Next Subaru Liberty leaked
Subaru's all-new mid-sizer breaks cover, but has little in common with concept car teaserSeven images of Subaru's brand-new Liberty have been leaked via LegacyGT.com, revealing a conservative new look with only subtle links to the concept preview shown at November’s LA motor show.
Due to make its official debut at the Chicago motor show later this week (February 7), the new Liberty – which is known as the Legacy in the US, where it goes on sale later this year – will hit Australian showrooms in early 2015.
The veracity of the leaked images has been bolstered by the fact Subaru of America requested the forum remove the images, but only after they spread like wildfire across the digital ether.
The front-end design ties the car closer to the latest Impreza and WRX models, particularly in the way the headlights have been styled. The grille is typical Subaru but many pundits may be disappointed the new model doesn't retain the lithe aggression of the concept car.
There are similarities between the concept and production designs, such as the roofline, door creases, grille and headlights. It's just that they've been toned down to conform to the car’s target market -- older North American buyers.
The new Liberty will, according to Subaru of America, deliver a "sleeker, more coupe-like profile with a faster windshield rake angle and narrower A-pillars that create a sporty and modern sedan".
A wagon variant is expected to join the sedan further down the track, and we'll have to wait a couple of days to find out what engines will be offered with the US version.
Four-cylinder petrol boxer engines are a sure bet, but it remains to be seen exactly which ones, and whether we'll see an all-new turbo engine in Subaru’s rival for the Toyota Camry, Mazda6, Ford Mondeo, Honda Accord and Volkswagen Passat.
Australia’s current Liberty comes with either a 2.5-litre petrol boxer engine that pumps out 127kW/235Nm, or a turbo-petrol 2.5 with 195kW/350Nm. A 191kW/350Nm naturally aspirated 3.6-litre six-cylinder boxer is also offered at present.
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