2008 Subaru Liberty, Outback: More Power, More Features

Motoring Channel Staff - 13/August/2007

 Baulkham Hills, Australia — Boasting a slight increase in power, the new 2008 model Subaru Liberty and Outback have arrived. Though no changes to the cars designs have been made, the pricing structure has been shuffled and Subaru has killed off the Liberty 2.0R model.

The new entry-level Liberty model is now the 2.5i, priced at $32,490, which is lower than the previous models' $34,990. The base model Outback 2.5i manual begins at $36,490.

"We now have an entry level 2.5 litre in the Liberty range at $32,490. It was previously $34,990. The automatic entry-level 2.5i is now $34,990 (previously $36,990) and has VDC and the new VVL engine included. That’s a huge bonus for us," said Nick Senior, the managing director of Subaru Australia.

The new Liberty and Outback models deliver 127kW of power @ 6000rpm, thanks to the addition of variable valve lift (a 5% power increase).

Even with the increase in power, the engine's are more efficient than their 2007 counterparts as this fuel consumption table shows (measured in L/100km):

Changes to the Liberty range are minor, and also include new models like the Heritage, which adds things like a power adjustable front passenger seat and leather interior.Curtain airbags have been added to all model and vehicle dynamics control (VDC) is now standard on all models equipped with automatic transmissions as well.

Nick Senior said that the new '08 Liberty and Outback models were just the start of the company's new model assault. 

"It is an exciting time for Subaru. This is the first of our significant 2008 model year launches. After Liberty and Outback we will welcome new generation Impreza at the end of August, then later in the year we have the MY08 Tribeca and, of course, in March next year, our all-new Forester," said Mr Senior.

Up until now, the only new models Subaru Australia has been offering were limited run special edition models.

"It has been relatively quiet for us on the model front for us, but the avalanche is here," added Mr Senior.

"While there are no external changes to the 2008 model year Liberty and Outback, there are significant equipment, technical, safety and pricing stories throughout the range. Our new 2.5 litre VVL engine has more power and better fuel consumption and Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) is standard on all automatic versions.

"Our already strong passive safety story is further enhanced with curtain airbags on every model. Extra equipment is added to almost all models and our Subaru value for money story is as strong as ever," said Mr Senior.

The Liberty 2.5i Premium model adds a McIntosh audio system with 6-stack in-dash CD player and 14 speakers. Self-levelling xenon headlights with pop-up washers are also part of the package, which starts at $42,790 for the manual sedan.

"The much-loved Heritage name reappears after a long absence," continued Mr Senior, "and the strong-selling 2.5i Premium now features VVL, VDC, McIntosh audio system, self-levelling bi-Xenon headlights, all for just an additional $1300.

With new versions of the Tribeca, Impreza, and Forester models on the way, almost 60% of Subaru's stock will be fresh from 2008.

In conclusion, Mr Senior said: "Combined with our All-Wheel Drive ability, five star safety, retained value and reliability, these cars are a great whole-of-life proposition. The long list of standard features in these cars underlines Subaru’s commitment to premium positioning combined with fantastic value for money."

Pricing for the new Liberty and Outback range is as follows:

Liberty

• Liberty 2.5i manual sedan $32,490
  Liberty 2.5i SPORTSHIFT auto sedan $34,990
  Liberty 2.5i manual wagon $34,490
  Liberty 2.5I SPORTSHIFT auto wagon $36,990

• Liberty 2.5i Heritage manual sedan $37,990
  Liberty 2.5i Heritage SPORTSHIFT sedan $40,490
  Liberty 2.5i Heritage manual wagon $39,990 
  Liberty 2.5i Heritage SPORTSHIFT wagon $42,490 

• Liberty 2.5i Premium SPORTSHIFT sedan $42,790 
  Liberty 2.5i Premium SPORTSHIFT wagon $44,790 
  Liberty 3.0R Premium SPORTSHIFT sedan $50,990 
  Liberty 3.0R Premium SPORTSHIFT wagon $52,990 

• Liberty 3.0R spec.B manual sedan $52,490 
  Liberty 3.0R spec.B SPORTSHIFT sedan $52,490 
  Liberty 3.0R spec.B manual wagon $54,490 
  Liberty 3.0R spec.B SPORTSHIFT wagon $54,490 

• Liberty GT SPORTSHIFT sedan $54,990 
  Liberty GT SPORTSHIFT wagon $56,990 
  

• Liberty GT spec.B manual sedan $55,990 
  Liberty GT spec.B SPORTSHIFT sedan $55,990 
  Liberty GT spec.B manual wagon $57,990 
  Liberty GT spec.B SPORTSHIFT wagon $57,990 

Outback

• Outback 2.5i manual $36,490 
  Outback 2.5i SPORTSHIFT automatic $38,990 

• Outback 2.5i Premium manual $41,990 
  Outback 2.5i Premium SPORTSHIFT auto $44,490 

• Outback 3.0R SPORTSHIFT $46,990 
  Outback 3.0R Premium SPORTSHIFT $54,290 

Related articles:
- Subaru Liberty GT Spec.B - Tuned by STI (Road Test)
- Subaru WRX STI Aero Kit (2008)
- Subaru Impreza WRX sedan (2008)
- Subaru Tribeca (2008)
- Subaru Impreza WRX (Road Test)
- Subaru Forester XT (Road Test)
- Subaru WRX - Tuned by STI (2007)
- Subaru Develops Diesel Boxer Engine (2007)
- Subaru Liberty Blitzen (2006)