Subaru makeovers

A Subdued Subaru is about to start making some noise with more power and a range of new models to be introduced over the next year.

In Australia, the 2008 Liberty and Outback models will arrive with beefier engines and extra safety features.

They will be followed by the launch of the new Impreza later this month, then a facelifted Tribeca luxury SUV with a more efficient 3.6-litre boxer engine and five-speed auto, and a new Forester in March.

Subaru Australia managing director Nick Senior said “It has been relatively quiet for us on the model front, but the avalanche is here.”

Subaru will also launch a new model blitz at next month's Frankfurt Motor Show.

Leading the line-up is the new Impreza five-door hatchback, an Impreza-based World Rally Car Concept, new Justy one-litre supermini and a horizontally opposed boxer turbo-diesel engine, due to be progressively installed in models from early next year.

Subaru Australia corporate affairs manager David Rowley said there were “no firm dates on diesel yet”.

“We understand Europe will be the initial focus,” he said.

The new Liberty and Outback, on sale now, look the same from the outside, but feature new engine technology, safety features and new prices.

While the entry-level $31,990 Liberty 2.0R has gone and the new entry level is the Liberty 2.5i at $32,490, that price is down from $34,990.

The automatic entry-level 2.5i is also down $2000 to $34,990.

“The 2.0R was replaced in line with customer preference for the larger engine in an entry-level Liberty,” Rowley said.

Senior also points out that these vehicles now have more power and features.

Power in the Liberty and Outback 2.5 litre normally aspirated engine is up 5 per cent to 127Kw at 6000rpm.

On the safety front, Outback 2.5i and 3.0R now get curtain airbags to complete this feature throughout the Liberty and Outback ranges, and Vehicle Dynamics Control is now standard on all Sportshift automatic 2.5-litre Liberty and Outback models.

Also new to Liberty is a Heritage variant that adds rear privacy glass, black leather trim, eight-way adjustable power driver's seat and sunroof.

Liberty 2.5i Premium adds a McIntosh audio system with six-stack in-dash CD and 14 speakers and self-levelling bi-Xenon headlights with pop-up washers at an extra $1300.

Of the 22 Liberty variants, four are new, 10 are the same price as superseded models, three have decreased up to 7.1 per cent in price and five have increased, while adding features.