Subaru launches Exiga and Outback diesel

Subaru Australia has launched the long-awaited Liberty Exiga and Outback Diesel today, the two new models joining the rest of the recently-launched midsize range. The new Outback is the first diesel-powered offering from the Japanese brand locally.

Company Managing Director Nick Senior announces the addition of the Exiga at this year's Melbourne International Motor Show and the six-seater will give Subaru a player in the peoplemover market. As we've previously reported, the Outback oil-burner will be a test case for the company locally to gauge the interest in diesel powertrains.

The Liberty Exiga will be offered in two specification levels -- 2.5i and 2.5i Premium -- with both models powered by the same 2.5-litre four-cylinder boxer engine and mated to the company's Lineartronic CVT gearbox. The engine produces 123kW at 5600rpm and 229Nm at 4000rpm. Subaru claims fuel consumption of 8.6L/100km on a combined cycle and CO2 emissions of 202g/km.

Built on the same platform as the Liberty wagon the Exiga adds third row seating; meaning there are three rows of two seats. The Exiga is 125mm taller too, adding 40mm of headroom inside the cabin. Trim and specifications are similar to the regular Liberty, the major exception being the addition of DVD entertainment system as standard -- even on the base 2.5i.

The Premium adds leather trim, satellite navigation, reversing camera, Bluetooth compatibility, eight-way power adjustable seats and 17-inch alloy wheels.

Pricing for the Exiga 2.5i will start at $37,490 (manufacturer's list price, not including government and dealer charges) with the 2.5i Premium priced from $41,990.

Senior is confident that the Exiga fills an important hole in the Liberty line-up.

"Liberty Exiga is a versatile family wagon that adds a new dimension to our mid-size wagon line-up," Senior said.

"It means we've now got Liberty Exiga for families needing the flexibility of a six-seat cabin, we've got five-seat normally aspirated and turbocharged Liberty wagons and for those with a more recreational focus, we've got the Outback range.

"With the same safety levels across all these vehicles, it simply comes down to a lifestyle choice and with the depth in our medium wagon range we can meet the needs of the vast majority of customers."

As far as the new turbodiesel Outback goes, Subaru Australia is offering three trim levels; 2.0D, 2.0D Premium and 2.0D Premium with SatNav.

The new engine is a 2.0-litre four-cylinder boxer engine; something Subaru believes is a world first. The brand is claiming 110kW at 3600revs and 350Nm at 1800revs and fuel consumption of only 6.4L/100km on the combined cycle. The sole transmission option is a six-speed manual.

Pricing will start at $40,490 for the 2.0D, $43,990 for the Premium and top out at $46,490 for the Premium with SatNav.

The extra money for the Premium adds leather trim, electric sunroof and rear air vents over the base 2.0D, while the Premium with SatNav (not surprisingly) adds satellite navigation, DVD system and a reversing camera.

Look out for our full review of the new Liberty Exiga and Outback 2.0D shortly.

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