With a host of enviable features including Symmetrical All Wheel Drive and Boxer Engines, it is no wonder why Subaru cars quickly became favourites of performance enthusiasts. There are many sports cars that can drive fast in a straight line, but it takes a true engineering marvel such as the Subaru WRX, STI, or BRZ to navigate the windiest roads and carve through corners at lightning fast speeds. If you are looking to buy your next performance car in Adelaide, you should seriously consider the following reasons. NEXT GENERATION GLOBAL PLATFORM

The Subaru Global Platform is the pinnacle of engineering and innovation. It’s the culmination of Subaru’s brightest minds and most tried and tested concepts to develop a next-generation platform to serve as the foundation for the Subaru performance range. This infrastructure makes for high chassis strength, lighter weight, better rolling resistance and even more responsive steering. This also makes for a quieter cabin exceeding current best-in-class standards, shutting out disruptive vibrations and noise to deliver enjoyment and peace of mind even when testing the vehicle to its limits.

 

SUBARU BRZ IS MEANT TO DRIVE LIKE A RACE CAR

This vehicle is a sports car enthusiast’s dream, packed into a compact sports coupe that is a foot shorter and almost 250kg lighter than the four-door WRX. The BRZ’s 2.0-litre flat-four Boxer engine delivers an impressive maximum power output of 152kW at 7000 rpm and 212Nm of torque at 6,400-6,800 rpm. What makes the Subaru BRZ truly special is its unique architecture and low centre of gravity, as well as the fact that it’s the only rear-wheel drive vehicle manufactured by Subaru.

Backed up with state-of-the art infotainment, intuitive tech and uncompromising safety this is a vehicle for a person who has more than a need for speed, although it certainly transcends all expectations in that department as well. From the seat’s sophisticated red leather accents, the racing-inspired steering wheel, to its sleek body that screams sexiness, the Subaru BRZ is a vehicle that is sure to turn heads on the highway. Prices start from $37,490.

SUBARU WRX DELIVERS RAW POWER & ATTITUDE

The Subaru WRX combines the thrill of a turbocharged Boxer engine combined with the legendary grip of Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD), in a distinctively muscular package to deliver pure excitement. The Subaru WRX has grunt, 197kW power and 350Nm torque to be exact. A thumping stereo, super large LCD touchscreen, sports body kit, high tech driver assist features and the option of one of the best Lineartronic® CVT automatic transmissions around – this car compromises nothing. If you’re after raw power and attitude in a distinctive racing-style sports body, the Subaru WRX is the car you need to test drive.

With high performance handling and intelligent driver assist features, the WRX is capped off with the very latest protective, preventative and predicative safety. Make every moment more thrilling, more fun and more exciting. That’s the confidence you get from our unique Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system, which delivers the drive distribution to all four wheels, all the time. Every Subaru WRX has an innate sense of balance from the ground up, thanks to a near perfect symmetrical layout. Book your test drive today and get behind the wheel of a legend Greater balance and control. Prices start from $44,021.

SUBARU WRX STI IS A ROCKET ON RAILS

Subaru WRX STI is the iconic WRX, flexed to scary good proportions. With all the pure performance Subaru WRX STI is famous for, this is a car for drivers who live for the road. The ultimate in turbocharged performance, the Subaru WRX STI delivers 221kW of power, 407Nm of torque and a road-gripping low centre of gravity. As well as phenomenal power, speed and handling, you’ll enjoy a new level of comfort and sophisticated tech at your fingertips. Every inch of the adrenaline pumping Subaru WRX STI is engineered to make every single moment an unforgettable experience.

As well as uncompromising exhilaration and effortless control, the Subaru WRX STI AWD is eye candy on the inside and out. With an STI sports mesh grille, 19″ alloy wheels, tail pipe covers, yellow brake calipers with the STI logo, an optional rear spoiler and the STI’s signature colour scheme – black with red stitching in the body-hugging sports bucket seats, the silhouette is unmistakable. Subaru WRX STI Premium AWD adds tech and innovative features, like Subaru’s Vision Assist technologies, for the driver’s driver. Incorporating features such as Blind Spot Monitor, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Side View Monitor, Lane Change Assist and more, these proactive technologies add to the long list of 5 star Subaru safety attributes. Seize the moment. Book a test drive today and experience the peak of Subaru performance. Prices start from $56,662.

