THE Subaru Liberty will always have a special place in the hearts of our family.
In a bizarre coincidence, two past models we have reviewed - more than three years apart - were put to the ultimate test when involved in adrenalin-charged blasts to hospital for the births of our two children.
Libertys were also used to safely bring the little miracles home, giving them an early and excellent introduction to quality motoring.
There were no baby arrivals when were reviewed the latest incarnation of the popular mid-sized wagon.
It would be given a family test though - a school holiday trip to the Gold Coast.
Fortunately the Liberty, like us, has grown so there was plenty of room for the lanky boy-childs and a mind-boggling array of food and surf equipment.
We had the “base model’’ 2.5i wagon with a four-cylinder engine and continuously variable automatic transmission.
Liberty has been evolving over 20 years and the fifth generation is 65mm longer, 50mm wider and 65mm higher than its predecessor and sits on a wheelbase that has been extended 80mm.
What all this adds up to is more head and leg room, particularly for back seat passengers, and greater cargo space. There are also wider opening doors and a redesigned rear hatch for easier access.
Space between front seats is improved by the introduction of an electric parking brake – enabling removal of the traditional lever.
The new dual centre console features side-by-side cup holders and optimum elbow support, with enough space to hold 19 compact discs. The storage area includes an AUX input and 12 volt power outlet. Every Liberty has dual cup-holders in the rear centre armrest and there are larger door pockets with bottle holders.
Families like ours, with two kids who love their sport, are well and truly the target market.
For an entry level variant, the 2.5i is impressive.
It comes with Subaru’s sophisticated Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system, standard dual zone air-conditioning, high quality sound system and steering wheel paddle shifters standard on all automatic transmission models.
Liberty has the highest five-star ANCAP safety rating, backed by dual front, side, curtain and driver’s knee SRS airbags, Electronic Stability Control and ABS brakes with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution, plus cabin strengthening in strategic areas.
The 2.5i offers less power and torque - 123kW at 5600rpm and 229Nm at 4000rpm - but pulling power is better a lower engine speeds.
With its slight increase in bulk, it is a little sluggish off the mark, but performs well once up and running.
The CVT, which Subaru calls Lineartronic, is extremely smooth and the wagon is more economical, consuming around 8.4 litres for every 100km travelled. We achieved a better result with more highway driving.
The car is beautifully balanced and roadholding is excellent thanks to the four-wheel grip.
Its shape has changed and designers have given the Liberty a more refined, up-market appearance.
Colours include: Satin White Pearl, Crystal Black Silica, Sunlight Gold Opal, Camellia Red Pearl, Sage Green Metallic, Graphite Grey Metallic, Steel Silver Metallic and Galaxy Blue Silica.
The big bonus is that despite all the refinements, Subaru has kept pricing the same. This starts from just $35,990 for the 6-speed manual 2.5i. A family favourite indeed!
The new generation Liberty line-up comprises:
Liberty 2.5i – with the choice of Lineartronic CVT or six-speed manual transmission
Liberty 2.5i Premium – Lineartronic CVT, plus leather trim, electric sunroof and rear air vents
Liberty 2.5i Premium with SatNav – adds DVD, reversing camera and Bluetooth compatibility
Liberty 2.5i Sports – includes Lineartronic CVT transmission, plus sports front bumper and grille; Bilstein suspension, alloy pedals, 18-inch alloy wheels and Xenon headlights with washers
Liberty 2.5i Sports Premium – includes leather trim and power driver’s seat
Liberty 2.5i Sports Premium with SatNav – adds DVD, reversing camera and Bluetooth compatibility
Liberty 2.5i GT Premium with SatNav - includes turbocharged engine, factory-fitted SatNav with DVD, reversing camera, Bluetooth compatibility, choice of five-speed automatic, or six-speed manual, leather trim, sports bumper and grille, Bilstein suspension, alloy pedals, 18-inch alloy wheels, power passenger seat, Xenon HID headlights, McIntosh sound system and electric sunroof
Liberty 3.6R Premium with SatNav (sedan-only) – includes six-cylinder engine, factory-fitted SatNav with DVD, reversing camera, Bluetooth compatibility, five-speed automatic, leather trim, sports bumper, 18-inch alloy wheels, power passenger seat, Xenon HID headlights, McIntosh sound system and electric sunroof
MY10 Liberty Manufacturer’s List Pricing*
*Prices are Subaru (Aust) Pty Limited’s Manufacturer’s List Prices only and include GST on the list price but exclude dealer delivery charges and all other government and statutory charges. For the drive away price of Subaru vehicles consumers should be advised to contact their local authorised Subaru dealer.
Liberty 2.5i manual sedan $33,990
Liberty 2.5i Lineartronic CVT sedan $36,490
Liberty 2.5i manual wagon $35,990
Liberty 2.5i Lineartronic CVT wagon $38,490
Liberty 2.5i Sports Lineartronic CVT sedan $39,490
Liberty 2.5i Sports Lineartronic CVT Premium sedan $43,490
Liberty 2.5i Sports Premium Lineartronic CVT SatNav sedan $46,990
Liberty 2.5i Sports Lineartronic CVT wagon $41,490
Liberty 2.5i Sports Lineartronic CVT Premium wagon $45,490
Liberty 2.5i Sports Premium Lineartronic CVT SatNav wagon $48,990
Liberty 2.5i Premium Lineartronic CVT sedan $39,990
Liberty 2.5i Premium Lineartronic CVT SatNav sedan $42,490
Liberty 2.5i Premium Lineartronic CVT wagon $41,990
Liberty 2.5i Premium Lineartronic CVT SatNav wagon $44,490
Liberty 2.5 GT Premium manual SatNav sedan $52,990
Liberty 2.5 GT Premium auto SatNav sedan $54,990
Liberty 2.5 GT Premium manual SatNav wagon $54,990
Liberty 2.5 GT Premium auto SatNav wagon $56,990
Liberty 3.6R Premium auto SatNav sedan $51,990