight is down thanks to a plastic intake manifold and reduced piston weight and there are new camshaft profiles and revised port shapes
Combined cycle fuel economy is now 8.9l/100kms (manual) or 8.4l/100kms in the auto we tested. That economy combined with a larger 65 litre fuel tank gives the Liberty increased range between refills.
The Interior
Contemporary but conservative, stylish but free of bling, the all-new Liberty offers a well-rounded interior that is friendly for drivers and passengers and - thanks to the new platform - provides significantly more space than its predecessor.
Front seat occupants enjoy 30mm extra space thanks to the adoption of an electronic park brake (no need for the normal console-mounted handle) and there is extra legroom, shoulder and hip room both front and rear. Boot space for the sedan model we tested is up 47 litres while Liberty wagons gain extra cargo area width and 31 litres more volume.
There's good news for families with door openings 400mm larger than the previous Liberty - significantly boosting rear seat access and easing the fitment of child seats.
Front seats are larger and more supportive and the tilt/telescopic adjustment for the new three-spoke steering wheel has extra tilt. Typically Subaru, the driving position is excellent and the four-dial instrument panel is a clean design that is easy to read. We liked the 'ECO' gauge which moves according to throttle position to show how economically you are driving.
The standard dual-zone air-conditioning is easily adjusted via switches on the center console and the cruise control is similarly easy to operate with steering wheel mounted button controls.
Audio in the 2.5i model we tested was a Kenwood system compatible for MP3 and WMA. The optional Satellite Navigation adds Bluetooth capability.
Leather trim, an electric sunroof and eight-way power adjustment for the drivers' seat are also optional.
Exterior & Styling
There is no clearer pointer to the evolution of the Liberty model than its appearance. While the first Liberty was somewhat awkward to look at, the fifth generation model presents a contemporary style that exudes quality design.
Longer and higher than its predecessor, the all-new Liberty looks impressive from the front with its large, flowing, projector-type headlights, standard fog lights, curved Subaru-style chrome grille and flared wheel arches. Our 2.5i sedan rode on 17-inch alloy wheels and the Car Showroom juniors appreciated the dark rear privacy glass in the warm weather.
We also liked the curving rear three-quarter panels which blended well with the large boot and modern large rear lights.
On The Road
Subaru's horizontally opposed 'Boxer' engines have always been willing performers and our 2.5i Liberty enhanced that reputation. Around town the CVT transmission was smooth and subtle in its operation - if the need arose, a click on the steering wheel mounted paddle shifter to a lower gear brought instant response and of course over our mountain roads test route we took the opportunity to shift manually up and down the range.
Ride and handling remain strong points for the Liberty, its all-wheel-drive traction and balance stamping the Subaru ahead of segment rivals. The power steering is just right for balance and the female members of our team had no complaints about parking the Liberty in tight city locations.
Challenges
We deducted points for the Liberty in just two areas.
Firstly, we reckon the driver's seat on the 2.5i needs more squab adjustment or under-thigh support (of course Premium and Sport models gain electronic adjustment).
And under hard acceleration, engine noise is noticeably higher than some segment rivals.
Verdict
Here at Car Showroom we have long been fans of the Subaru range and our week with the latest Liberty cemented its reputation as a standout mid-size sedan.
Highlighted by its all-wheel-drive technology, safety, extensive standard features and trademark Subaru quality, the Liberty is a 'must-include' on the shopping list of any mid-size buyer.
The Competition
Our mid-size sedan segment throws up a diverse range of challengers for the Liberty, highlighted by the all-conquering and sharply priced Toyota Camry (starting price $29,990).
Starting at $29,100, the Mazda6 also stacks-up well for value-for-money while the excellent Honda Accord Euro requires some extra funding with its starting price of $34,990.
Ford's European Mondeo range starts at $31,990 and in our minds this vehicle comes closest to matching the Subaru Liberty for on-road dynamics.
Likes
Well-built; safe; all-wheel-drive technology; nice drive
Dislikes
Drivers' seat needs more support; engine noise
