Subaru’s award-winning Liberty increases its technological edge with the introduction of another advanced safety system in the range-topping wagon model.

Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC), a stability system especially tuned for Australian conditions, is available on the Liberty Heritage wagon introduced this month.

Improved audio systems, interior trim upgrades, exterior refinements, safety and security enhancements are other key features of the 2001 model year Liberty range.

Delivering safety and stability
At the heart of VDC is an electronic control unit (ECU). It uses information from sensors tracking wheel speed, steering position, front/back and lateral (sideways) G force, and yaw rate to monitor forces that could destabilise vehicle running.

VDC computes and compares the driving of the car with the running conditions - including degree of understeer or oversteer.

The ECU, which comprises of a l6-bit microprocessor, computes in 20 milliseconds and, if necessary, reacts in 200-400 milliseconds.

In extreme situations, such as when swerving, sideslipping or entering a spin, VDC activates to control each wheel individually, via braking, engine output, and the All-Wheel Drive system, improving stability by using the car’s most stable wheels.

An indicator light flashes on the instrument panel to alert the driver to VDC’S operation.

In cases of extreme oversteer, VDC activates applying brakes to the front and rear outside turning wheels, producing yaw - a force that opposes the oversteering tendency. With understeer, VDC applies brakes to the inside rear wheels to counteract the effect.

Both the VDC and ABS Anti-Lock Braking systems are controlled from the one digital ECU.

Designed for a "driver’s vehicle", n normal conditions VDC is purely a monitoring system, and applies no control. But near the car’s performance limits it gives the driver more control – resulting in safer and more comfortable driving.

Minimal exterior alterations
Subtle changes have been made to Liberty front bumpers and projector-type fog lamps are now fitted as standard on RX and Heritage 2.5 litre models, which also get colour-coded side protectors and new design five-spoke alloy wheels.

The range also gets two new colours for 2001 - deep blue mica and grey.

New interior features
Interior trim is changed in RX models, and all Libertys get silver-surround instruments and woodgrain console finish.

The upper and lower section of the RX and Heritage dashboards now have an integrated black finish, replacing the former black and grey look, and on Liberty GX, dial-type air conditioning controls have a modified appearance, offering clearer visual cues.

The 2DIN audio system for 2001 Liberty RX and Heritage now includes AM/FM radio, CD and cassette in a single unit, giving the broadest possible mix of driving entertainment. Liberty Heritage also has a six-stack CD changer, located under the front passenger seat.

Safety & Security upgrades
Adding to Liberty’s excellent reputation for safety, Subaru engineers have made further refinements with the B-pillars reinforced for improved side impact protection. Also, the SRS airbag system Front Impact Sensor has been further refined for greater accuracy.

Liberty’s keyless entry system now integrates with the hazard lights for visual recognition, the hazards flashing once when locking and twice when unlocking.

The ignition surround and interior light also illuminate when the car is unlocked, making it easier to place the key. The remote control fob is also now integrated with the key into a single unit, whereas previous models had separate key and remote control.

Technical improvements
Suspension across the Liberty range has been enhanced with several reinforcements to increase durability.

These include changes to the gearbox bracket shape, an increase in the cross-member thickness and an extra engine mounting plate.

The front stabiliser diameter is also increased from 20mm to 21mm to improve maneouvrability.

Improving on a winning package
Trevor Amery, Subaru Australia’s managing director, described the changes as subtle,yet significant improvements on an already award-winning package.

"The combination of technical and cosmetic changes will enhance Liberty’s reputation even more," he said.

"The addition of VDC in the Heritage wagon puts it at the forefront of safety innovation."

Mr Amery said Subaru engineers from Japan had visited Australia to test and calibrate the VDC system in local conditions, including gravel and dirt tracks.

"We wanted to ensure the system was fine-tuned to perfectly match Australian conditions, which vary considerably from other parts of the world. We didn’t want to leave anything to chance."

Mr Amery said Subaru’s attention to detail in testing the VDC system in Australia would ensure the highest safety levels for drivers.