Subaru has added a SPORTSHIFT* automatic version of the six cylinder Liberty 3.0R spec.B to its 2006 range.

Building on the significant success of 3.0 litre Liberty variants introduced last year, the new five-speed automatic sports the same 18-inch wheels and Bilstein suspension as its manual spec.B stable mate.

It means there is now the choice of automatic transmissions in every Model Year 2006 Liberty variant.

The Liberty 3.0R spec.B’s responsive automatic transmission is among the lightest of its type.

The close-ratio direct control-type transmission was developed to achieve high quality, smooth speed changes.

Liberty spec.B automatic is priced from $50,990 rrp, $1,000 less than the six-speed manual version which has a Subaru Tecnica International (STI) derived gearbox.

Among the highlights, Liberty 3.0R spec.B automatic offers:

• 180 Kilowatts of power at 6,600 rpm; 297 Newtonmetres of torque at 4,200 rpm - impressive braked towing capacity of 1,800 kg
• Bilstein suspension
• Black leather trim
• Five-speed automatic gearbox
• 18-inch seven-spoke alloy wheels
• Electronically adjustable driver and front passenger seats
• Double pretensioners on driver’s seatbelt – shared by entire MY06 Liberty range
• Speed sensitive intermittent windscreen wipers – shared by entire MY06 Liberty range
• Aluminium pedals
• Aluminium-style console highlights

Two new colours are also available across the Liberty range – urban grey and violet grey.

Nick Senior, Managing Director, Subaru Australia, said: “The 3.0 litre models represent a significant part of Liberty sales."

“Six-cylinder Libertys are averaging almost 200 sales a month and the addition of a spec.B automatic will increase our presence."

“The manual version, with a performance-based STI gearbox, has received rave reviews."

“However, some customers also expressed interest in an automatic. We are pleased to meet their expectations by offering the same automatic transmission as in the Liberty 3.0R.”

Detailed specifications:

Safety

• ABS anti-lock brakes with four-wheel discs and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD)
• Automatic transmission lock-out - need foot on brake, key in “ignition on” position, to release lever
• Child seat anchor points including ISO FIX
• Curtain airbags – full length
• Dual front airbags
• Dual front side airbags
• Front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters. Double pretensioners on driver’s seatbelt – shared by entire MY06 Liberty range
• Rear door child lock
• Seatbelt indicator lights – all seats
• Side intrusion bars
• Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive
• Three-point A/ELR rear centre seatbelt

Interior

• Adjustable steering column
• Climate control air conditioning
• Cargo area light
• Cargo security blind – wagon only
• Centre-through rear seat - sedan only
• Cruise control
• Cup holders
• Eight-way adjustable power driver’s and front passenger seat
• Electric sunroof
• Immobiliser security system
• Leather gear shift, park brake handle
• Map lights (2)
• Momo leather steering wheel with audio controls
• Multi-function trip computer
• Power steering, mirrors and windows
• Black leather trim
• Two remote central locking keys
• Rear illumination instrument display
• Remote fuel lid release
• Seatback storage nets
• Speed sensitive intermittent windscreen wiper control - shared by entire MY06 Liberty range
• SPORTSHIFT five-speed automatic transmission
• Sports seats
• Sun roof
• Vanity mirror
• Aluminium-type dashboard and door highlights
• 13-speaker premium McIntosh audio system with six-stack in-dash CD
• 60/40 split/fold rear seat – wagon only

Exterior

• 18-inch alloy wheels – full size alloy spare
• Chrome-surround grille
• Chrome sill strip
• Colour-coded mirrors and door handles
• Headlights auto off
• Rear roof spoiler – wagon only
• Rear wiper – wagon only
• Unique front bumper profile

Other features

• Auto sedan boot release on key; unlock tailgate on wagon
• DataDot security technology
• Electronic throttle control
• Three-year unlimited kilometre warranty
• Dual exhaust system
• Fog lamps – front

Engines

Liberty 3.0R spec.B automatic feature Subaru’s Active Valve Control System (AVCS) and Variable Valve Lift, ensuring optimum power and torque output, complemented by improved fuel consumption and low exhaust emissions.

Suspension

The Liberty 3.0R spec.B has Bilstein suspension in line with its sports credentials.

This offers enhanced lateral rigidity and suspension performance to match the car’s weight distribution.

Brakes

All 3.0R Liberty versions have 316 millimetre ventilated front disc brakes and 290 mm ventilated rear discs.

Safety

All Libertys share an ANCAP five-star crashworthiness rating, underlining the car’s leadership in its class for safety.

Liberty 3.0R spec.B features dual front and side airbags, and full-length curtain airbags, offering greater protection for front and rear seat occupants in the event of a side collision.

Entertainment

Liberty 3.0R spec.B shares the premium McIntosh audio system that has established itself as a must-have feature of all Liberty 3.0R and turbocharged GT variants.

The sound system is integrated in the centre console. The advanced McIntosh was incorporated in the car’s design from the start, with thought given to door length, angles and shape to ensure optimum compatibility between car and audio entertainment.

It has 13 speakers including new midrange speakers, which deliver clarity and quality of sound equal to most home audio systems.

Door mirror gusset tweeters, remote tweeters and door woofers are provided for both the driver and passenger seats. Midrange squawkers are arranged between the tweeters and woofers.

Coaxial two-way speakers (full range and tweeters) are provided in both rear doors.

A super woofer is located on the rear shelf.

Security

All Libertys are equipped with the latest advanced engine immobilisers and DataDot theft protection.

For added security, all models have only one barrel lock, located in the driver’s door.

Sedans have remote boot release and wagons have remote tailgate unlocking.

*SPORTSHIFT is a registered trademark of Prodrive Ltd