AFTER A LONG run of leaked images and artist's impressions, followed by an international unveiling at the New York Motor Show, the 2010 Subaru Liberty is now here in Australia and on sale.

As with others in its market segment, the Honda Accord Euro and Mazda6, the new Liberty has grown in size.

Now 6mm longer, 90mm wider, 85mm taller and riding on a wheelbase 80mm longer, the 2010 Subaru Liberty is an all-round larger car than its forebear.

Nick Senior, Managing Director Subaru Australia, said the new fifth-generation Liberty takes the model to a new level, with more sophisticated styling and equipment, safety, durability and innovation.

Engines

The all-new Liberty will initially be offered with three engines.

A 2.5 litre SOHC naturally aspirated engine producing 123kW and 229Nm of torque starts the range, achieving a fuel economy of 8.9 l/100km on the combined cycle with the manual transmission, and 8.4 l/100km with the CVT transmission.

Sitting above the naturally aspirated 2.5 four-cylinder is a turbocharged, DOHC version producing 195kW at 5600rpm and 350Nm of torque at 2400rpm.

The 2.5 litre turbocharged four-cylinder is available with either a six-speed manual (9.8 l/100km) or a five-speed automatic (9.7 l/100km).

The 3.6 litre DOHC naturally aspirated six-cylinder engine of the 3.6R is the largest capacity engine ever offered with the Liberty, developing 191kW at 5600rpm and 350Nm of torque at 4400rpm.

Subaru says that using regular 90 RON unleaded petrol, the 3.6R engine - available with an automatic transmission only - consumes just 10.3 l/100km on the combined cycle.

In all, three transmissions are on offer. A six-speed manual is available with the naturally aspirated 2.5i and the turbocharged Liberty GT, and a CVT transmission is available with the 2.5i only.

A five-speed automatic transmission can be optioned for the Liberty GT, and the six-cylinder Liberty 3.6R.

Interior And Driving

The performance-oriented GT and 3.6R models feature Subaru's Intelligent Drive (SI-Drive) system. Offering three different driving set-ups, SI-Drive allows drivers to refine performance to suit their driving preferences.

Intelligent mode is designed to provide a gentle, smooth power out, contributing to greater fuel economy.

Sport mode - the default setting - optimises performance on city and highway drives (Subaru describes this mode as a good option for routine, day-to-day driving).

Sport # mode increases revs for sharper, sportier driving; this mode cannot be engaged when the engine is cold.

A new more open dash and instrument panel is joined by an electronic parking brake and 10-way driver’s seat and four-way front passenger seat.

The newly-designed three-spoke steering wheel features steering-mounted controls and sports style.

Paddle shifters are featured on automatic and CVT models.

An 'ECO' gauge acts to advise economy-minded drivers of the status of their driving as it relates to fuel consumption, the needle staying in the green zone for eco-friendly driving and moving to the yellow zone for higher consumption.

Safety

The full Liberty range has been awarded a 5-Star ANCAP crash safety rating, with a 3-Star pedestrian safety rating.

Vehicle Dynamics Control, Subaru's electronic stability program, is standard across the Liberty range.

Other safety features include ABS anti-lock brakes with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution, and curtain, driver's, driver's knee airbags, and dual front and side airbags.

Pricing

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• reply ” like !

  

  auto says,
  4 years ago

  if it goes as well as it looks it should be ok.more pics and info on the outback please.
  • reply ” like !

    

    Damage 55 says,
    5 months ago

    I own a 2012 liberty 2.5 cvt and a 2010 liberty GT prem sedan one white the other pearl white.
    What great cars to drive and the looks are stunning.
    The out going models now look dated.
• reply ” like !

  

  Kim says,
  4 years ago

  As an Impreza fan and owner over the years (the non doof doof variety ...) and a great admirer of the simple sophisticated elegance of the current outgoing Liberty/Legacy inside and out, this new replacement design in my opinion, is an abomination of design, not surprising considering the ex-Alfa + BMW designer who penned the outgoing Liberty (Andreas Zappatinas?) was tossed out not long ago. With all due respect to the brilliant engineers at Subaru, they are not great designers; it appears they have done the job! The incoming version in my opinion resembles a poorly souped-up 1990's Daewoo .... how on earth does Subaru think that will hold up against the Maz6 or Honda Euro, let alone the elegant Euro's ... what a chance Subaru has missed over the years, to stick it to the likes of Audi ...
  • reply ” like !

