Mk2 Liberty

The award-winning second generation Liberty was longer, lower, wider and roomier, with improved handling, refinement, driveability and economy.

The LX, GX and Heritage models were all offered in both front-wheel drive and 4WD, while the latter became 4WD only from mid-’95. Power came courtesy of revised 94kW version of the previous engine.

All models now had air-conditioning, power steering and electric mirrors.

All 1996 model Libertys were better equipped, while a slightly more powerful (98kW) engine, increased standard features and revised trim inside and out marked the 1997 model-year Liberty.

Subaru also introduced the sports/luxury RX 4WD model, powered by the new 115kW 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine shared with the Liberty-based Outback.

Subaru was liberal with Liberty value-added limited editions.

They included the GX 4WD-based Rallye from October ’94, the Enduro 4WD wagon from May ’95 and May ’97, the safety-pack SX 4WD and Summer FX 4WD wagon from late ’95, the Touring 4WD wagon from early ’96, the SKI-FX wagon from mid-’96 and mid-’97, the GX 4WD 25th Anniversary editions from early ’98 and the sought-after RX AWD Limited Edition “Bilstein” sedan from June ‘98.

The Mk2 Liberty sedan lived for a further six months after the Mk3 wagon’s October ’98 debut.