Subaru Liberty and Outback Range
March 6, 2010 by admin
Filed under Car Reviews
The latest version of the Liberty and Outback from Subaru arrived towards the end of last year.
Both cars are longer, wider and bolder than the previous model and the styling will take while to get used to for a lot of people.
The range goes from high $38K to $62K on the road and, certainly at the top of the range, the Liberty GT, or the Outback 3.6R Premium, there is little missing, apart from an auto dipping mirror and self closing tailgate, the first of which is a particularly strange omission, given everything else the car has as standard equipment.
The range starts with the 2.5litre CVT automatic transmission and this is a delight, even offering a paddle shift manual mode. The entry levels trims are a bit wanting and I am not big on the new dash layout, but improved performance with reduced consumption and emissions should be a winner. I expect a lot of people will go for the $50K 2.5i Sports Premium, looks just like the GT, without the bonnet scoop, auto lights, auto wipers and smart key, but a lot of car for the money.
Strange that the 3.6R Premium is not available as a Wagon and that the diesel is only a manual, but I guess what we have is great for starters!
Add to this the undoubted Subaru reliability, sure footed AWD handling, 5 Star safety and excellent resale and you would be mad not to at least consider the new Liberty…or the Outback if you need that extra clearance and might just one day go off the bitumen.
Pros: Smooth engine, great transmission, fuel economy, AWD and 5 star safety. GT is a great performer.
Cons: The look. No diesel automatic, no non turbo Wagon.
Competitors: Mazda 6, Ford Mondeo, VW Passat