Subaru Eyesight safety system coming to Oz

Australia will become the first market outside Japan to get Subaru’s high-tech third-generation EyeSight safety system when it is introduced on some Liberty and Outback models later this year.

Subaru says the system, a combination of active, passive and preventative safety technologies, has undergone 12 months of extensive testing in local conditions.

The system, already a hit in the Japanese market where more than 50 per cent of Liberty models sold have it fitted, uses tiny forward-facing stereo cameras stored in a single unit next to the rear-view mirror.

The EyeSight system detects road hazards to help avoid frontal collisions, lane drifting and low speed impacts, and can recognise other motorists, pedestrians and cyclists within its field of vision.

The pre-crash braking system engages if the driver fails to apply the brakes when a car in front slows or stops suddenly, while the brake-assist function adds extra force (up to one G of deceleration) in an emergency situation. ‘Progressive Start Control’ inhibits the throttle opening if the driver inadvertently hits the accelerator close to a barrier or object.

Left: The EyeSight cameras are kept next to the rear-view mirror. Bottom: The Subaru Outback Touring limited edition.

The system also includes adaptive cruise control, lane departure and vehicle sway warnings, the latter of which alerts the driver if they are swerving from side of the road to another due to fatigue. The ‘Progressive Motion Monitor’ alerts the driver in stop-start traffic when the vehicle in front begins to move.

Subaru Australia national corporate affairs manager David Rowley told GoAuto that EyeSight would be arriving as standard on high-end Liberty and Outback models in the fourth quarter of this year.

Mr Rowley said it was unlikely to be on any options list for lower-specification Liberty and Outback variants or other models in the range at the time of launch.

Meanwhile, Subaru has just released a limited edition Outback Touring model that Subaru claims has over $3360 of extra value over the standard model for a price premium of $600.

The Touring adds reverse parking sensors, side cargo nets, a towbar, roof crossbars, carpet mats, a rear step panel and a rear cargo tray. The car also comes with an extra 12V power outlet and a 14-litre travel fridge, as well as a first aid kit and picnic rug. The Japanese firm is also throwing in a voucher for two Subaru-branded polo shirts.

Subaru will release 500 of the special edition Outbacks, all with the 2.5-litre, 123kW/ 229Nm four-cylinder boxer engine, available with a choice of six-speed manual or CVT transmission.

Outback sales have struggled so far this year, down 22.9 per cent compared to 2010. Subaru Liberty sales have also slumped for the first two months of 2011, with VFACTS recording just 346 sales in February compared to 854 for the same month last year, while year-to-date sales down by 56.9 per cent.

2011 Subaru OutbackTouringpricing:
2.5i Touring (m)	$42,990
2.5i Touring (CVT)	$44,990