Subaru’s Model Year 2018 All-Wheel Drive Liberty sedan range launches this month with style and substance changes that make a formidable features list in the medium car market.
Unchanged entry-level pricing of $30,240 Manufacturer’s List Price (MLP)* underlines Liberty’s value proposition.
The long list of changes include:
- Cosmetics: Grille, bumpers, headlights and wing mirrors
- Convenience and style: enlarged central display
- New generation infotainment: Apple CarPlay™ and Google Android Auto™ connectivity
- Safety: Third generation EyeSight® Driver Assist system, with the addition of Lane Keep Assist (LKA)
Premium variants add a suite of Vision Assist features including:
- Steering Responsive Headlights
- Adaptive Driving Beam
- Side View Monitor
- Front View Monitor
There are also engine, suspension and transmission refinements for greater vehicle response, efficiency and driving pleasure.
Colin Christie, Managing Director, Subaru Australia, said: “Liberty has long been a cornerstone of Subaru’s range and reputation in Australia and these latest refinements are a great reminder of why it’s so well established.
“The balance of specification, safety and style make the revised Liberty a compelling package – even more so when you factor in the sure-footed All-Wheel Drive fun driving factor.
“It also highlights Subaru’s long-held commitment to safety, with third-generation EyeSight adding even more capability to a driver assist system that is recognised by insurers and safety experts alike for its capability in helping avoid or reduce the impact of accidents.”
As with the entire Subaru range, every Liberty variant has a five-star rating for occupant safety from the Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP).
EYESIGHT – THIRD GENERATION
Every Liberty features the latest third generation EyeSight driver assist system.
Stereo camera images are in colour and the recognition is optimised, enabling “vision” of multiple items simultaneously.
It includes Lane Keep Assist (LKA), which can help prevent accidents, by assisting with steering control, if a driver unwittingly starts drifting into another lane.
Other EyeSight highlights include:
- Enhanced pedestrian avoidance
- Pre-Collision Braking Assist
“Tracking” performance:
- Advanced performance of Adaptive Cruise Control (Brake light recognition etc.)
STEREO CAMERA
Third generation EyeSight uses a CMOS camera, with higher resolution than the conventional CCD, enabling recognition of even low-contrast objects.
Stereo camera performance and the 3D image processing engine are improved for faster and more accurate object recognition.
Longer distances and wider angles are covered for easier distance recognition on either side.
Control accuracy and stability are improved at all speeds, together with pedestrian pre-collision detection performance.
The CMOS camera and enhanced control logic provide greater operational stability during poor weather conditions too.
The physical structure is also revised, with the camera closer to the windscreen glass, with less overhang.
The increased recognition area of the camera, combined with colour recognition, means a larger number of potential obstacles can be recognised simultaneously.
PRE-COLLISION BRAKING
Operation range of Pre-collision Braking is expanded, allowing earlier object recognition. Impact avoidance performance is improved through better control.
The speed difference criteria for collision with a vehicle in front is expanded from a maximum of 30 km/h to a maximum of 50 km/h, for enhanced collision prevention.
Brake light and object recognition are improved, even at relatively high speeds, and when the vehicle in front decelerates hard.
This allows faster activation of primary brake control and increases the collision avoidance area.
ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
EyeSight’s expanded recognition area improves tracking performance, with vehicles recognized at longer distances and wider angles, particularly on multi-lane roads and when vehicles cut in during traffic jams.
THE DETAIL
Crank angle sensor
The crank angle sensor is changed from Magnetic Pick-Up (MPU) to Magnetic Resistant Element (MRE). The tooth profile of the crank shaft sensor plate is also changed to increase crank sensor detection accuracy. This increases the operation speed of the Engine Control Unit (ECU), improving accuracy for On Board Diagnosis (OBD).
Connecting rods
A total weight reduction of 108 grams (approx. 5.6%) is achieved in the four connecting rods, which are the main moving components of the engine. This is done by thinning the stem profile.
Main metal
Molybdenum shot processing was applied to the inner side of the main metal to improve fuel efficiency by reducing friction.
Crankshaft
Changes to the shape of the crank web reduce vibration and weight. This also reduces cabin noise during initial acceleration, for a more refined driving feel.
Intake/exhaust valves
Mirror surface processing for all intake and exhaust valves reduces friction, improving fuel efficiency.
Crank pulley
Changes to the shape of the crank pulley reduce vibration and weight, reducing start-up noise.
Alternator
New high-efficiency alternators increase generating efficiency in both 2.5-litre and 3.6-litre variants.
