New Liberty up to $14K cheaper

Developed in tandem with the cheaper yet more upmarket new Subaru Outback, the sixth-generation Liberty adopts a similar strategy to its 'SUV' sibling by offering more of everything, but for less money.

Available only as a sedan and, so far, in three well-equipped model grades, the new Liberty is $3000 more affordable than before at base level ($29,990 plus on-road costs) and up to $14,000 cheaper in top-shelf six-cylinder from (now $41,990 – down from $55,990).

Subaru says the price cuts are due to more favourable currency exchange rates with Japan and, combined with increased technology and specification levels across the board, should entice buyers of Australia's two top-selling mid-size models – the homegrown, fleet-heavy Toyota Camry and the family-friendly Mazda6.

Every single Liberty is fitted as standard with Subaru's second-generation EyeSight system, an advanced driver assistance package that incorporates radar-based active cruise control, autonomous emergency braking with brake light recognition and pre-collision steering assist. In other words, it can make the car go, stop, and turn by itself if required.

Improvements in fuel economy, ride, handling, interior space and quietness are also headline acts for the new-look sedan, and for the first time in a Subaru the range-topping 191kW six-cylinder 3.6R model is equipped with the company's stepless continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT).

Changes to the way the Liberty drives have been made too, says Subaru. More sound damping materials have been added to make the cabin quieter, ride and handling have been enhanced and the steering, engines and gearboxes have been tweaked to improve refinement.

In simpler terms, Subaru is pushing the Liberty further upmarket. One of the most important enhancements made during development was the interior, the Japanese car-maker insisting there has been a "huge focus on detail quality, tactile surfaces, switchgear, space, quietness and comfort".

Stay tuned to our review on Friday to find out if this is truly the case…

In total, there are three Liberty sedan variants (down from five): the 2.5i, 2.5i Premium and 3.6R, all equipped with automatic CVTs and full-time four-wheel.

The entry-level 2.5i variant comes standard with more kit than previously: seven airbags, EyeSight, anti-lock brakes, electronic stability/traction control, reversing camera, hill holder system, steering wheel paddle gear shifters, automatic lights and wipers, 18-inch alloy wheels, twin mode SI Drive and an engine idle-stop system designed to save fuel.

It's powered by a 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol boxer engine worth 129kW and 235Nm, which is compliant with Euro 6 emissions regulations. Featuring 80 per cent new components – but still no direct-injection – the engine has a claimed fuel consumption rating of 7.3L/100km, a 7.6 per cent improvement over its predecessor.

The base model Liberty's upgraded interior boasts new soft-touch dash plastics, a 6.2-inch touch-screen display, six-speaker stereo, Bluetooth audio and phone streaming with voice commands, dual-zone automatic climate-control, an electric park brake, multifunction leather-covered steering wheel with paddle gear shifters, electric windows and mirrors and remote central locking.

Fork over the extra $5500 for the Liberty 2.5i Premium ($35,490, or $4000 less than before) and leather upholstery is added on the seats, door inserts and in other touch points, along with electrically adjustable and heated front seats, an electric sunroof, heated mirrors, keyless entry and engine start, LED headlights, power folding mirrors and piano black interior accents.

Although the 2.5i Premium gets the same 129kW engine as the base model, the infotainment system is beefed up with a larger seven-inch screen with intuitive pinch and swipe smartphone-derived commands and satellite navigation.

Range-topping Liberty 3.6R models get the more powerful 3.6-litre six-cylinder petrol-powered boxer engine that bangs out 191kW and 350Nm but also drinks more fuel, at a rate of 9.9L/100km. Subaru claims this is still 3.9 per cent more efficient than its predecessor.

Other goodies for the Liberty 3.6R include a third and sportier SI Drive mode ('#sharp') and a Harman Kardon 12-speaker stereo, plus a number of cosmetic upgrades such as chrome exterior accents, dual exhaust and a special engine cover.

All models come with a three-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty and capped-price servicing for the life of the vehicle.

Like the Outback, the Subaru has grown in size and offers more interior space as a result. At 4795mm from head to tail it's 50mm longer, and it's also 60mm wider at 1840mm, giving occupants more shoulder room and personal space. Boot space is also up by 17 litres, to 493 litres.

The Liberty's 2014 sales performance has not been pretty, with popularity down 60 per cent – from 2282 to November last year down to just 926 so far this year. Thus far Subaru has sold an average of 84 Libertys per month -- down from 200 units per month in 2013.

Subaru Australia Managing Director Nick Senior says he expects sales to hit a middle ground of around 150 vehicles per month in 2015.

"Liberty is again underpinned by all-wheel drive, underlining Subaru’s long-term safety commitment, which is reflected in the outstanding five-star rating for occupant safety from the respected Australasian New Car Assessment Program [ANCAP]," he said.

"The new-generation EyeSight driver assist system is also clear proof of superlative safety credentials. It adds new features that can help reduce fatigue and the likelihood, or severity, of collision," he stated.

2015 Subaru Liberty pricing (plus ORCs):
2.5i -- $29,990 (down $3000)
2.5i Premium -- $35,490 (down $4000)
3.6R -- $41,990 (down $14,000)