Description Of The Car

Car review Subaru Liberty 3 0R

Keen to expand its image and appeal onward and upward Subaru’s latest addition - the Liberty 3.0R - packs impressive mechanical punch while reinforcing the marque’s reputation for excellent build quality. Now targeting markets long considered a stronghold of the Europeans, Subaru intend to attract buyers away from some established premium brands.

Space & practicality

Front head and leg room is good, but passengers in the rear will feel cramped if those up front take full advantage of the available space. There are plenty of storage bins and hidey holes throughout the cabin and a decent size boot. The lack of a split-folding rear seat is a disappointment with only a ski hatch to take care of longer items.



Comfort

Trimmed in leather the 8-way adjustable power front seats provide good comfort, (although the cushion’s padding can start to feel a bit thin on longer trips), while generous side bolsters help keep the driver in place along twisting roads. The rear seat is well shaped, a centre armrest making things comfortable for two, but leg room is definitely at a premium.

Ergonomics

Well laid out and easy to use, the dashboard and switchgear are an excellent example of good design. Buyers expecting a plethora of switches and buttons for their money will be disappointed. In the Liberty’s case less is more.

Easy to use audio and heater controls populate the centre dash while large permanently lit gauges keep tabs on your progress. The tilt adjustable steering wheel moves through a wide range to suit most driving positions.

Liberty’s large glasshouse means all-round vision is very good, making manoeuvring and parking easy. Combined with the ivory leather trim the cabin has a light and airy feel.


Safety

Scoring five stars in ANCAP testing the 3.0R comes with an extensive list of safety features including – four-wheel disc brakes with ABS and EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution), dual front airbags, dual front side airbags, full length curtain airbags, front seatbelts with pre-tensioners and load limiters and seatbelt warning lights for all seats. Add to this the capability of the all-wheel-drive chassis with VDC (Vehicle Dynamics Control) and the Liberty is an impressive package.

Build quality & finishQuality fit and finish is another Subaru strongpoint, especially important as it competes against brands at the luxury end of the market. Tight panel gaps with blemish free paint outside, nicely finished, well matched materials inside. But a word of warning, the light coloured leather marks easily.

Security

At the top of its class for security the Liberty rates 93.5 out of a possible 120. The standard inclusion of DataDot theft protection, advanced engine immobiliser and a single barrel lock in the driver’s door all help towards keeping the car in your possession.

On the road
FuelRequiring a diet of 95RON PULP the Liberty’s fuel economy puts it on a par with similarly sized opposition. One advantage of the five-speed transmission is a taller top gear meaning less engine revs at highway speeds, reduced noise and better fuel efficiency.

Performance

Just as all-wheel drive is part of Subaru’s DNA, so are horizontally opposed engines, and the 180kW six-cylinder is a standout. Revving easily and smoothly towards its redline the engine has a raspy engine note similar to a certain German manufacturer’s flat six. While it doesn’t lack low end performance the engine really gets into its stride above 3000rpm, with the slick shifting five-speed auto’s ratios well matched to the torquey engine. Whether in full automatic or manual mode the transmission has a seamless quality - even when “kicking down.” Only when accelerating at highway speeds in fifth does the engine feel like it has lost some of its edge.

Ride

Buyers expecting a plush, luxurious ride might be disappointed. Under most conditions the suspension gives enough compliance to be comfortable but the 3.0R has a definite sporting character and sharp edged bumps can send a shudder through the cabin.

Handling & steering

Like most all-wheel-drive chassis the Liberty exhibits mild understeer through the tighter bends. Relaying a stream of information back to the driver the car’s high levels of grip and taut agile nature make it a competent all-rounder. Low grip situations are the cars forte, the all-paw traction giving added security.

There is noticeable steering rack shake across poorly surfaced corners, but the steering provides plenty of feedback, although it does feel light just off centre.

Braking

During our testing the Liberty proved one of the best in the category with its consistently powerful braking performance. The excellent brakes are aided by a firm pedal which gives the impression your foot is directly connected to the brake pads.

Smoothness & quietness

Wrapping its slick drive-train in a taut, rattle free body makes for a comfortable driving environment. Overall it strikes a good balance between sports and comfort being especially quiet on the highway.

Summary

The new 3.0R is an important addition to the Liberty range. In Subaru’s typical fashion it offers a blend of performance, handling, comfort and build quality that will put the opposition on notice.