Subaru set to roll out new vehicles

The two fresh Subaru faces will arrive in January, with the Forester's complete change brings with it an automatic gearbox for its diesel-engined models.

The CVT box is a tweaked version of the unit fitted to the current Impreza models, with gearshift changes designed to suit off-road applications. Subaru will also bring access to offroad adventure in the form of a high-riding sedan.

The Liberty sedan cross-over - effectively a four-door Outback - arrives in January with 60mm extra high-ride suspension and the choice of four and six-cylinder petrol engines.

It has no direct competitors in its expected $35,000 to $55,000 price bracket but will be shopped against its wagon counterpart and new models including the diesel-only Volkswagen Passat Alltrack wagon, due here in November.

The Liberty sedan cross-over - which is yet to get an official name - was first displayed at last month's Beijing motor show. Compared with the standard Liberty sedan, it features a new grille and front bumper, chrome side skirts and 18-inch alloy wheels.

Cabin changes are black metal dash trim and relocated electronic park brake and SI-Drive switches. Subaru Australia's managing director Nick Senior says the car will be ideal for Australian roads ``where we have a huge percentage of unsealed surfaces and the extra ride height adds to its capability in regional and rural areas''.

Subaru sells the bulk of its diesel models into these areas yet, conversely, the Liberty sedan won't come with a diesel engine. Well, not initially.

"Another key aspect of this new Liberty variant is that the hip point is 70mm higher than the current sedan,'' Senior says. 

Only two markets in the world - Australia and China - will get this model. Senior says that's because they each have unique road conditions. 

"It is still an enlightening statistic that around 60 per cent of our roads are unsealed,'' he says.

"Our all-wheel drive Liberty is a great choice for these conditions and the new variant with its extra ground clearance makes an even stronger case.

"We see its main market to be in rural areas, but it will also be ideal for those with tricky driveways, those who travel with trailers and caravans, or just those who want a sedan where you can sit a bit higher.''

The Liberty sedan variant goes on sale about January and will be available with either 2.5-litre four-cylinder or 3.6-litre six-cylinder petrol engines. Keen spotters of Subaru product would have noticed a hybrid model on the 2011 Tokyo motor show stand. 

The Advanced Tourer Concept (ATC) is a sports wagon with an aerodynamic body over a hybrid system that combines a 1.6-litre turbo-petrol engine and an electric motor. Though the drivetrain is interesting and may be with us in a few years, be prepared to see that body shape a bit earlier.