    

    R12s says,
    4 years ago

    Yup, I reckon it looks like a Kia.
    Maybe it'll look better in the flesh. That happens sometimes.
• reply ” like !

  

  robbo says,
  4 years ago

  well i think once again subaru have lost touch with what the world likes for styling, this looks cheap and miles away from the sleek styling of it's competitors. maybe the AU falcon will start to earn cred against subaur's line up, if it's not ugly it's boring...aka...tribeca. wish subaru reps all the best to compete with this product!!!!
• reply ” like !

  

  Tony D says,
  4 years ago

  Stubby nose, fat butt, tiny wheels that look comical compared to the rest of its bloated shape... the last of the Subaru models I liked, gone! I'll hug our current-gen Outback and pretend I never saw this car...
• reply ” like !

  

  Foggy says,
  4 years ago

  WHn I first saw the picture, I honestly thought it was a Holden Epica... 'nuff said.
• reply ” like !

  

  Buffy says,
  4 years ago

  Give me a bucket - I'm gonna be sick. What a joke Subaru - you really need to learn from Mazda designers what cars should look like. My wife drives an 08 Liberty which is a great looking car and we love it. I would not go near this new design - no matter how good a car it is. It looks plain feral - like the bastard child of a Kia and Hyundai. Lift your game Subaru - youv'e lost me as a customer.
• reply ” like !

  

  Mark says,
  4 years ago

  The side and the rear views are ok but not great, however, I could live with it.The front is just plain ugly and awkwade, hopefully sales tank and they do a quick facelift like they did with the Tribeca.
  
  I currently own a MY07 liberty and was thinking of upgrading but it will definetly not be a new MY10 in its current form.
  
  Also, what are they thinking with supplying a crappy CVT gearbox, the Liberty is unique in the medium car segment because it has AWD and is more of a drivers car.
• reply ” like !

  

  Tom says,
  4 years ago

  What's with the engines? The 2.5 four is basically the same engine they have used for the last three models, with an extremely modest power increase, while 190kw from a 3.6litre 6 is well off the pace. Going by the last model, they will be pretty thirsty as well.
• reply ” like !

  

  adzi says,
  4 years ago

  use to like subarus liberty up till i seen this wouldnt even throw up on it after i seen it couse of it uglyness
• reply ” like !

  

  barbados says,
  4 years ago

  have to agree with all the above on the poor styling...
  but dont tell me that they have lost the pillerless doors!
  
  The pillerless doors are almost my favourite feature about subaru's
  
  they really have lost the plot in the last year or so
• reply ” like !

  

  nick says,
  4 years ago

  ouch subaru is going down a one way street to bankruptcy how can a company with so much promise continually disappoint its customers heads should roll
• reply ” like !

  

  Glenn says,
  4 years ago

  Bankruptcy? Really? I'm pretty sure they are selling more now than in the past with the new models - Yes i find them ugly but if sales figures are anything to go by then Others like them...
• reply ” like !

  

  Kassman says,
  4 years ago

  Are we going to see pics from Japan of the new wagon today???
• reply ” like !

  

  Ugly says,
  4 years ago

  what have they done!!! :S
• reply ” like !

  

  Denis says,
  4 years ago

  Not sure adout the new design, I will reserve my comments until I see the vehicle in the flesh and take it for a test drive.
• reply ” like !

  

  Des says,
  4 years ago

  I'm kinda happy with the new design. Being an owner of a GT Spec B and looking at this new design I can only think it will enhance the resale value of my existing car. Subaru designers really are a bunch of idiots. Tell toyota boys to wrack off.
• reply ” like !

