Subaru Liberty 2004 Review

Latest into the fold is a brace of 3.0-litre, flat six cylinder Liberties complementing the 3.0-litre Outbacks.

They are essentially the same vehicle except the Outback is on high heels and has some off road kit while the 3.0R is more of a low-slung sports touring wagon.

Same mother, different sons.

There are two models, the 3.0R and the R-B with enhanced Bilstein suspension and other tweaks.

The 3.0R sells for $52,990 and leaves little to be desired on any score.

The 180kW/297Nm flat six has superlative perform- ance and is capably harnessed by a silky five speed automatic transmission only. It doesn't even sound like a boxer engine any more, having more in keeping aurally with a sewing machine.

Naturally, power transmission is constant 50/50 all wheel drive.

I drove the new Liberty four in Japan last year and it was impressive but with a DOHC six under the bonnet, the car moves to a much higher plane.

There was always going to be a six but Subaru Australa definitely has a problem fitting all 12 wagons under the umbrella.

Realistically, why would you buy the turbo four cylinder GT wagon when you can buy the six for the same money. It's bigger than the previous Liberty and comfortably takes five inside with plenty of luggage space.

Aluminium is selectively used in the chassis to save weight and it gives the car enhanced performance as well as impressive chassis strength.

Ride and handling are excellent for such a vehicle thanks in part to the all wheel drive but also to the sporty suspension, low ride height and low profile 17in tyres.

Pretty well nothing is left off the standard equipment list, nothing you need anyway. There's also an extensive array of options. Included in the package as standard equipment is climate control air, a premium McIntosh audio system, leather upholstery and power everything.

The 3.0R is practical too with folding rear seats, numerous storage compartments, seat back storage nets, map lights and headlights auto off to name just a few handy items.

But the car is angled towards an enthusiast type of driver who will revel in its performance and grip, to say nothing of its sexy styling.

Take this car to a winding road and give it some stick and you will see what I mean. The auto's sequential shift mode is fun to use and it sits plumb under all cornering conditions. And it's pretty good on fuel.

The steering is firm and direct and the brakes are powerful.

On top of all this is a little sticker on the driver's window that says the Liberty wagon has been awarded a five star NCAP rating. What more do you need.