Based on what we’ve seen from its unveiling at the 2019 Chicago Auto Show, the Liberty will be making a name for itself no matter what moniker it carries.

 

SUBARU ISN’T HOLDING BACK

Subaru isn’t holding back with the newest Liberty. In addition to sitting on the highly-anticipated Subaru Global Platform, the Liberty will come in several trims sporting a new 2.4-litre turbocharged Boxer engine — the first time Subaru will offer a turbocharged engine in a Liberty model since 2012. But it’s not just the body and guts that have been amped-up.

STATE OF THE ART INFOTAINMENT

The Liberty will debut a new state-of-the-art 11.6-inch tablet-style ‘Multimedia Plus’ infotainment touch screen display in higher trims, showing that Subaru means business when it comes to delivering luxury. The base variant will still get two 7.0-inch WVGA displays that split climate and media controls. It’s yet to be confirmed what trims will be available in Australia, but they will likely closer mirror the options unveiled in the United States: Base, Premium, Sport, Limited, Limited XT and Touring XT, with the XT models (a throwback to the legendary GT models) packing the 2.4-litre turbocharged engine.

PRACTICAL AERODYNAMIC DESIGN

For a mid-market priced sedan, the Subaru Liberty is a cut above the rest. At first glance, the vehicle features Subaru’s iconic understated elegance, with sharp lines, a narrow grille and head and practical aerodynamic design. The new frameless hexagonal front grille and side mirror provide a bit more heft to the body, but overall, the body has seen minimal change from its predecessor. What really matters is how the skeleton has changed — the Subaru Global Platform has delivered tremendous strides in stability and suspension, after the company spent more than $1 billion developing the platform. The new chassis is 70% stiffer in torsional and front suspension rigidity and 100% stiffer in front lateral flex and rear sub-frame rigidity. These advancements are made possible by Subaru investing in 13 per cent more ultra-high-tensile steel than previous models, for a much stronger and more impact-resistant body.

BUT WHAT DOES ALL OF THAT MEAN TO YOU?

It means the 2020 Subaru Liberty sits on one of the most advanced frames in the industry, which results in a vehicle with some of the most responsive handling and most rigid suspension in the world. Subaru vehicles were already well known for their sharp steering, thanks to the company’s world-renowned symmetrical All-Wheel-Drive system. But Subaru has once again upped the ante — the Subaru Global Platform has an even lower centre of gravity than its predecessor, for sportier handling. It also enhances safety due to the stronger body, as well as a significantly more comfortable driving experience by reducing the vibration felt through the steering wheel, floor and seats. The new platform results in a 50% reduction in body roll, as well as a quieter cabin — almost 3dB quieter at highway speeds.

NEW TURBOCHARGED ENGINE

The 2020 Subaru Liberty on the lower echelon models will be powered by a 2.5-litre non-turbo flat-four Boxer engine that boasts 136kW of power and 239 Nm of torque, with a Continuous Variable Transmission and Subaru’s symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system. The XT models will be packing a new 2.4-litre turbocharged engine that will ramp things up with 194kW of power and 376Nm in torque. Subaru says the vehicle will easily reach 0-60 mph (97 km/h) in 6.1 seconds, easily leaving other sedans in this price range in the dust.

AWARD WINNING SAFETY

All models will come equipped with Subaru’s award-winning EyeSight Driver Assist program, as well as options for additional safety features such as the DriverFocus Distraction Mitigation System, Blind Spot Detection and Reverse Automatic Breaking. We’re keeping a close eye on this one – we expect the 2020 Liberty to make its debut in the Australian market in the early to mid-2020.

