Almost three weeks after the facelifted Outback went on sale, the facelifted Subaru Liberty has gone on sale in Australia with new equipment such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone mirroring, light styling changes and some mechanical changes to the 2.5-litre petrol engine and CVT automatic drivetrain.
Subaru’s mid-sizer has received only slight price rises, with the top spec 3.6R receiving a price hike by $400 to $43,140 plus on-road costs, whilst the entry level 2.5i remains priced at $30,240 plus on-road costs.
Colin Christie, Managing Director, Subaru Australia, said: “Liberty has long been a cornerstone of Subaru’s range and reputation in Australia and these latest refinements are a great reminder of why it’s so well established.
“The balance of specification, safety and style make the revised Liberty a compelling package – even more so when you factor in the sure-footed All-Wheel Drive fun driving factor.
“It also highlights Subaru’s long-held commitment to safety, with third-generation EyeSight adding even more capability to a driver assist system that is recognised by insurers and safety experts alike for its capability in helping avoid or reduce the impact of accidents.”
Following in the footsteps of the facelifted Outback – the high-riding wagon version of the Liberty sedan – the facelifted Liberty has received some light styling changes for the 2018 model year. These include a redesigned front bumper with more aggressive air intakes, as well as redesigned alloy wheels and a redesigned rear diffuser. The headlight shape has been altered slightly and now includes LED daytime running lights within the headlight – 2.5i Premium and 3.6R models also pick up steering responsive bi-LED units.
Trainspotters will also spot redesigned mirrors with LED indicators, a wider and more aggressive grille and added chrome at the front end. There’s also a new colour on offer, dubbed Crimson Red.
The interior of the 2018 Subaru Liberty has also undergone some light revisions with a new infotainment system – 6.5-inches in the 2.5i and 8.0-inches in the 2.5i Premium and 3.6R. All Liberty models now feature Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone mirroring, whilst 2.5i Premium and 3.6R models also feature inbuilt satellite navigation with live traffic updates. The dual-zone climate control area has been redesigned as well, with the redesigned panel claimed to offer superior usability for occupants.
Interior trimmings have also been revised for a higher quality feeling, with more liberal use of contrast stitching and gloss black trim, as well as a new three-spoke leather steering wheel and rear seat USB ports for passengers to charge their devices.
The 2018 Subaru Liberty’s available technology has also been upgraded for the new model year. A new front and side monitor camera system is standard on Premium and 3.6R models to enhance the car’s visibility below 20km/h – it appears on the centre screen like the rear camera. Subaru’s EyeSight active safety system has also been upgraded to include lane-keep assist, pre-collision brake assist up to 50km/h (up from the previous 30km/h) and a further range of pedestrian detection abilities. The radar cruise control has also been retuned to give smoother brake and accelerator inputs and now detects brake lights.
Underneath the skin of the 2018 Subaru Liberty has also seen light revisions for the 2.5-litre engine – the strongest selling drivetrain in Australia. A lighter crankshaft, crank pulley and connecting rods enable less vibration to enter the cabin, and Subaru’s Lineartronic CVT transmission has also been revised to include seven simulated ratios, up from the previous model’s six. Subaru claims that these changes have enabled a 3.0 percent reduction in fuel usage for the 2.5-litre engine, which is claimed at 7.3L/100km combined.
2018 Subaru Liberty pricing (plus on-road costs):
2.5i – $30,240
2.5i Premium – $36,640
3.6R – $43,140
The 2018 Subaru Liberty is on sale in Australia now. Stay tuned to Chasing Cars for news and reviews regarding the Subaru range.
