New Subaru Liberty and Outback arrive

With so much riding on the Liberty and Outback models both globally and locally, Subaru has made major changes to the new generation cars released this week. New platforms underpin both cars and underpin wholesale changes designed to keep the mid-size models competitive in the face of increasing competition.

The Liberty is available in both sedan and wagon variants, and despite the raft of changes and the fluctuations in the exchange rates, Subaru Australia says it is proud to announce that no model in the Liberty line-up is more expensive than its predecessor.

Prices for the new range start at $33,990 (manufacturer list price not including government and dealer charges) for the 2.5i manual sedan; a new addition to the line-up. Customers will also be able to choose from a new 2.5i Sports model, 2.5i Premium, 2.5 GT Premium and 3.6R GT Premium offerings.

The entry-level engine is the naturally aspirated 2.5-litre SOHC four-cylinder unit that makes 123kW and 229Nm. Fuel consumption for the manual is 8.9L/100km on a combined cycle according to Subaru's official figures.

Stepping up in the range is the 2.5-litre DOHC turbocharged engine found in the GT Premium variants. The company claims performance figures of 195kW, 350Nm and 9.8L/100km.

The 3.6-litre horizontally opposed six-cylinder engine is the biggest engine offered in the Liberty range. Replacing the previous generation 3.0-litre boxer six, the new engine produces 191kW and 350Nm and returns combined fuel economy figures of 10.3L/100km mated to the automatic transmission.

Transmission choices are a six-speed manual (available across the range), five-speed automatic (available on the 2.5 GT Premium and 3.6R Premium) and the Lineartronic CVT (available on the 2.5i models).

But the big story from Subaru's point-of-view is the improvements to cabin space in the new Liberty range. Subaru Australia managing director Nick Senior praised the work done to enhance passenger comfort and safety.

"New Liberty offers outstanding ride and handling, and every variant in the range offers better fuel efficiency and lower emissions," Senior said.

"Interior space is improved to in every key dimension. This includes 30mm in width between the front seats and 68mm in length between the front and rear seats, while rear legroom is up 99mm and rear shoulder room 62mm.   

"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.

 "That's in addition to standard Electronic Stability Control and ABS brakes with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution, plus a raft of other detailed safety features that shows Subaru isn't resting on its laurels, despite being a leader in this field."

Joining the Liberty sedan and wagon in the showrooms this week is the new generation Outback that shares the same new platform. The soft-roader follows a similar path to the new Liberty range with the choice of the 2.5i or 3.6R engines and manual, automatic and CVT transmissions.

Prices for the Outback range start $2000 above the Liberty wagon line-up at $37,990. The MY10 range includes the 2.5i, 2.5i Premium and 3.6R models similar to the Liberty.

Not surprisingly Senior was quick to highlight the improvements to the interior of the new Outback.

"Passenger space, cargo area size and fuel efficiency were the three biggest areas of customer feedback in the superseded models, and they have all been addressed in the new generation car," Senior said. 

"Outback's interior growth makes it even more appealing to families who already appreciate its versatility, reliability and quality. The extra occupant and cargo space make it a more comfortable proposition on longer journeys or when load carrying.

"Local testing has helped produce a highly capable crossover wagon that delivers on the promise of handling the roughest of city roads and the challenge of unsealed rural tracks with ease and confidence."

The Carsales Network will publish full launch reviews of the new Liberty and Outback in the coming weeks. In the meantime, you can read our scoop first drives of both the Liberty GT Premium and Outback 2.5i later today.

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

Outback 2.5i Premium manual      $41,490
Outback 2.5i Premium Lineartronic CVT automatic    $43,990
Outback 2.5i Premium with SatNav manual     $43,990
Outback 2.5i Premium with SatNav Lineartronic CVT automatic  $46,490

Outback 3.6R automatic       $48,490 
Outback 3.6R with SatNav automatic     $55,990