  

  Glenn says,
  4 years ago

  I'm a fan of the previous model liberty (2005), it does look bulkier but if it's designed bigger then bulk goes hand in hand. I have to reserve judgement till I see it in the flesh as well. I want to update to the liberty wagon premium pack,(if it's still an option), further company purchases will depend on greater luggage space!
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  marty says,
  4 years ago

  despite the controversial looks (which are growing on me, however i'll wait to see it in the flesh)...
  
  if australia gets the new subaru liberty base-model 2.5i with USA specs, i will be appalled...
  
  according to subaru usa website, the USA-spec new base-model 2.5i has:
  - steel wheels with hub caps
  - no body coloured side mirrors
  - no dual exhaust
  - no chrome exhaust
  - no leather gear shift
  - no leather steering wheel
  - no driver's auto up/down power window wtf?? gotta hold it down? surely not..
  - no 6-dash cd player
  
  the current model 2.5i liberty has all the above things, plus leather seats atm (due to end of the model sellouts), which IMO keeps it a cut above toyotas. hopefully subaru australia isnt so tight-a$$ as subaru USA and keeps the liberty 2.5i as a fairly premium car to differentiate it from more plastic cars... i mean, seriously.. hub caps? what is this.. 1993?
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  J-P says,
  4 years ago

  Ha - What a shocker. I like the comment about it looking like the bastard child of Kia and Hyundai! - Spot on in my opinion.
  I also agree with the comment that the new model will benefit us who have 4gens in terms of resale value. Hang on, I won't be buying a 2010 liberty, so perhaps I will hold onto my 05 wagon!
  
  I love the liberty as it is a Mid Size, Great looking, Quality built car. This new model looks too large, ugly, and as others have said, looks like a kia or daewoo from the 90's.
  It also looks like it is running four space savers, which means it would need rediculous 20 inch rims to fill out those stupidly styled wheel arches!
• reply ” like !

  

  Dave3442 says,
  4 years ago

  Is the 2010 liberty for Australia going to get the B4? If not what GT models will there be?
• reply ” like !

  

  marty says,
  4 years ago

  I commented on August 11 but I saw this in the flesh at Parramatta Subaru this afternoon. The back looks WAAAAY better in the flesh. Yes, not everybody will like it, but I thought the back looked so crap in pictures but it honestly doesn't look too bad. The first time I laid eyes on the back when I walked into the showroom, i was a little relieved. Still prefer the current model, but yeah..
• reply ” like !

  

  Keith says,
  4 years ago

  Yep. Not a touch on the last model style-wise. HAven't seen teh full spec's on the base model but will be interested to see they if they are still building to price rather than quality they were known for. Price is up to $40000 drive-away for the base model which is too big a jump. Will it still have the engine rattle at 2500rpm that came with the '08 2.5i manual like mine that Subaru refuse to fix? I think not!
• reply ” like !

  

  marty says,
  4 years ago

  Keith, I thought the price of the 2.5i at least would remain the same as the previous model..
  
  The quality of materials on the dashboard, console and steering wheel (radio & cruise control buttons) seem cheaper than the current model
  
  Leg room is heaps better.
  
  Every review I've read says that it "now has split fold rear seats" but I can confirm that it doesnt.. maybe only the wagon has them? or americans? that was one thing i was most looking forward to... sad!
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  Richard says,
  4 years ago

  Just been to look at a 2.5 Premium. The lining in the center armrest was a piece of loose felt. I could to a better job myself with cheap & nasty materials from Bunnings. I thought the Toyota Camry was bland but this takes the cake.
  
  On a positive note it's cheaper than the Accord Euro Luxury and it's got more space... but that's about it.
• reply ” like !

  

  Ray says,
  4 years ago

  I agree with Marty... way better in the flesh. Had a look at them yesterday at Docklands Melbourne. The pics on the net do not do them justice. The car is a great package. 6cyl loses the Bilstein pack however have left it for the the turbo model for the "performance enthusiasts". It's not a race car by all means but its a good balance between luxury and enough get up and go to enjoy the drive. Fixed alot of the probs from previous model. 60/40 split fold. Xenons. Smart key entry. Sat Nav/DVD standard on GT. Pretty much no extras needed.
  Ordering a GT next week.
• reply ” like !

  

  Mark says,
  4 years ago

  Well guys, I drove this baby on the weekend - the Liberty GT Premium model. Loved it and have placed an order. Looks much better in the flesh than in photos, particularly in Steel Grey. Not that I had an worries with the look in the photos.
  
  The really important bit is that the car is brilliant! A huge step up in quality over the previous model. Bigger inside, expecially in the back seat. Better quality finish etc.
  
  Performance is exceptional and the ride is fine.
  
  Overall a brillient car and I can't wait to take delivery.
  • reply ” like !

    

    Lee says,
    5 months ago

    Hey Mark, i am looking at one of these now (jan 2013)how is your car, do you still have it, have you had any issues? The one i'm looking at is in Adleaide, has done 80,000kms and they want $35k.
    
