Liberty and Outback also continue Subaru’s tradition of exceptional value for money, with the 5-speed Liberty All-Wheel-Drive GX Wagon priced at $31,990 - the same as its predecessor - although ABS, dual airbags and a host of other equipment is now standard. Outback is priced from $37,490, clearly the best value all-terrain-vehicle on the market.

In a world first, the Liberty has been designed purely as a wagon, not as the extension of a sedan. and the result is a safer, quieter, more comfortable, better riding, better handling and more economical vehicle.

Liberty comes in three models: the Liberty GX with an all-new 2.0 litre engine, the highly specied Liberty RX powered by an all-new 2.5 litre engine, and a Heritage Wagon (powered by the same 2.5 litre engine), added to the range for the first time.

Outback, which takes on board the new technology used for the Liberty, offers true passenger vehicle comfort and function teamed with go-anywhere versatility. It comes in two versions - the Outback and Outback Limited - both powered by the all-new 2.5 litre engine.

Clean-slate designs
Both cars have been redesigned right down to the nuts and bolts. The engine, platform, suspension, transmission and body are all completely new.

The Liberty GX with the all new 20 litre engine was designed in conjunction with an all new automatic and manual transmission and new body shape, to produce improved performance, fuel economy, handling and driving pleasure.

Recognising a world-wide trend, the engine has been designed to produce more torque in the commonly used range under 4000 rpm - with stunning results. The 2-litre Subaru Liberty is a delight to drive, producing maximum power of 92kW at 5600rpm and maximum torque of 184Nm at only 3600rpm.

The 2.5 titre engine, which also powers the Outback, is ideal for those looking for even more performance, producing 115kW at 5600 rpm and 223Nm at 3600 rpm.

Both Liberty and Outback have new manual and automatic transmissions. The automatic, designed exclusively for the new cars, is outstanding, improving the driveability of the car, eliminating noise and vibrations and providing improved fuel consumption.

The manual transmission is also new and improved, providing greater smoothness while enhancing the excellent weight balance of the car. And in a significant recognition that some drivers like to get serious, Outback now offers dual range. So when the going gets tough the vehicle has a set of low range gears to avoid any off-road troubles.

The combination of new engines and transmissions has further improved fuel consumption - the 2.0 litre GX uses just 9.7 litres/100km around the city and 6.5 L/100 km on the highway, while the 2.5 litre Liberty uses 10.1 litres per 100km in the city and 7 3 L/100 km on the open road.

The Outback's figures are 10.1L and 7.3L, which is exceptional for an all-terrain vehicle and a result, in part, of the wagon's outstanding cd factor of just 0.31.

In a major design innovation, a Formula 1 type multi-link rear suspension has been incorporated in the Liberty and Outback, creating truly international luxury AWD vehicles with superb ride and road handling. The Outback Limited is fitted with self-levelling suspension.

In line with Subaru’s commitment to safety - both active and passive - every Liberty and Outback model is fitted with the triple "A" safety pack consisting of airbags (dual, of course), ABS and All-Wheel Drive.

The torsional rigidity of the cars has been further strengthened to ensure a high level of safety even in a collision, and there’s additional strengthening to the side - two beams in each front door and one in each rear door.

Embracing the best of European style and functionality
For the Liberty that means a new aerodynamic body shape for improved driving performance, fuel economy, and enhanced all-round visibility, a significant reduction in interior noise levels, increased passenger comfort through ergonomic seat design, and a brilliantly functional dash layout. Standard features include cruise control, power steering, power mirrors, power windows, air conditioning, rear centre three point seat belt, improved remote central locking, CD player and a graphic display monitor.

The Liberty RX model comes with alloy wheels, body kit including side skirt, 2.5 litre engine, climate control air-conditioning, 16 x 6.5 wheel tyre combination fitted with low profile tyres, fog lights and upgraded cloth and woodgrain trim.

The Heritage, available only as a 2.5 litre automatic, comes with Euro-style leather upholstery, leather steering wheel, leather gear knob, CD stacker and twin sunroofs.

Pricing of the new vehicles enhances Subaru’s reputation for value.

The new generation Liberty GX wagon will be priced at $31,990 - identical to the previous model - with automatic transmission $1900. The five speed manual Liberty RX Wagon with all of its extra equipment will sell for $37,490 - a substantial $1500 iess than its predecessor.

And the Heritage, the new Euro-style sporty wagon contender, will selI for $43,190. The price includes automatic transmission, leather, dual sunroofs and CD stacker.

The new Outback and Outback Limited have also undergone significant external and internal changes, teaming functionality with rugged, adventurous looks - 16" Yokohama Geolander tyres with alloy wheels, an aggressive front design, resin-based side cladding for damage and corrosion control, and an impressive 200mm ground clearance. Matching many of the traditional truck-based all terrain vehicles, this provides easy loading and unloading of cargo or children.

An impressive list of standard features includes power steering, power windows, climate control air conditioning, four cupholders, cruise control, CD, remote central locking, wood grain dash, 12 volt socket, cargo tie-down hooks, and three-point seat belt for the rear centre passenger.

The Limited has leather upholstery, leather steering wheel and gear stick, twin sunroofs, CD stacker and, for the first time, self levelling suspension.

The MY99 Outback with all the extra gear (climate control air-conditioning, dual airbags, irnmobiliser etc) will sell for only $37,490 - maintaining its position as the highest quality, best-performing, value-for-money all-terrain wagon on the market.

The Limited with all of its gear - leather, twin sunroofs, CD stacker. self-levelling suspension (and remembering that the additional value of suspension and sunroofs alone is $3000) - will be only $41,940.

The all new All-Wheel Drive Subaru Liberty and Outback go on sale on October 24.