Subaru Liberty Exiga Caters For Most Exigencies
The use of the familiar Liberty moniker might help Subaru sell the Exiga but it is best thought of as a separate vehicle, which is shorter (in length), taller (in height) and narrower than the Liberty/Outback. The tallboy body gives more headroom and the Liberty Exiga has a unique six-seater configuration.
This compact wagon is more MPV than SUV but it has distinctive Subaru advantages of all-wheel drive, distinctive 'boxer' engine and five-star safety, as well as sharp pricing. There is only one engine/transmission choice, Subaru's now ageing but familiar 2.5-litre four in tandem with a chain-drive CVT automatic gearbox, operated by neat paddle shifts on the steering wheel.
The 2.5-litre horizontally opposed four-cylinder engine makes 123 kW of power and 229 Nm of torque at a highish 4000 rpm. Subaru's CVT helps extract maximum economy and is smoother than many transmissions of this type. Manual selection offers a choice between six 'ratios' (CVT standing, of course, for constantly variable, meaning there are no gear reatios in the literal sense).
Overall economy is rated at 8.6 litres per 100 kilometres and it should be possible to sneak below the 7.0 mark in highway running. Carbon dioxide emissions are 202 g/km. Initial acceleration is modest.
Sadly, the interior does not match the standard set by other models in the Liberty family. The dashboard has a thrown-together look, with all kinds of different materials and textures and some odd angles. It lacks any aesthetic appeal. Nevertheless, the Exiga is a quiet, smooth and comfortable wagon in which to travel and the up-spec Premium version even has leather trim. The seating configuration is unusual with three rows of two seats.
The lack of a middle position in the second row is due to the lack of a lap-sash belt in the domestic market seven-seater version, with Subaru Australia deciding not to compromise on safety.
One advantage is that these individual mid-row seats can be slid forwards or backwards and there is a neat little console area between them. I suppose you could just about convince the kids they are in Business Class, especially with the DVD entertainment system, which is standard equipment.
The doors all open wide for great access and the tailgate (despite its manifest ugliness) is exemplary in this respect.
Controversy has dogged Subaru's styling efforts for years but opinions will not be divided on the Exiga: it is plain, boxy and dowdy. Arguably, aesthetics matter less when it comes to people movers and Subaru's brand heritage might bring much forgiveness.
It is, indeed, unmistakably a Subaru and for most, this is for the better, because it means all-wheel drive, a horizontally opposed engine and, these days, five-star safety. Seventeen-inch alloys on the Premium variant improve the appearance slightly.
The Liberty Exiga is a tidy handler. Its all-wheel drive confers obvious benefits in slippery conditions. The steering is a touch light in feel. Ride quality is good and progress is generally fuss-free. It does not reward full-throttle acceleration, under which conditions the CVT holds the revs more or less constant and the noise level is intrusive, while progress never feels bewilderingly rapid.
All-round vision is excellent. The rear window is cut low to make it easier to see objects behind the vehicle. The Premium has a reversing camera as standard.
The six-seater configuration comes at the expense of luggage space. When the rearmost are folded down, the floor is not completely flat.
Nobody has ever said people movers were glamorous and the Liberty Exiga does not challenge this convention. What it offers is an excellent value for money package of better than average versatility.
The standard model costs $37,490 and the Premium adds leather, satellite navigation, reversing camera, Bluetooth compatibility, power front seats and 17-inch alloys for just $4500 extra - a bargain.
Despite the fact that the MPV market has shrunk in recent years, there are several contenders including the Honda Odyssey, Mitsubishi Grandis and Kia Grand Carnival. But none of these offers the advantage of all-wheel drive. On value for money, the Subaru Liberty Exige, especially in Premium guise, offers a compelling argument.
Likes
Bonus of all-wheel drive, five-star safety, good value
Dislikes
Gawky styling inside and out, lack of seventh seat