    Any info is appreciated.
    
    Lee
• reply ” like !

  

  G says,
  4 years ago

  I had the chance to see one in the flesh on Sunday, and believe me, it is as ugly as in the pictures, if not worse.
  My frist reaction was to think it was an Epica with some headlight issue, but the surprise was seeing a Subaru badge on that thing.
  Die-hard Subaru fans will probably like it, because they buy the brand no matter what they do or how they look (think Impreza), but "general buyers" will be probably looking for a Honda or Mazda dealer by now...
• reply ” like !

  

  Paddy says,
  4 years ago

  these things r launching pretty well in NZ, seen a few of those LEGACYs on the road already wonder how Liberty came out of Legacy... :P
• reply ” like !

  

  Lee says,
  4 years ago

  God i loved Subi's till Toyota started buying them out! Bland and Boring.
  
  Mark and Ray, you guys must be Subi dealers Huh?
• reply ” like !

  

  Baji says,
  4 years ago

  Its hard to say whether i like the new design or not. Looking at it from individual styling elements, its actually quite attractive. But put it all together and somehow it seems not quite right.
  
  I haven't seen one in the metal so I'll reserve judgement until then. The current Mazda 3 is somewhat the same. It looks quite odd in pictures and has some questionable styling elements. But in the metal it does look pretty good.
  
  Give it some time, and Im sure people will warm up to it.
  
  But at the moment, I'm still going to stick with saying that the Mazda 6 LSH is probably the best looking mid-sizer. I just hope mazda doesn't screw it up with an oversized smiley face.
• reply ” like !

  

  Baji says,
  4 years ago

  Oh and re: the comment about the bastard child of hyundai/kia. I can't see any elements of Hyundai or Kia in this design. And even if it were, you must've been talking about Hyundai/Kia of Old, as at the moment they are churning out some very nice looking cars! e.g. new ix35, i40, Kia VG, Cerato, Koup
• reply ” like !

  

  rajman says,
  4 years ago

  I think it's fitting that photo shoot that's pictured is in Canberra, boring place for a boring car!!
• reply ” like !

  

  Mark says,
  4 years ago

  Cheap shot Lee - you are entitled to your opinion and I to mine. I made my decision after having driven the car - have you?
  
  No I am not a Subaru dealer, nor am I a dyed in the wool Subaru tragic. I have owned more than 20 cars over the years, including Audis (2), Holdens (10), Toyotas (2), Fords (2), a Mazda (1), Nissans (3). I have owned two Subarus previously, a Liberty and an Outback H6.
  
  I make my car selection based on what I can afford and what I believe to be the car that best meets my needs. Looks are a consideration and I do agree with Baji about the lappearance of the Mazda 6. But for me any car purchase is not just looks. It is about how the car drives, how iot makes me feel, how it performs. On these criteria the Liberty GT is the perfect car for me.
• reply ” like !

  

  Ash says,
  4 years ago

  Come on people, I went to see the Liberty today and it looks terrific, the photo's do it no real justice whatsoever. It's much bigger than the previous model both outside and in. I'm 6 foot and there is still plenty of legroom in the back behind me. The boot is flat and BIG. Generally the finish and the materials used inside are second to none (went to look at a couple of Audi's afterward and their finish was no better). Overall a great car visually and I've booked my test drive for next week (looking at the 3.6R Premium) and I'm sure it will drive to my expectations, which are very high.
• reply ” like !

  

  RBH says,
  4 years ago

  It's so ugly it will probably scare young children. What on earth is going on at Subaru? Please, please, please Subaru, fire your entire exterior styling team. You build great cars but I simply could never own anything that looked that awful.
• reply ” like !

  

  David says,
  4 years ago

  I have been reading all the comments about how ugly the new Subaru is and I only have 1 question: Compared to what!!.
  Most criticism probably comes from technical colour taxi drivers, (Holden & Ford) or Tractor (4WD) drivers.
• reply ” like !

  

  RBH says,
  4 years ago

  How about compared to its predecessor to start with? The previous model was conservative but it was a handsome car. And how about compared to all of its marketplace rivals? The Ford Mondeo, Mazda 6, Honda Accord Euro?
  
  It's awful. Sorry.
  