According to Subaru, the company spent upwards of $1 billion to develop their new Subaru Global Platform, which will underpin every new vehicle model going forward, except for the rear-drive BRZ. But was it worth it?

Subaru says every element of its core architecture and DNA has been redesigned and reinvented, making for a total revamp of the chassis and body. The new chassis has reportedly been designed to withstand an offset impact with a 2.5 tonne SUV at 90 km/h, giving new models sitting on the Subaru Global Platform the highest possible crash safety rating. The vehicle’s ‘A’ and ‘B’ pillars are designed to retain their structural integrity in the event of the collision, thereby protecting the occupants. This makes the new generation of vehicles the safest vehicles Subaru has ever built. But enhanced safety is just one aspect of how the new architecture that pushes the Subaru platform to another level – the new vehicles are more dynamic, with better handling and suspension, less vibration, a quietercabin, and better shock absorption.

STATE OF THE ART CRASH ABSORPTION

Beyond the significant improvements to performance, the most crucial improvement to Subaru’s foundational architecture is its state-of-the-art crash absorption abilities, delivered through a higher strength, more rigid and yet still lighter weight chassis. The Subaru Global Platform improves crash absorption by 40%, Subaru says, with a ring-shaped passenger safety cell is designed to absorb and direct the impact of the force around the cabin instead of through it. The Subaru Global Platform’s ability to further absorb shock and vibration delivers 50% less roll, for a quieter and more comfortable cabin. This reduces unpleasant vibration and noise for a more enjoyable drive, while suspension and rigidity improvements provide a noticeably more comfortable ride, especially when driving on rough terrain or bumpy roads off the beaten path. New stabilizers have been implemented to absorb shocks in any situation.

70% IMPROVED RIGIDITY

The Subaru Global Platform’s low centre of gravity is great for making your car go faster and tackle sharp corners, but even more importantly, it also makes the car safer in the event of a collision. Unlike most vehicles on the market, the Subaru Boxer engine is positioned in a straight symmetrical line. In the event of a major frontal collision, the engine and transmission would slide under the floor, instead of through the cabin. This significantly reduces the chance of a serious injury or death. Other safety improvements include adhesive used for up to 70% improved rigidity compared to previous models, stronger joints, more responsive steering and handling and straight-line stability. This allows for maximum control, and it means drivers actually have an easier time steering which allows for more comfort and less fatigue on long drives.

ENGINEERED TO OUTPERFORM

Importantly, the Subaru Global Platform was created to be adaptable for all of Subaru’s next generation models, regardless if they’re a wagon, performance sedan or SUV, powered by a gasoline engine or future hybrid drive trains. Furthermore, the commonality of components between models will allow Subaru to improve their economy of scale and streamline their production process, funneling more resources, research and development into innovative technologies such as their emerging Driver Focus technology. The Subaru Global Platform is another example of the company’s perpetual dedication to innovation, and successfully balances the need for both practicality and performance.

DriverFocus is a facial recognition-powered technology that has the ability to remember up to five different faces to remember preconfigured settings for optimal driver comfort and convenience.

Subaru is a company known for its technological innovation, whether you’re talking about its symmetrical all-wheel-drive system, its horizontally opposed Boxer engines or its new cutting-edge Subaru Global Platform. But when the company won a series of awards for its EyeSight Driver EyeSight Driver Assist Technology package, some were surprised. But Subaru’s DriverFocus system, the first to feature patented facial recognition technology in an SUV, shows Subaru’s clear commitment to industry-leading safety and modernization.

DriverFocus is a facial recognition-powered technology that has the ability to remember up to five different faces to remember preconfigured settings for optimal driver comfort and convenience. The DriverFocus technology uses infrared sensors to recognize who is in the driver’s seat, and tailor the driving experience to how they would expect it. It can distinguish between different family members with advanced technology that measures the distance between nose, mouth and chin and its infra-red camera can even detect the correct face when wearing sunglasses.

