A comprehensive list of refinements to Subaru's ultra-safe All-Wheel Drive 2007 Liberty range includes the debut of the revolutionary Subaru Intelligent Drive (SI-Drive) system.

The expanded range includes reintroduction of the sporty GT, featuring a new award-winning turbocharged 2.5 litre horizontally opposed boxer engine.

With improved torque, it is now capable of regular running on 95RON fuel.

New to the range are Liberty GT spec.B sedans and wagons, offering even greater choice of premium variants.

The SI-Drive system introduced on all turbocharged and 3.0 litre Libertys, offers optimum drivability and power delivery across the operating range, whether seeking a frugal drive, outstanding performance or in day-to-day traffic.

Pricing of some Libertys has decreased as much as 3.8 per cent while entry-level models remain unchanged.

On range-topping GT and 3.0R spec.B variants, customers can now take pricing out of the equation on transmission choice – six-speed manual and five-speed Sportshift automatic versions are priced identically.

Sporting an exciting new look, Liberty introduces a wide range of innovations including:

• GT spec.B with Bilstein sports suspension, 18-inch alloy wheels and the option of an STI-derived six-speed manual transmission
• HID self-levelling high and low-beam Bi-Xenon headlights on Liberty GT and 3.0 litre variants
• Telescopic steering wheels for every Liberty
• Power driver's seat with dual memory function and dual zone air conditioning for range-topping Libertys
• Steering column Sportshift paddle controls on automatic Liberty GT and 3.0 litre versions, plus steering wheel audio, cruise, Information and SI-Drive controls.
• Interior refinements across the range
• Six-stacker in-dash CD players across the range – MP3 and WMA compatible
• Brake Assist for naturally aspirated 2.0 and 2.5 litre Libertys

All new Libertys retain their outstanding independent five star crashworthiness rating for occupant safety, from the Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP).

Nick Senior, Managing Director, Subaru Australia, said: "This is our most comprehensive Liberty range ever.

"We are delighted to reintroduce Liberty GT with a bigger, and more refined award-winning engine and also add the option of a spec.B version, which has proved such a success in 3.0 litre guise.

"SI-Drive is a fantastic Subaru initiative that enables our customers to get the very best out of their driving, right across the operating range. It's like having the advantage of three engines in one.

"Once again, engineers from Fuji Heavy Industries spent many days testing all this new technology in a variety of Australian conditions, ensuring suitability for our market."

He added: "We have a great pricing story too – there is no change on entry level models, while pricing is reduced by up to 3.8 per cent on 2.5i variants.

"With both GT and 3.0R spec. B variants, we've simplified pricing by making the manual and Sportshift automatic versions the same price, so customers can choose purely on the basis of transmission preference.

"There's also a much more linear progression through pricing of the entire range, bringing aspirational models within reach of customers who may have previously found the margin too great."

Subaru Intelligent Drive

Subaru Intelligent Drive (SI-Drive) is introduced on turbocharged and 3.0 litre Libertys, offering three different driving experiences in the same car.

Drivers have the option to refine performance to suit their preferences.

SI-Drive can optimize fuel efficiency and ride comfort in stop-start city traffic, produce a lively response in flowing freeway or town traffic, or a rapid sporty drive on the open road.

It features three modes, each of which is clearly displayed on the instrument panel:

Intelligent mode ensures gentle, smooth power output. It may contribute to greater economy in congested city driving at low to mid-speed, when teamed with a smooth driving style, or cruising on the freeway. Ideal for those searching for ride comfort and frugal fuel figures.

Sport mode optimizes performance on city and highway drives. Good for routine, day-to-day driving.

Sport # mode boosts engine revolutions for sharp, sporty driving (cannot be used while the engine is cold). Provides dynamic performance for true driving enthusiasts through highly responsive engine and throttle control.

SI-Drive regulates the engine and transmission control units, and fine-tunes the electronic throttle control.

The control button is installed on the centre console. By pushing the dial, Intelligent mode is set. Sport mode is activated by turning the dial left and Sport # mode by turning it right.

There is also a steering wheel button to activate Sport # mode.

The modes can be changed while the car is moving.

The instrument panel includes an SI-Drive Multi-Function Display (MFD).

This communicates vehicle behaviour in the different modes. It includes an Eco gauge and Shift-up indicator (manual-only).

The needle of the Eco gauge stays in the green zone when fuel consumption is low, for the benefit of economy-minded drivers. Higher fuel consumption is indicated by the needle heading into the yellow zone.

The MFD shows comprehensive information about the power characteristics of the chosen mode via a simplified torque curve.

The Shift-up indicator, located in the tachometer on manual transmission models, uses a blinking indicator to advise the driver to change up a gear and save fuel when engine revolutions reach a certain level.

Internal testing by Fuji Heavy Industries, the maker of Subaru vehicles, indicates a vehicle driven in Intelligent mode can record up to 10 per cent more range.

Interior

Liberty's dashboard, centre console and steering wheel are revised to produce an integrated and wholly contemporary look.

Instrument clusters of turbocharged and 3.0 litre variants feature a vast array of information in the multi-function display, including SI-Drive visuals, odometer, time, range, outside temperature, fuel consumption and open door warnings.

Attention to detail includes speedometer increments changed from five to two kilometres, for easier visual recognition.

All Libertys have steering wheel mounted cruise control buttons.

Turbocharged and 3.0 litre variants add steering wheel audio and SI-Drive Sport # mode controls, plus an "Information call-up" or I button. This can switch between six different information screens, using adjoining up or down arrow buttons to display:

• Odometer and trip meter
• Actual and average fuel consumption
• Outside temperature and continuous running time
• Drivable distance until refuel
• Current time (if vehicle is SatNav equipped)
• SI-Drive screen with graph

If a warning screen is displayed, drivers press the I button to identify the nature of the warning, such as door open or low temperature.

Automatic transmission GT and 3.0 litre models also gain Sportshift steering column "paddles" plus illuminated centre console cup holders.

Telescopic steering wheels, with 40 millimetres of travel, are new to every Liberty.

Turbocharged, 2.5i Premium and 3.0 litre Libertys also get power driver's seats with dual memory function and rear window tint (side and back). GTs and 3.0R variants add dual zone air conditioning.

3.0 litre variants also get rear seat ventilation and dual cup holders in the rear centre armrest.

The premium McIntosh audio system shared by turbocharged and 3.0 litre Libertys is further enhanced with the addition of a 70 mm dashboard centre speaker, taking the speaker count to 14.

Audio systems in 2.0 and 2.5 litre Libertys get a new matt-finish facia, while all Libertys now offer six-stack in-dash CD players with MP3 and WMA compatibility.

The gearshift surround features a new circular design, while ashtrays are eliminated from all Libertys in line with customer feedback.

Cloth and leather trim patterns are revised in line with Liberty's refined appearance.

Exterior

Liberty features a variety of exterior refinements that highlight its contemporary appearance.

Grilles, front guards, bumpers, light clusters and fog light surrounds all have new lines while distinctive new design alloy wheel patterns are introduced across the range.

State-of-the art High Intensity Discharge (HID) self-levelling headlights are introduced on all turbocharged and 3.0 litre Libertys, featuring both high and low beam Bi-Xenon.

Wing mirror design is refined to further reduce wind resistance and enhance visibility of the in-built indicator.

New colours to the range are:

• Newport blue pearl
• Satin white pearl
• Diamond grey metallic

Engine

Liberty GT's new award-winning 2.5 litre turbocharged engine produces 184 Kilowatts of power at 6000 rpm in both manual and automatic variants. It offers the advantage of being able to run on cheaper 95RON fuel.

Torque is improved to 339 Newtonmetres at 3600 rpm.

Power of automatic transmission Liberty GT is up 4 kW, while manual versions are down 6 kW. This is due to the car's ability to use lower grade fuel and also meet Australian emission requirements.

The engine recently won the 2.0 to 2.5-litre class of the International Engine of the Year Awards at the Engine Expo in Stuttgart, Germany.

It is also used in the Impreza WRX and Forester XT.

Liberty 3.0R and 3.0R spec.B feature Subaru's Active Valve Control System (AVCS) and Variable Valve Lift, ensuring optimum power and torque output, fuel consumption and low exhaust emissions.

3.0 litre Liberty's torque is improved at low revolutions, for refined pulling power. Torque is up 4.0 per cent between 1200 and 1600 rpm and up 3.0 per cent between 2000 and 2800 rpm.

Emissions are improved on 3.0 litre engines through changes to the camshaft profile, aiding combustion efficiency.

Transmission

Liberty GT spec.B offers the choice of the renowned six-speed STI-derived manual gearbox originally introduced in the 3.0R spec.B.

The constant mesh transmission is a development of that used in the Impreza WRX STI.

It is completely designed and manufactured by Subaru and features double synchronizer mechanisms on first, third and reverse gears, while second gear is equipped with a triple synchronizer mechanism.

The synchronizers provide consistent, smooth gearshift performance.

The transmission has large gears and bearings for added strength, while a positive lubrication system increases durability, using a vehicle speed-driven oil pump.

The transmission features Subaru's well-known centre differential with viscous coupling, used on all its manual transmission vehicles, to provide 50:50 front and rear torque split to the All-Wheel Drive system.

There are two groups of gear ratios. First to fourth are close ratio for instant and efficient power delivery at low speeds.

Fifth and sixth gears are wider ratio for improved fuel consumption while cruising and reduced noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) at high speeds.

Transmission casing and internal components are also designed to reduce NVH.

Clutch operation is optimized to produce a light feel.

An innovative aspect of the design is integration of the Electronic Throttle Control system with clutch actuation, reducing the likelihood of stall.

GT spec.B also has strengthened front and rear differentials. The premium Torsen rear limited slip differential (LSD) enhances driving performance.

In automatic transmission 3.0 litre and 2.5 litre turbocharged Libertys, smoother downshift is achieved by the introduction of "blipping" control. This optimizes engine and transmission synchronization.

For reduced NVH, manual GT spec.B and all 2.0 litre transmission tunnels have added insulation.

Gear ratios

Suspension

Fuji Heavy Industries engineers undertook extensive local testing to produce optimum suspension set-up for the GT spec.B.

It features Bilstein suspension in line with its sports credentials.

This offers enhanced lateral rigidity and suspension performance to match the car's weight distribution.

Safety

All MY07 Libertys maintain an outstanding independent five-star ANCAP crashworthiness rating for occupant safety.

Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive ensures stability and grip in all conditions.

Liberty 2.0R and 2.5i variants introduce Brake Assist. The ECU detects panic braking and automatically applies optimum force by assisting driver operation in a linear fashion, in minimal time.

Body rigidity on all Libertys is enhanced by the addition of a reinforced engine bay strut tower, a larger firewall corner panel and reinforcement of the sill at the A-pillar base. These measures also reduce NVH.

Security

All Libertys are equipped with the latest advanced engine immobilisers and DataDot theft protection.

For added security, all models have only one barrel lock, located in the driver's door.

Sedans have remote boot release and wagons have remote tailgate unlocking.

New Liberty model specifications at a glance:

Liberty 2.0R

Safety

• ABS anti-lock brakes with four-wheel discs and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD)
• Automatic transmission lock-out - need foot on brake, key in ignition "on" position, to release lever
• Brake Assist
• Child seat anchor points including ISO FIX
• Curtain airbags – full length
• Dual front airbags
• Dual front side airbags
• Front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters. Double pretensioners on driver's seatbelt
• Rear door child lock
• Seatbelt indicator lights – all seats
• Side intrusion bars
• Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive
• Three-point A/ELR rear centre seatbelt

Interior

• Climate control air conditioning
• Cargo area light
• Cargo security blind – wagon only
• Centre-through rear seat - sedan only
• Cup holders
• Height adjustable and telescopic steering column
• Height adjustable driver's seat
• Immobiliser security system
• Leather gear shift, park brake handle
• Map lights (2)
• Leather steering wheel with cruise control buttons
• MP3/WMA compatible audio system
• Multi-function trip computer
• Power steering, mirrors and windows
• Two remote central locking keys
• Rear illumination instrument display
• Remote central locking
• Remote fuel lid release
• Seatback storage nets
• Six-stacker in-dash CD player with six speakers
• Sportshift four-speed automatic transmission option
• Sports seats
• Vanity mirror
• 60/40 split/fold rear seat – wagon only

Exterior

• 17-inch alloy wheels – full size alloy spare
• Chrome-surround grille
• Colour-coded mirrors and door handles
• Headlights auto off
• Rear roof spoiler – wagon only
• Rear wiper – wagon only

Other features

• Auto sedan boot release on key; unlock tailgate on wagon
• DataDot security technology
• Electronic throttle control
• Three-year unlimited kilometre warranty
• Dual exhaust system
• Fog lamps – front
• 2.0 litre DOHC horizontally opposed boxer engine. 121 kW/6800 rpm, 187 Nm/3200 rpm

Liberty 2.5i adds:

• 2.5 litre SOHC horizontally opposed boxer engine 121 kW/5600 rpm, 226 Nm/4400 rpm
• Electric sunroof

Liberty 2.5i Premium adds:

Interior

• Eight-way adjustable power driver's seat with dual memory function
• Leather trim
• Rear window tint (passenger and other rear windows)

Optional: satellite navigation.

Liberty GT adds (to 2.5i Premium specification, but does not have Brake Assist):

• Five-speed Sportshift automatic transmission
• Turbocharged engine produces 184 kW/6000 rpm, 339 Nm/3600 rpm
• Vehicle dynamics control (VDC) or satellite navigation

Interior

• Dual zone air conditioning
• McIntosh premium 14-speaker sound system including 70 mm dashboard centre speaker
• Subaru Intelligent-Drive
• Steering wheel audio, Information, SI-Drive and Sportshift paddle controls

Exterior

• Flared front bumper design
• HID self levelling high and low-beam Bi-Xenon headlights with pop-out power jet washers
• Six-spoke 17-inch alloy wheels with full-size alloy spare

Liberty GT spec.B adds (to GT specification):

• 18-inch 10-spoke alloy wheels – full size alloy spare
• Alloy pedals
• Bilstein suspension
• Six-speed STI-based manual gearbox choice

Optional: satellite navigation

Liberty 3.0R (automatic-only; adds to GT specification):

• 3.0 litre DOHC engine producing 180 kW/6600 rpm, 297 Nm/4200 rpm

Safety

• Vehicle Dynamics Control

Interior

• Centre rear armrest cup holders
• Ivory leather trim
• Power passenger seat
• Rear seat ventilation

Exterior

• Alloy-type fog light highlights

Optional: satellite navigation

Liberty 3.0R spec.B adds (to 3.0R specification):

Liberty 3.0R spec.B adds:

• 18-inch 10-spoke alloy wheels – full size alloy spare
• Alloy pedals
• Bilstein suspension
• Black leather trim
• Six-speed STi-based manual gearbox

Optional: VDC and satellite navigation.

All new Liberty variants are available as both sedan and wagon.

MY07 Liberty highlights

• Contemporary new look for all Libertys
• Subaru Intelligent-Drive optimizes driving fun and efficiency on premium Libertys
• Award-winning 2.5 litre turbocharged engine for Liberty GT – runs on 95RON fuel and offers extra torque
• Expansion of the GT range to include a GT spec.B with Bilstein sports suspension and the option of an STI-derived six-speed manual transmission
• Pricing of some Libertys reduced up to 3.8 per cent - entry-level models remain unchanged
• Manual and automatic GT spec.B and 3.0R spec.B variants priced identically for customer convenience
• HID self-levelling high and low-beam Bi-Xenon headlights on Liberty GT and 3.0 litre variants
• Telescopic steering wheels for all Libertys
• Dual zone air conditioning for range-topping Libertys
• Steering column Sportshift paddle controls on automatic Liberty GT and 3.0 litre versions, plus audio, cruise, Information and SI-Drive buttons.
• Cruise control on all Liberty steering wheels
• Interior refinements across the range – revised dashboard, centre console and steering wheel
• Power driver's seats with dual memory function on 2.5i Premium, GT and 3.0 litre cars
• Premium McIntosh sound system gets 14th speaker in GTs and 3.0 cars
• Six-stacker in-dash CD with MP3 and WMA compatibility across the range
• Brake Assist for naturally aspirated 2.0 and 2.5 litre Libertys
• New alloy wheel patterns on all Libertys
• 3.0 litre Liberty torque improved at low revs for refined pulling power
• GT spec.B has strengthened front and rear differentials - Premium Torsen rear limited slip differential (LSD) enhances driving performance
• Smoother downshift in Sportshift 3.0 litre Libertys via introduction of "blipping" control
• Added insulation for reduced NVH on 2.0R and manual GT
• All MY07 Libertys have outstanding five-star ANCAP crashworthiness rating for occupant safety