  I have a 08 Volvo C30 T5 and an 08 MX5 BTW.
• reply ” like !

  

  Ash says,
  4 years ago

  RBH, have you actually seen the car in the metal? Because if you're only judging it on the photos then you are doing yourself a great disservice and I think you're making comments unwisely because I have seen it and it's much, much better than just the photos. The end of the day though it's everyones choice as I don't like the C30, but I'm not shouting out that's it's ugly, just not to my liking. Mind you looking at the two cars you own, they are very conservative, so perhaps the more bolder styling of the new Liberty goes against your preference.
• reply ” like !

  

  Dave3442 says,
  4 years ago

  I don't know how any of you can compare the liberty with other
  production cars in it's class. It's AWD, the GT has 0-100 in 5.4
  performance - now tell me what other production car in it's class comes close???? In regard to exterior styling, sure they could have done a bit better, however it is much better than the Mazda, Toyota and ford and can't wait to take delivery ///// go the eels!!!!!!!!
• reply ” like !

  

  RBH says,
  4 years ago

  The Liberty is "not to my liking then". Better? Thing is, I don't think it will be to a lot of peoples liking either. Yes I have seen it in the flesh.
  
  And yes, I know the Liberty has a hi-po GT model that probably doesn't even represent 10% of all Liberty sales, but the majority of buyers for the regular Liberty models will be looking at the vehicles I compared it to. All of them much better looking IMHO.
• reply ” like !

  

  Mark says,
  4 years ago

  You know what? All this talk about whether the car is attractive or not is just subjective opinion. One man's meat etc. For example Rob, many people would find it amusing that you criticise the Liberty's appearance when you own a Volvo C30 T5. e.g. th=is quote from here (http://www.caradvice.com.au/4061/2007-volvo-c30-t5-road-test/6/): "From the front, the C30 simply looks stunning, but from the back, it doesn’t have the same feel. As if a divorced couple designed the car, the front and rear simply do not talk to each other at all. Put sexy curves on the bonnet and add a touch of European elegance and it’s obvious, the C30 is beautiful. But stop there, don’t go looking at the rear." Like I said, to each his own....
  
  Having driven the GT over a fairly extensive test route, I found it to be quite an amazing car. I have voted with my chequebook and take delivery on Tuesday. Based on how difficult it was to get one, and the feedback from several dealers, I am pretty certain that the Liberty will be a sales success.
• reply ” like !

  

  RBH says,
  4 years ago

  I'm not saying it isn't a great car. I just think the slab-sided tall glasshouse look (which I'm sure is great for packaging) really doesn't do anything for the car's proportions. It makes it look more "people mover" than "sports sedan". I think it's a huge step backwards in apprearance from the previous model. It would seem that most people in the motoring press agree with me. Similar poor styling has cost the WRX it's cult car crown too.
  
  And yes, I know the C30 has polarising styling too, but at least it's proportioned.
• reply ” like !

  

  Carnut says,
  4 years ago

  C'mon guys. Everyone's got their own opinion and we should respect that. Mine is that Subie could have done better aesthetically, especially on those headlights, but in the flesh it truly looks much better, especially the black GTs! Great drive, more refined, heaps more space, AWD, etc and STILL the ONLY car manufacturer that has 5 star rating for EVERY car in its range in Australia. Lots of good points at a price that hasn't increased. I'm liking it. I reckon the bulk of people (I didn't say everyone) will warm up to it once it's out there on the roads.
• reply ” like !

  

  RBH says,
  4 years ago

  Isn't that the problem though? It's okay to have a car that polorises opinion, with some people loving it and some people hating it, so long as the people that love it are the ones you want to sell to (my own Volvo C30 would be a very good example).
  
  The problem with the new Liberty is that opinions on its looks seem to range from at worst, "God it's ugly", to at best, "it looks better in the flesh than in photos", "it's not that bad" and "maybe they could have done better". Pretty much everybody concedes it's not Subaru's best effort and, following the qually "challenging" current model Imprezza, this is starting to look like an unhappy trend for Subaru. This is a shame because fundamentally Subaru seems to build very good cars. Cars that could reach a bigger market if Subaru understood that for many people cars are as much an emotional purchase as a practical one.
• reply ” like !

