Beijing show: Subaru serves up MY13 Liberty

SUBARU has unveiled a high-grade, high-riding version of its all-wheel-drive Liberty mid-size sedan for the 2013 model year, which made its world premiere at the Beijing motor show this week and will come to Australia in the third quarter.

Subaru Australia has revealed that only China and Australia will offer the new model variant, which has had its ride height raised 60mm (to 210mm) and also features a redesigned grille and front bumper, chrome highlights – including a prominent strip along the side sills – and 18-inch alloy wheels.

The cabin is decked out in black faux metallic trim for the centre stack, console and steering switch panel, while the electronic park brake and SI-Drive switches are relocated for easier use.

The hip point is also 70mm higher than the regular Liberty sedan.

The still-to-be named high-riding premium Liberty will be available in both 2.5-litre four-cylinder and 3.6-litre six-cylinder guises, with the new variant expected to slot in between the mid-range Sports Premium and flagship GT Premium grades.

Subaru Australia has declined to nominate pricing at this stage, but expect a starting point just below $50,000.

A number of detail changes will apply across the entire Liberty range for MY13, with the revised grille an obvious reference point.

Subaru Australia managing director Nick Senior said: “This new Liberty variant 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.

“Only two markets in the world – Australia and China – are getting this new variant, recognising some of the unique road conditions experienced in both countries.

“It is still an enlightening statistic that around 60 per cent of our roads are unsealed.

“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.

“This new variant gives us another opportunity to bring something different to market and, judging by the success of our other recent offerings, including XV and Impreza, we can see a lot of potential.”