Subaru Liberty 2002 Review

You only need mention the word Rex and for anyone with more than a passing interest in cars, or performance cars in particular, it is likely to bring a knowing smile of appreciation. For Subaru's little WRX manages to pack such a punch into its small four-wheel drive, turbocharged package that it has earned itself cult status in the world of affordable performance cars.

But Rex has a bigger brother, in the form of the Liberty B4 and for years, the Australian distributor has been trying to get the car homologated for the local market.

Finally after a lengthy process to meet Australian Design Rules, the car arrived in August 2001, carrying with it the potential to further increase Subaru's image as a maker of very competent all-wheel drive performance sedans.

And after a week behind the wheel, we would have say to that the B4 is up to the task.

In many ways, it is a Rex for grown-ups. It still offers considerable performance and great value but it has had the sharper edges of the WRX shaved off to make it easier to live with for those who like a few more creature comforts in their automotive carriage.

The model we get in Australia is slightly less powerful than the car for the Japanese market due to fuel quality issues but with 190kW and 320Nm from its twin turbo 2.0-litre four cylinder "boxer" engine, it is certainly not lacking in the power stakes.

The two turbos operate sequentially to provide a solid stream of torque across the rev band. Initially, only the primary turbo provides boost at low to medium revs, then the secondary turbo kicks in for top end power. On the road, this is noticeable around 4500rpm where there is a distinctive flat spot and the previously smooth linear delivery of power is interrupted momentarily.

It is not such a problem if you are holding the gear and spinning the engine through to maximum revs, but if you happen to be shifting cogs, it can have a greater impact with a sensation of turbo lag.

If there is any lag at the bottom end, you don't get a chance to notice as it only takes a slight tap of the right foot to get the engine spinning through 3000revs and beyond. Above 4500rpm, with both turbos in full flight, is where this engine works best and is most fun.

Keeping it there as you try to replicate the published 0-100kmh sprint of 6.5 seconds is easy via a well defined, smooth five-speed manual gearbox.

Where the WRX is highly suited to fast tight mountain roads, the B4 is more of a rapid cruiser with modifications to the already competent Liberty chassis delivering firm and well controlled handling. If you were to jump straight out of a WRX into the B4 you would notice more body roll and less direct steering response. But it will still take a hell of an effort to come unstuck, with the whole package including the big 17-inch alloys - ugly BBS items - shod with 215/45 Bridgestone Potenzas keeping the car firmly planted on the road.

The big payoff for the less than Rex handling is much better ride comfort with the suspension soaking up most road ruts and only short sharp intrusions being felt through the base of the hip-hugging leather trimmed sports seats.

Creature comforts abound with standard fare including climate control air con, full power-adjustable driver seat, power windows and mirrors, remote central locking with a keypad coded alarm and immobiliser and a quality McIntosh CD audio system.

Dual front airbags, ABS and all-wheel drive make up the safety package to help you avoid incidents and reduce injuries, should things get out of control.

Outside, the Liberty B4's body kit is more for purpose than pose with reasonably subtle front spoiler and side skirts and rear deck spoiler.

Like its smaller kin, the Liberty B4 is a practical solid bang for your buck proposition with little on the market to compete directly with it. With a $55,130 sticker at launch, its price and performance set it apart from most other mid-sized sedans. There is nothing on the Japanese front available in Australia and as far as its European rivals go, you either get less performance for a similar price or have to pay a significant premium for equal performance.