  

  carnut says,
  4 years ago

  Yep, fair comment, RBH. Have to say that makes sense. I must say, I loved the Subarus of the 90s. They were quirky enough to be different, but still interestingly designed and not downtight ugly. In particular, I loved the SVX coupe (which was just far too expensive unfortunately), the RS Turbo and even the interestingly styled Vortex. Totally unconventional, but still not ugly. From these models and others, they built a good reputation and a die hard fan following. The original WRX then became a huge cult car. These were the great days of Subaru. Unfortunately, after this, they continued to build good quality cars, but aimed for a broader range of the market - in doing this, they have lost what was really a unique, specialised market of true, loyal Subaru fans. A shame really. (RBH, I notice that you've said a fair bit of negative stuff on this new model - how come you keep coming back to the Liberty blogs if you don't like the new look - no offense intended, but just interested)
• reply ” like !

  

  Mark says,
  4 years ago

  Good point carnut. Hard to understand why RBH is so negative when he clearly hasn't seen the car in the flesh nor driven it. I get the feeling RBH that, no matter how well the new Liberty looked or performed, you would not be a buyer.
  
  I took delivery of my GT on Tuesday and could not be happier. I am one of theose people who moved away from Subaru (mainly because I am 188 cm / 92 kg and previous models were simply too small inside) and they have won me back with this one.
  
  All of the news and reviews onthe GT have been very positive - admittedly critical of its looks - and I am sure it wil come to be recognised as a standout.
  
  BTW, talking to the dealer on Tuesday he told me that the new Liberty is selling VERY well and that orders for the GT in particular are filling very quickly.
  
  I guess the buying public will vote with their feet and their dollars.
• reply ” like !

  

  RBH says,
  4 years ago

  I have seen it. I still think it looks ungainly alhough I will conceed that colour choice can make a bit of a difference. I am disappointed. The GT is definitely a car I could have considered.
• reply ” like !

  

  Rob says,
  4 years ago

  As a Subaru fan I had a look at the new GT wagon, to me it looks like a squashed Tribeca.
  Looked at it for at least 10 minutes thinking it would grow on me....not yet!
  Test drive next week, I'm sure it will be better then my current GT which is an automatic and they don't get off the line quick.
  New automatic is quicker then the manual....good!!!
  Still.....don't know about the looks.....maybe it will grow on me...over a few years.
• reply ” like !

  

  Required says,
  4 years ago

  All these comments about shaped pressed metal. True subie fans see through cosmetics and understand the depth of the design in engineering and function. When you are driving it you cant see the outside shape, you only care about the cosmetics to display yourself to others(how you think others judge you). The uglier and understated the car the better in my opinion eg 06 forester GT a real wolf in sheeps clothing, a near perfect car in my opinion. Purchasers of ugly but excellent engineered cars are showing their sophistication as the motoring intelligentsia. Those who buy cars because they look good are the punters who are swayed by clever marketers and who need to display who they are by what they drive.
• reply ” like !

  

  gregt says,
  4 years ago

  all this rant about cosmetics, its only pressed metal. When you drive it you cant see the exterior, the outside shape is for showing off and or trying to impress people. True motoring sophisticates dont give damn about shaped metal sheeting, its the engineering and dynamics that counts. Those overly impressed by exterior design are punters who are too easily manipulated by the cunning marketers.
• reply ” like !

  

  Radster says,
  4 years ago

  I will confess that I was not impressed with the exterior in the photos; however, they do look better when you see them closeup. I went to my local Subaru dealer and was impressed with the suggestion of strength and purpose in the design. There's a strong muscularity in the design aesthetic which was backed up by the test drive. I've never driven a car that feels this surefooted and hard wired to the road. The CVT works seamlessly and the interior impresses with the optimum use of space. I'm actually negotating now on buying a 2.5i Sports Premium. I'm very close to signing on the dotted line, but I'm haggling on changeover price.
• reply ” like !

  

  gregt says,
  4 years ago

  Cosmetic car exteriors have always had greater sway than engineering and dynamics, look back at the E-type Jag no doubt a design masterpiece and classic but an engineering and build quality disaster. Back then I had a Lotus Elan S4 SE my mate had an E-Type, getting out of the Lotus and driving the E-type was like getting into a truck, but the Jag really could pull the chicks, a major consideration in those days. Subaru are building superb value engineered PRACTICAL drivers cars, may they keep doing so.
• reply ” like !

