2010 Subaru Liberty Launched In Australia
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
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.
“New Liberty offers outstanding ride and handling, and every variant in the range offers better fuel efficiency and lower emissions.
“Safety is not optional at Subaru. That’s clearly demonstrated by the inclusion of dual front, side, curtain and driver’s knee SRS airbags, energy-absorbing engine cradle, framed door windows for added cabin strength and strategic strengthening of the body," Mr Senior said.
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
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 |