Humans make mistakes - otherwise, most of you wouldn't be here - and it's ironic that only humans make devices that can prevent us from making mistakes. Subaru's see-all, tell-all driver assistant package - called EyeSight - ranks alongside Volvo's City Safety as a vital tool to reduce road fatalities and even vehicle damage. But unlike most safety technology, it's debut isn't just for the wealthy motorist. Subaru includes EyeSight in two models - Liberty 3.6R Premium sedan and Outback 3.6R Premium wagon - as standard equipment with prices starting at $51,990.
VALUE
Considering EyeSight is included in the price of the six-cylinder premium Liberty and Outback vers ions, it represents very good value for money. There's no price sufficient for replacing or restoring life. Aside from this system, the $51,990 Liberty sedan tested is a sleeper. It's loaded with features, is quick, comfortable and blessed with fine handling while exuding quality. It's not short of rivals - VW Passat 4Motion ($57,990) being the closest but other Euros are all in there - but EyeSight gives it the edge.
DESIGN
Subaru really restrains itself when it comes to styling. It's in-house designers are conservative and appear driven by US trends, so the Liberty has a rather anonymous road presence. But it's spacious within with rear-seat room for three adults, has a big boot and good use of personal storage space. Dash design is simple and uncluttered, though the use of hard plastics and the sketchy sat-nav graphics date it against Subaru's latest - and low-cost - XV wagon.
TECHNOLOGY
EyeSight takes all the kudos here (and is explained below) but the Liberty's skeleton alone de serves a few elephant stamps. The all-wheel drive improves safety - and even simplifies ascending wet driveways - while the 191kW/350Nm 3.6-litre flat-six engine is flexible enough to be a sublime cruiser and yet pushed hard to induce a smile. The auto is a conventional five-cog box rather than the CVT used on some smaller Subarus.
SAFETY
All-wheel drive, a five-star crash rating, seven airbags and a comprehensive list of safety equipment are standard. Add to that a reverse camera and the EyeSight. The downside is that the spare wheel is only a temporary unit.
DRIVING
Buyers may not need the six-cylinder engine (Liberty has a four-cylinder and turbo option) but it certainly enlivens the journey. It's an unobtrusive mill mated to an equally as subdued automatic gearbox, though stomp the loud pedal and flick the gearshifter paddles and it's a surprisingly quick sedan. Handling is neutral but push hard and nose-heavy engine can induce understeer. A supple ride, the comfortable pleated leather seats, the clarity of the McIntosh audio and the appearance of quality in the cabin enforce Subaru's reputation - at least on its top-end models - for quality.
VERDICT
EyeSight is the icing on a quality car that should be bought with long-term ownership in mind.
EYESIGHT EXAMINED
EyeSight uses two windscreen-mounted cameras to "see'' objects ahead and attempt to avoid a crash or collision. Key features include:
- Pre-Collision Throttle Management: Helps avoid or reduce impact in car park accidents by disengaging the accelerator. Also reduces impact in situations when Drive is accidentally selected instead of Reverse.
- Adaptive Cruise Control: Maintains a safe distance from the target car in front irrespective of the varying speed of that car. It can bring the Subaru to a complete standstill and then resume moving when the lead vehicle moves off.
- Pre-Collision Braking: Applies the brakes when a vehicle ahead is detected slowing or stopping suddenly and the Subaru driver has failed to apply the brakes. Also has brake assist for maximum braking power.
- Lane Departure Warning: A lerts the driver if the car drifts across clearly marked lanes. Is disengaged if the indicator is used.
- Vehicle Sway Warning: Alerts the driver if the car starts to sway from one side of the road to another, which may occur with fatigue.
- Lead Vehicle Start Alert: When the EyeSight-equipped vehicle is stopped and the vehicle in front starts to move, the driver receives an audible reminder.
Subaru Liberty 2012: 3.6R Premium (Sat)
| Engine Type | Inline 6, 3.6L |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type | Premium Unleaded Petrol |
| Fuel Efficiency | 10.3L/100km (combined) |
| Seating | 5 |
| Price From | $12,210 - $16,280 |
| Safety Rating |
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Pricing Guides
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