Subaru Liberty 2004 Review

The number of ageing Subarus still going around – many two decades old – impressed GM. So did the evolution of Subaru's range from dinky little commercials and terminally boring cars and wagons in the 1980s to vehicles offering decent performance, character and, with STi and GT badging affixed, driving excitement as good as it gets.

The rally-inspired WRX may have been the halo car for the brand once better known for Brumby utes and Sherpa vans.

But it has been the sustained success of Forester, Outback, Liberty and Impreza that has cemented Subaru's presence and assured its future.

The fourth-generation Liberty is typical of the manner in which Subaru has continually improved and refined its models.

Once again, the Japanese car maker has come up with a fat portfolio of improvements – not merely a bit of fresh metal and new-design headlights.

Less weight, more power, better economy with improved emissions, a larger body for increased cabin space, a more rigid monocoque to improve handling – not to mention better running, turning and stopping. All this, plus more and a 5 per cent fall in the price of the volume model, with the help of favourable dollar-yen forex rates. The new Liberty range consists of a 101kW two-litre manual sedan at $30,990, rising to the popular 121kW 2.5i from $34,990.

The range-topping GT is powered by a single turbocharged two-litre motor – like all Subaru engines employing a horizontally opposed Boxer design. A wagon variant is available in every grade, including, for the first time in 10 years, a turbocharged wagon.

The GT sedan and wagon – at $50,990 and $52,990 respectively – are aimed at buyers looking for a versatile performance vehicle, well equipped and sensibly priced. The 2004 Liberty is 60mm longer and 45mm wider than before, and comes dressed in aluminium bonnet, bumper beams and wagon tailgate to reduce the all-up weight.

As has been the trend of late across its range, Subaru have developed body styling which is appealing from any angle, projecting a strong brand image.

Both sedan and wagons in the Liberty line-up look more than capable of taking on similarly-priced European products.

Liberty comes well equipped in all forms. New features for the 2004 model year include new steering suspension components and brakes, drive-by-wire throttle, new five-speed automatic on GT models with Tiptronic control, airbags in top-line models, turn indicators in the door mirrors and more.

The entry level comes with anti-lock brakes, electronic brakeforce distribution, dual front airbags and front-seat-belt pretensioners and load limiters.

Comfort and convenience kit includes adjustable steering column, airconditioning, six-speaker sound system, cargo area light, cruise control, height-adjustable driver's seat, immobiliser system, multi-function trip computer, power steering, mirrors and windows and sports seats.

Both car and wagon rides on 16in alloy wheels. The 2.5i comes with the larger, naturally aspirated engine, climate-control airconditioning, 17in alloy wheels, dual exhaust and front fog lamps.

The GT picks up two-litre turbocharged horizontally opposed engine with active valve control system, dual front side airbags, Momo steering wheel, six-stack CD player and, unusually, a cassette player.

A GT with premium pack – which adds $5000 to the bottom line – comes with leather trim, sunroof, curtain airbags, 13-speaker sound system and eight-way adjustable power driver's seat.

Bonnet scoops, 17in alloy wheels, colour-coded mirrors and door handles, dual exhaust. fog lamps, rear roof spoiler and rear wiper on the wagon identify the GT from other models in the range.

The GT really is an excellent package in either sedan or wagon forms. They are smart-looking vehicles and well capable of competing on both dynamics and price with similarly priced Euro models.

GT models run a new twin-scroll turbocharger with titanium turbine which is 30 per cent lighter than before. To overcome the inherent problem of turbo lag, the turbine diameter has been increased to reduce response time by 40 per cent. As as result, acceleration is fiery, with a zero-to-100km/h sprint in just 6.8 seconds – not quite as quick as a lighter-bodied WRX, which does its dash in about six seconds.

The GT produces 180kW – 12kW more than the WRX – and churns out really good thrust in the mid ranges. Handling is remarkably good, and hard cornering highlights the exceptional chassis design – plus the value of all-wheel drive, the common feature of all Subaru's imported to Australia.

At a glance

• Subaru has not put a foot wrong in recent years.
• Year-to-date sales are up 15 per cent. And that is double that of the record-breaking market.
• Forester and Outback claim 25.5 per cent of the compact sports utility segment.
• The new Liberty line-up is playing a huge part in Subaru's growth with sales a massive 65 per cent up on last year.