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NEWS
SPY PICS: Next-generation Subaru Liberty
Subaru's 2015 Liberty looks set to beautify, rather than revolutionise existing styling conceptsSubaru has gone to an awful lot of trouble hiding the details of what is certainly its sixth-generation Liberty. This is despite the fact a quick glance indicates merely evolutionary changes to the basic shape – in this case the wagon version of Subaru’s biggest regular car.
But look a bit closer and you’ll see there’s a bit more going on than meets the eye.
For starters, the test mule pictured in these Automedia spy photos features an extra bit of side window glass at the A pillars which has meant, among other things, the relocation of the side mirrors as well as a re-think of the bonnet shut lines, which in turn looks as if it leads to an all-new front end treatment including narrower headlights (obvious in the photos) and grille (less obviously).
And the re-location of the door handles into more forward-swept positions indicates there might be some dynamic profiling along the car’s sides in the manner adopted by so many car stylists these days.
Up back, the story is less clear, with the test mule using what could well be an existing tailgate from the current model to keep us guessing. The rear bumpers themselves don’t provide any great clues, although the lower-level reflectors partly concealed by the roughly-applied wrapping appear to be far more prominent. As does the above-window rear spoiler.
All this seems in line with a need to stylistically match the Liberty’s competition. Compared with many of its contemporaries – for example the Mazda6 – the Subaru looks a bit ungainly.
Obviously we can’t see interior details in these photos, but it’s being rumoured the next Liberty will feature a much-upgraded interior with improved materials and a cleaner, more stylish look.
The next Liberty is expected to be revealed – in Subaru Legacy form, as it’s known in other markets – in late 2014 as a 2015 model sporting the familiar 2.5-litre four-cylinder boxer powerplant driving through either a six-speed manual gearbox or Subaru’s constantly variable CVT transmission.
More interestingly, the 2.0-litre turbo four used in the current Forester is rumoured to be in the wings as a replacement for the existing 195kW/350Nm 2.5-litre turbo in the Liberty GT. In the Forester the 2.0-litre produces 177kW/350Nm, but it’s not hard to imagine the kilowatts (and torque) being quite easily bumped to deliver GT performance.
According to Automedia, there are also rumours the boxer six-cylinder offered in the Liberty could be on the way out, to be replaced by a new, far more economical hybrid version.
– with Automedia
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Please see our Editorial Guidelines & Code of Ethics (including for more information about sponsored content and paid events). The information published on this website is of a general nature only and doesn’t consider your particular circumstances or needs.
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