Subaru launches loftier Liberty X

SUBARU Australia has expanded its all-wheel-drive Liberty range to include a pair of jacked-up sedan variants that offer nearly as much ground clearance as the Outback wagon.

The newest addition to the Subaru range – dubbed the Liberty X – arrives two months ahead of the rest of the revised MY13 Liberty range and is pitched principally at regional buyers.

With a ground clearance of 200mm, both Liberty X sedans sit 50mm higher than the run-of-the-mill Liberty range and just 13mm shy of the more rugged Outback crossover based on the Liberty wagon.

The loftier Liberty is available with both engines from the normal Liberty sedan range – the 123kW/229Nm 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol and 195kW/350Nm 3.6-litre six-cylinder.

The entry 2.5X is matched to a standard continuously variable transmission (CVT), while the 3.6X features a conventional five-speed automatic.

The 2.5X is priced at $44,490 plus on-road costs – placing it between Premium and Sports Premium versions of the normal Liberty – while the 3.6X becomes the new Liberty sedan flagship with prices starting from $55,990.

New features include a chunkier grille and front bumper design (expected the carry-over to the rest of the facelifted Liberty range in November), window sills with faux-chrome highlights and unique 18-inch alloy wheels.

Inside, both X variants get new brushed-gunmetal grey inserts on the fascia, console and steering wheel switch panel.

Both well-specified variants feature Subaru’s new EyeSight preventative safety system as standard equipment, previously limited to the top-of-the-line 3.6 R Premium version of the normal Liberty sedan ($53,490).

This system will eventually be rolled-out across the entire Subaru range and incorporates technology such as adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, pre-collision braking and throttle management and brake assist.

Standard features on both variants include HID headlights, reversing camera, leather trim (front seats are heated and electrically-adjustable), satellite navigation, sunroof, push-button start, one-touch indicators, Multi-Function Display, auto lights and wipers and Bluetooth/USB connectivity.

In addition, the 3.6X gets an SI-Drive system with three driving modes, chrome door handles and boot garnish and gunmetal alloy wheels.

Subaru Australia managing director Nick Senior said the X would suit regional buyers, but also people with steep driveways and those who required a higher hip-point for easier entry/egress.

“The ease of entry and exit of our SUVs has always been a key selling point and we have now been able to incorporate this into a sedan, for those who prefer that body style,” he said.

Subaru Australia national corporate affairs manager Dave Rowley told GoAuto today Subaru had no plans for a wagon X – a segment arguably covered by the existing Outback.

Subaru Liberty X pricing (plus on roads):
2.5X (a)	$44,490
3.6X (a)	$55,990