2006 Subaru Liberty 2.5i Premium review: Quick drive

With horizontally opposed boxer engines and all-wheel-drive standard across the range, its no wonder the Subaru Liberty has a uniquely strong reputation and devoted following.

This wagon represents better value since a recent facelift. The price dropped $1500 to $43,490 and some equipment was added, including a dual memory function for the powered driver's seat and tinted rear windows. Standard equipment continued to include six airbags, ABS, leather trim, power sunroof, dual climate control, cruise control, six-CD audio and rear parking sensors. The 2.5i Premium has a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 121 kW and 226 Nm mated to a four-speed auto. Performance is smoothly delivered but pedestrian, with Subaru claiming a 0-100 km/h dash in an uninspiring 11 seconds. The fuel consumption claim is 9.5 L/100 km on normal unleaded fuel. The greenvehicleguide gives a 3.5-star emissions rating.

The car is strong on safety, with a five-star Australasian New Car Assessment Program rating backing up the car's excellent dynamics.

As a load carrier it is not a class leader, with 459 litres available in the luggage area expanding to 1628 litres when the bench seat is folded.