Subaru Liberty 3.6R 2015 Review

The mid-size car market has become a bit of a yawn fest. As buyers in their droves seek out 'must-have' SUVs in their thousands, the allure of the medium sedan has waned... dramatically.

Sure, the numbers seem pretty solid. But scratch the surface and it's obvious most of the sales in the medium passenger segment come from fleets and rental car companies. It seems fewer private buyers feel compelled to part with their hard-earned for a ho-hum medium sedan – a view we consider largely unwarranted.

And it's a trend the Subaru Liberty seems to be bucking. The new model's figures are up year-on-year to the tune of 343 per cent. The range-topping 3.6R variant tested here is so popular, in fact, that it now has a four-month waiting list, a factor no doubt reflective of an almost $14,000 (!) decrease in sticker price over the outgoing model.

Admittedly, the Liberty may not be as exciting as the insert-name-here SUV everyone else is driving, but that doesn't mean it's not without merit. A week at the wheel proved the medium sedan has a great deal to offer, not the least of which is a strong equipment list, a worthwhile range of safety aids and a glorious flat-six engine.

The sixth-generation Liberty was launched at the Chicago motor show last year, and arrived in Australian showrooms in December (2014). It carried-over the drivelines offered previously and ditched the wagon variant, but gained a significant amount of equipment and scored a noticeable improvement in ride quality and NVH (noise, vibration and harshness) levels.

Although essentially unchanged since its inception 15 years ago, Subaru's all-aluminium EZ36D horizontally-opposed six-cylinder offers variable intake valve timing and an almost-square bore (92mm bore x 91mm stroke) giving it very linear acceleration. The sweet-sounding engine uses a multi-point injection system and runs happily on regular (91 RON) unleaded making 191kW at 6000rpm and 350Nm at 4400rpm.

That delivery may come rather high in the rev range when viewed against the turbocharged four-cylinder units offered by some competitors. But in conjunction with the continuously variable transmission (CVT) offered as standard in the Liberty 3.6R is well utilised.

Acceleration is brisk and reaction to throttle input is both prompt and appropriate, even with the drive controller set in 'I' (Intelligent) mode. It's one of the most cooperative CVTs we've yet to sample and presents none of the peakiness under acceleration or droning at highway speeds normally associated with the type. Sport 'S' and Sport Sharp 'S#' modes improve throttle reaction incrementally, and steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifts are offered. All, quite honestly (and pleasingly), are superfluous to requirements.

The Liberty 3.6R will accelerate to 100km/h in 7.2sec and Subaru claims a combined cycle fuel figure of 9.9L/100km. On test, through a mix of country, freeway and city driving, we managed an impressive 8.2.

However, for all of its commendable goodness on the go, the CVT transmission is not without fault at carpark speeds. When stationary, and even on flat ground with one's foot planted firmly on the brake, the transmission clunks heavily when changing direction – it's almost as if the transmission has not declutched entirely from the engine. Swapping from reverse to drive or vice-versa is cringe-worthy in this respect, and it's a similar experience when moving from the park detent – again even when completely stationary with the park brake having been previously applied. It's a point that detracts from what's otherwise a wonderfully refined driveline.

Dynamically, the Liberty feels a little softly sprung, especially in its front-end. It can result in a little pitching under brakes and cause the nose to load-up under compression in hard cornering. But with ample traction from the all-wheel drive system and plenty of grip from the 225/50-series 18-inch rubber, the Liberty manages to carry itself with confidence on winding roads.

There's a sense of solidity to the drive at highway speeds, too. The car feels planted, if a fraction heavy (1605kg tare – kerb weight not given), when touring yet remains an enjoyable and confident drive. It's also enjoyably quiet with barely a hum from the tyres and only a whisper of wind noise from the electrically-folding wing mirrors.

Subaru's electrically-assisted steering offers as close to the feel of a hydraulic system as we can recall. It's well weighted and offers feedback appropriate to the application. The turning circle is listed at 11.2m but feels tighter, and when shuffling quickly from lock-to-lock, even when carrying a little pace, offers an unhindered cadence as you pass back through centre.

The Liberty offers a comfortable driving position aided by adequate range adjustment from the steering column and seat. The lumbar support is a little strong, even when dialled back, though the thigh and bolster cushioning is supportive. The access to both the front and rear seats is excellent through quite generous rectangular door apertures. Leg, knee and headroom levels are a match for most large sedans, and for a mid-size sedan it has to be said that cabin width is outstanding.

It's also interesting to note there's excellent all-round vision from the driver's seat. The Liberty comes with a reversing camera and myriad electronic driver aids to help in this regard, most of which are accessed via what at first seems like an overwhelming array of buttons. Live with the Liberty a little longer and this 'button-for-everything' idea makes a lot of sense. It negates the need for navigating a series of menus for every last detail, and should you prefer, the voice controller will do much of the hard work anyway.

On the downside, the operation of the indicator stalk left the cancelling of the turn signal up to the driver more times than I can recall in any other car, especially after turning shallow corners. It also failed to access the 'three flash' passing system on a couple of occasions despite being 'engaged' at the correct pressure.

We also noted a plasticky rattle from the passenger door or B-pillar that couldn't be placed, and found the self-levelling LED low-beam headlights dim and with poor range. Fortunately the halogen high-beam lights are better and the dusk-sensing function well metered – a point also true of the rain-sensing wipers.

The top-drawer Liberty 3.6R is generously equipped and provides a long-list of kit as standard. Highlights include a Bluetooth set-up that's easy to utilise, a rich 12-speaker harman / kardon audio system and effective dual-zone climate control system with well-placed ventilation outlets front and rear. The landing buttons of the 7.0-inch touchscreen are large enough to place on the go. We did, however, find the omission of an electrochromatic mirror slightly odd.

Also odd was the adaptive cruise control's proclivity for overreaction, even on its most-distant setting, and the lane-keeping assist's late threshold. The pre-collision system (part of Subaru's EyeSight stereoscopic camera set-up) was also a little nervous, activating at times when sensing Armco railings or street signs in tight bends.

Up back the Liberty provides generous cargo space of 493 litres. The boot aperture is quite large and 60:40 split-fold rear seats aid the through-loading of longer objects. Still, we think some buyers might miss the option of the now-defunct wagon.

The 2015 Subaru Liberty is offered with a three-year / unlimited-kilometre warranty, 12 months of roadside assistance and a capped-price servicing programme. The latter applies to service intervals set at six months / 12,500km (whichever comes first) for a period of six years or 75,000km. The 3.6R variant does, however, require an additional intermediate service after the first 5000km, which is priced at $245.32. Add this to the first half-yearly service of $333.63 and it's apparent the first year of ownership is anything but cheap. By way of comparison the 2.5i variant will cost $299.95 over the same period.

For many, the Liberty might not offer the same 'wow factor' as an SUV, but as a practical and worthwhile family sedan it has a lot to offer. It's an enjoyable and secure drive with a load of tech and a heap of space; and in filling a place in a segment in dire need of a little interest, the Subaru Liberty does a stellar job.

Also consider:
>> Ford Mondeo (from $31,490 plus ORCs)
>> Mazda Mazda6 (from $32,540 plus ORCs)
>> Volkswagen Passat (from $38,990 plus ORCs)