Subaru launches new Liberty

Subaru has launched a new entry-level model to underpin its Liberty medium sedan car range. Featurung the new DOHC 2.0-litre engine debuted in the MY06 Impreza range, the Liberty 2.0R will retail from $31,990.

The new Liberty 2.0R’s boxer four is rated at 121kW at 6800rpm. Maximum torque is 187Nm at 3200rpm. Although torque is down marginally, according to Subaru this is a near 20 per cent increase in power over the entry-level SOHC 2.0-litre engine previously offered in the Liberty.

The 2.0R will be available in wagon and sedan variants matched to Sportshift auto or manual transmissions. Included in the Liberty 2.0R’s specification list are: ABS, dual exhausts, climate control aircon, dual front, side and curtain airbags and 17-inch alloy wheels.

Other changes to the Liberty range are the release of the limited edition Tuned by STI Liberty GT (see separate story here), the deletion of the 2.5i and re-pricing of the 2.5i Safety Pack. Now available from $35,990 (2.5i Safety Pack manual sedan) the repositioning reflects a $1500 reduction in price on each Safety Pack variant.

Nick Senior, Managing Director, Subaru Australia, said: “The introduction of 2.0R will broaden the appeal of our Liberty range to a new set of customers who have previously aspired to own a Liberty.

Mr Senior said that while Liberty 2.0R would initially be available in limited numbers, it would give Subaru a slice of the medium car market in the $30,000-$34,000 price range.

“There are considerable volume opportunities in that price range which we haven’t been able to exploit since the loss of the SOHC 2.0-litre Liberty.

According to Senior, the 2.0R will be supported by a sportier limited edition with leather trim, boot spoiler and other extra features. Subaru will announce further details in mid January.

The MY06 Liberty range now comprises: