Subaru has announced a host of cosmetic, handling and efficient technology changes to its All-Wheel Drive Liberty line-up for Model Year 2013.

Entry-level pricing is sharpened by $2000 with the Liberty 2.5i sedan priced from $32,990 Manufacturer's List Price (MLP)\*.

Power and torque improves on normally aspirated 2.5 litre variants, while fuel efficiency is also refined by up to 4.8 per cent, thanks to the new generation FB horizontally-opposed boxer engine, linked to the latest LineartronicTM Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT).

Subaru's award-winning EyeSight+óGÇP-ó driver assist system is also introduced on additional Liberty variants, including the 2.5i Premium, despite a pricing reduction of $1500 on the variant to $39,490 MLP on the sedan and $41,490 on the wagon.

Liberty's revised All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system improves precision in torque distribution between front and back wheels, benefitting handling and stability. The technical refinements, including suspension and handling, were tested on Australian roads.

In addition to the new engine, automatic transmission and alloy wheel patterns, Liberty 2.5i with leather trim now adds factory-fitted satellite navigation and a new colour information display.

Among the many Liberty changes:

• New grille and front fog light surrounds
• New alloy wheel patterns
• Revised steering wheel design
• Electronic park brake relocated to centre console
• Addition of one-touch lane-change indicator
• Revised centre console, instrument panel and dashboard colour scheme
• USB connection now on all Liberty variants

Non entry-level Libertys also add:

• Electro-luminescent gauges with integrated 3.5-inch colour display

New colours for Liberty are dark grey metallic, deep sea blue pearl, Venetian red pearl and burnished bronze metallic.

EyeSight+óGÇP-ó is added to Liberty 2.5i Premium, automatic Liberty GT premium, plus the new Liberty X variants.

The EyeSight+óGÇP-ó system adds refinements to collision avoidance on corners and with slow-moving pedestrians.

Nick Senior, Subaru Australia Managing Director, said: "The combination of fresh new look, efficiency and great specification makes Liberty a compelling package, whatever the variant.

"From the reintroduction of cloth trim for entry-level Liberty 2.5i, to the high-riding luxury of Liberty 2.5X and 3.6X sedans and sporty turbocharged performance of Liberty GT, there really is a Liberty to suit the needs of every medium car buyer.

"Liberty sales are up 12 per cent year-to-date and we believe the changes we have made to our 2013 models will enable us to build on this growth.

"We're extremely pleased we can offer EyeSight+óGÇP-ó on more models, being available on a sub-$40,000 Subaru for the first time."

TECHNICAL REFINEMENT
All MY13 Liberty 2.5-litre normally aspirated variants gain the new efficient FB series horizontally-opposed Boxer engine, linked to the latest LineartronicTM CVT.

The FB engine improves drivability in the mid to low speed torque range, while the new LineartronicTM CVT is quieter, lighter and more compact.

The result is a power increase, plus improved fuel efficiency and environmental performance.

To make way for the relocated park brake switch, SI-Drive controls in Liberty GT and 3.6X variants are positioned on the steering wheel.

ALL-WHEEL DRIVE, SUSPENSION AND STEERING CHANGES

Liberty's revised All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system improves precision in torque distribution between front and back wheels, benefitting handling and stability.

Subaru Intelligent (SI) AWD uses signal inputs from the Vehicle Dynamics Control system - including steering wheel angle, yaw rate and lateral acceleration - to improve steering reaction and handling, even in extreme conditions such as accelerating on snow-covered or slippery roads and lane changing.

Suspension is enhanced - bushings are changed for improved stability and Noise, Vibration and Harshness (NVH) performance, while the front stabilizer is thicker too.

Damper and spring rate settings are changed for stability benefits, while welding is added to the cradle frame and support added to the sub-frame, also aiding maneuverability.

Steering response is improved through introduction of a non-contact torque sensor.

Changed construction of the steering reduction gears also aids NVH, while the cannon mount bushing is revised to help responsiveness.

LIBERTY MY13 MANUFACTURER'S LIST PRICING\*

\*Prices are Subaru (Aust) Pty Limited's Manufacturer's List Prices only and include GST on the list price but exclude dealer delivery charges and all other government and statutory charges. For the drive away price of Subaru vehicles consumers should be advised to contact their local authorized Subaru dealer.

\*\* Also includes rear air conditioning vents, powered driver's seat and electroluminescent gauges with colour information display.

For further information, contact:

David Rowley
National Corporate Affairs Manager
Subaru Australia
Telephone: (02) 8892 9853
Mobile: 0418 237 252
Fax: (02) 8892 9121
E-mail: david.rowley@subaru.com.au