  

  RBH says,
  4 years ago

  Maniuplated by marketers because I want to drive a car that I can stand looking at. What bollocks!
  
  If Subaru actually made their cars good to look at, they could have it all. It doesn't take much more effort to build a good looking car than an ugly one. So why the hell build an ugly one?
• reply ” like !

  

  michael says,
  4 years ago

  0-100 in 5.4 seconds. I dont think so. webpage says 6.3. subaru's "boy racer for grown ups" forester xt has a gearbox and suspension from the stoneage and 0-100 of 7.9 seconds. but if you read nick seniors speil youd think you were about to drive a v8 touring car. wouldnt touch a subaru again.
  not a scratch on the vw r36 passat they are trying very hard to compete with.
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  Mark says,
  4 years ago

  "wouldnt touch a subaru again." What's the story behind the comment Michael? Don't understand the VW reference, I have owned two Audis (the Passat shares many components with the Audi) and both were unreliable, uncomfortable and hugely expensive to run. Try $1,300 for a 30,000 km service. The Liberty GT service is $240 fixed price!
  
  Now that I have owned and driven the GT for almost 4 weeks,including a drive to Newcastle and back with 4 up, I have to say the car has way exceeded my expectations. The performence, even limited to 4000 rpm as per the manufacturer's instructions for running in, is amazing, expecially inthe wet.Coming from Aussie V8 territory, I have to say that I did niot expect the performance of the GT to be so good.
  
  Positive press reviews for the Liberty, and the GT in particular, keep coming in i.e. Top Gear Oz this month,
  Wheels, Motor and today's Sunday Telegraph "the Liberty sets the new class benchmark."
  "Close your eyes and you would think you are in a 3 series BMW."
  
  Having droves both the manual and the auto, I can't imaging why anyone would pick the manual (especially if most of the driving is in the city and suburbs) when the auto is quicker, smoother and can be controlled manually. Love the way it blips the throttle when you drop a gear!
  
  And, as stated before, the looks are a personal thing. I love the looks of the GT and that's that.
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  Luke says,
  4 years ago

  Mark, very pleased to hear about your experience so far, I've ordered my black GT and will have it in 4 weeks. I was tossing up between this and the R36, but after driving both and comparing the ***pits, the GT won out.
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  Jon says,
  4 years ago

  Currently a MY07 XT Forester owner and looking at upgrading due to the gov 50% tax rebate running out soon. Cannot come at the looks of the current Forester. Test drove the GT (SEDAN,AUTO) yesterday. Impressive car. Looks better in the yard than on the screen. To improve the looks I am looking at a meshed front replacement and a boot lip spoiler. Have not seen any of these extras in the flesh but has anyone else?
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  gregt says,
  4 years ago

  my feeling also Jon, my 06 XT forester is a very quick, agile, compact wagon, the new XT is higher, heavier, much slower and just another family SUV. Out of the question to get another XT, so new liberty GT is in the frame.
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  B4 says,
  4 years ago

  I'm lost to where Subaru pulled this one from. Oh, it's a Toyota with a Subaru badge, now that explains why...
  Previous Liberty owner, looking for a replacement, I don't think I'll be touching this Gen5 model. I actually don't want to see it on the road, I'll feel ashamed.
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  Joe says,
  4 years ago

  I completely agree with RBH in this discussion. I am extremely disappointed in the direction Subaru have been heading, particularly with their styling. It seems to me that Subaru used to be targeted at a particular niche of customers that were looking for an alternative to the status-quo, and they appealed to that niche very successfully but are now looking to expand their customer base from that niche market to the mainstream. Mainstream means higher volumes, which means higher profits, after all. So while Subaru's previous target market perceive the company's product as losing it's lustre, many other people are now considering a Subaru as their next car, thus justifying this new direction to the board of directors. Such a shame, because I fell into that old niche and am now wondering what brand my next car will be, rather than whether it will be a Forester, Impreza or Liberty.
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  Jon says,
  4 years ago

