Following the debut of the 2015 Subaru Outback yesterday, Subaru Australia is introducing the new 2015 Liberty range. The new model see prices cut by up to $14,000.
Despite the huge price drop, the MY2015 Liberty is more advanced than ever before and better equipped than ever before. Subaru has focused on improving interior quality and feel for the new model, with more refined switchgear, enhanced quietness and comfort, and high-detail quality. There’s also a new-look exterior design and boot space is increased by 17 litres to 493 litres.
Three variants are on sale in Australia, including the 2.5i, the 2.5i Premium, and the range-topping 3.6R. All models come with a CVT automatic transmission with all-wheel drive, with fuel economy benefits across the board compared with the outgoing range.
The entry 2.5i 2.5-litre four-cylinder boxer engine has been revised and gets new internals. It produces 129kW (up from 127kW) and 235Nm, however, average fuel consumption drops from 7.9L-8.0L/100km (depending on variant) to 7.3L/100km.
For the flagship 3.6R, which effectively replaces the previous 2.5T GT, the 3.6-litre flat-six engine has also been significantly re-engineered and comes with various new internals to help improve efficiency. The unit continues to produce 191kW and 350Nm and offers an average consumption of 9.9L/100km (down from 10.3L/100km).
In terms of features and safety, all variants come with Subaru’s latest EyeSight system which is capable of monitoring traffic and avoiding accidents. Australia’s ANCAP has awarded the new Liberty and Outback five stars, with a score of 35.99 out of 37.
All variants also come with a new infotainment system and touch-screen interface, a rear-view camera, dual-zone climate control with rear vents, 18-inch alloy wheels, adaptive cruise control, and at least a dual-mode SI-Drive function (3.6R offers three modes).
The most impressive aspect to the new model is the pricing. Subaru Australia has managed to slash at least $3000 off all price tags compared with the outgoing model. See below for the list prices and respective drops (excluding on-road costs):
MY2015 Subaru Liberty 2.5i CVT – $29,990 (down $3000)
MY2015 Subaru Liberty 2.5i Premium CVT – $35,490 (down $4000)
MY2015 Subaru Liberty 3.6R – $41,990 (down $14,000)
Subaru seems to be going in the opposite direction of other car manufacturers who are downsizing their engines and cylinders, making up the performance shortfall with turbo or super chargers. With the new Liberty, it’s the opposite – all the 2.5 litre turbo models are gone, and the Liberty is now purely a non-turbo platform, with a monstrous sized naturally aspirated 6 cylinder engine in the top model.