DriverFocus can remember preferences for seat positioning, mirrors, temperature as well as radio stations. This is ideal if you and your partner have different preferences for climate controls, a height difference or simply different tastes in music. As soon as the driver gets into the seat, the DriverFocus technology picks the profile based on the facial recognition for a customized driving experience. It will even give you a personal greeting when you fasten up your seatbelt.

And while DriverFocus is certainly a boon for comfort and convenience, it’s most important feature is to identify signs of driver fatigue and driver distraction. Because it knows your face and can predict major changes with the utmost accuracy, DriverFocus knows if you’re showing signs of being tired or being distracted by your phone. It can also predict roadside distractions by monitoring the driver. For example, if you’re looking away from the road for more than three seconds, the system will start beeping to get your attention. If it continues to beep over and over without getting a driver response, the car will slowly stop.

In conjunction with EyeSight technology, Subaru says they aim to collision injuries in the United States by 1,000 injuries per day. With the safety package coming to Australia, complete with DriverFocus, it only makes sense to take full advantage of this revolutionary technology. The new DriverFocus technology comes standard on Touring models of the 2019 Forester, and we expect it will soon make its way to other Subaru models as well.

DISTRACTION WARNING

DMS keeps a watchful eye over your gaze and your safety, by monitoring to see if your head is turned away from the road ahead. If the system detects that the driver is not looking at the road ahead, a buzzer and display warning will remind you to bring your focus back to the front, unless the turning signals indicate you are changing direction. When EyeSight® spots a vehicle in front of you, the distraction warning is made sooner to give you more time to react if necessary.

DROWSINESS WARNING

DMS tracks the driver’s eye activity to calculate two stages of tiredness – drowsy and extremely drowsy. If the driver is recognised as being extremely drowsy or dozing off, a visual and audible warning will alert them. If the vehicle is fitted with a factory fit Satellite Navigation system, the intelligent DMS will mute the audio, so the alert is always clearly heard.

FACIAL RECOGNITION

When a registered driver gets behind the wheel and shuts the door, their face unlocks a range of pre-programmed features to make their trip comfortable. The Multi-Function Display (MFD) beams a welcome message and the seat and door mirrors slide into your preferred position. The settings you enjoyed on your last drive will be restored, from the climate control to MFD and MID content – including driver fuel consumption results.

CONVENIENCE & SAFETY

The DMS will sound an alarm to tell both the driver, and any passengers, when it detects that the driver’s gaze is wandering or their eyes are displaying signs of drowsiness. Up to five drivers can jump into the driver’s seat, knowing that the DMS has a record of their cabin environment preferences. Once the camera recognises the driver’s face, a range of customised settings take over to adjust the drivers seat position and external mirror positions (models with power drivers seat), and to restore the last used climate control settings, instrument display and Multi-Function Display settings.

Good morning John,

Pat and I want to compliment you on the way you conducted business yesterday. Your manner struck exactly the right balance between being attentive to the customer and providing information and answering questions on one hand, and allowing us “space” to talk to each other and make decisions.

We recognise your job is a very difficult one – representing the company and securing a deal acceptable to the company, while working as an advocate for the buyer in negotiating that deal so the customer feels “looked after”. We admire your professional approach. We were on the way to Eblens in Brighton (on friends’ recommendation) but chose to visit your company along South Road (rather than the direct route to Brighton via the Expressway) and we are pleased to find we went to effectively the same company. Maybe even a better version of it! We will have no hesitation at all in recommending you to others among our family and friends.

We are also very impressed with the current campaign “extras”; the 5 year warranty and the 5 year capped service charges, and the $750 of accessories had a major part in closing the sale yesterday. How long is it since anyone got a free towbar? Must be twenty or even thirty years for us. As we explained, we visited our local Subaru dealer first thing yesterday but it was not very successful, so we did not proceed to a valuation and discussing a sale there.

We are absolutely delighted and looking forward very much to taking delivery next week. As Ron commented, this may be the most relaxed car purchase for us, ever. We are planning to play our part and express our gratitude by returning to Reynella Subaru regularly to have the car serviced there.

Yours sincerely, Ron and Pat Ritter