  Yes I think you a right Joe. I tried very hard to like the new liberty, but I lacks the excitement I expect from Subarus. I have driven both the auto and manual but without any luck. I have put my money back in my pocket and waiting for MY11 models. The forester with the 195kw engine and 6 speed box may be enough to get me back irrespective of the looks.
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  gregt says,
  4 years ago

  agree with you ***, but where did you get the idea of a forester with 195 kw engine? is this speculation or is something on the grapevine. as mentioned in previous posts am after natural successor to 06 XT forester ie it must be very quick and agile. latest forester is a truck and no matter how much power you stick in it, it will handle like a barge.
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  jim says,
  4 years ago

  well like a lot of people i thought yuk when i saw the pics, i actually went to my local dealer and am very impressed. The pics dont do these cars justice
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  Curly says,
  4 years ago

  Ugly in the pics, ugly in the metal...it's all the same, the thing is ugly. So no matter how good a car it is otherwise - they've lost me as a customer - I prefer substance and style. But my real gripe is dumping of the door grips and frameless windows....just isn't the same......has firmed my decision to update my 2.5i to a later GT wagon. I agree with Des - this new model may help support used prices?
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  Mark says,
  4 years ago

  I rest my case....
  
  http://www.theautochannel.com/news/2009/11/05/483797.html
  
  "SYDNEY – November 5, 2009: The new generation Subaru Liberty and Outback have achieved remarkable sales in their first full month, helping the brand to a monthly total of 3302 vehicles, according to official VFACTS figures released today.
  
  Liberty achieved its best October since 1991, retailing 738 – 119.6 per cent ahead of the same month last year and outselling key Japanese competitors.
  
  Outback sales of 543 were 95.3 per cent up on last October.
  
  It was Outback’s best October result since 2000.
  
  Forester maintained its status as best-selling SUV year-to-date (YTD) across all categories, with 1039 sales.
  
  Impreza sold 965 in October, up 15.6 per cent for the month and 8.9 per cent YTD.
  
  Tribeca sales of 17 reflected low stock, due to be replenished in the near future.
  
  Subaru’s successful October took its market share to 4.1 per cent for the month, with a YTD figure of 4.0 per cent."
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  Lukass says,
  4 years ago

  I've had the new Liberty GT for a week. It is fantastic and great value for money. People slagging it obviously haven't driven it.
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  matthew says,
  4 years ago

  Lukass___is it a manual? How is the shift action?
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  Lukass says,
  4 years ago

  matthew, I got a black, auto GT wagon. I'm way too lazy for driving round Sydney changing gears. All I know is I plant my foot and this thing goes very nicely. great front seats (finally!)
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  Karl says,
  4 years ago

  I am looking at getting the Premium Liberty. Having never owned one before, I did look at the GEN4 last year, I took the GEN5 for a drive a few weeks back. I loved it. On the test drive along a highway stretch I looked down to see that I was at 120km/h, the transmission is soooo smooth. Considering I am changing from a Holden to a Subaru I think that change is going to be awesome.
  
  I liked the looks of the car in the flesh, the interior is great. It has everything that I want in a car. I think the Silver Steel is the better colour for the sedan. I don;t know why they would offer a green/teal colour. I'd would say that colour is bad, very bad.
  
  THe boot is huge, comparable to the Holden. I was surprised. I was concerned that I would have less boot space moving to the Suabrau. It was the stopping factor for me with the GEN4, the larger size of the GEN5 is great (I am 186cm tall).
  
  I am looking at purchasing early next year.
  
  When I get it I'll let you know what I think.
  
  Cheers
  
  Karl
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  steve says,
  4 years ago

  Guys I am debating between Holden Calais V and Liberty GT...figured subaru has strong pedigree (but so does Calais) --- which one?
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  Pedro says,
  3 years ago

  1 like

  After numerous test drives. I have bought the Turbo GT premium. I am 6"2' and this is the first car that the seat went too far back for me and still had leg clearance in the back. Absolute value for money. Love the the symetrical dash layout, car handling and all the gadgets.
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  serge says,
  3 years ago

  I have tested honda mazda etc ,currently driving a toyota rav4 cruiser and this week im getting the liberty sports premium wagon /satnav can wait love the car drives great and looks ok different from others thats way i want .now for a bit of speed I drive my nissan skyline 350gt
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  rajman says,
  3 years ago

  @serge - the exact same combo I'm keen on, love your work, please post how it's going once you take delivery!
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  Albert Sellaman says,
  3 years ago

  1 like

  I think it will look better with so improvements made to the grille.
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  Albert Sellaman says,
  3 years ago

  Your attached image is pending approval.

  I think it will look better with some improvements made to the grille.