Subaru’s eyes safety for next-gen Liberty

SUBARU has announced that its sixth-generation Liberty mid-sizer will be equipped with the latest version of its EyeSight driver assistance system as standard when it arrives in local dealerships in January.

Eyesight uses windscreen-mounted stereo cameras to look ahead to spot obstacles and if an imminent collision is detected it will warn and assist the driver to avoid or minimise an impact.

Subaru says the system has been upgraded with brake-light recognition, pre-collision steering assist and it has had its distance and wide angle range improved by about 40 per cent.

The new system uses the latest 3D image processing for better recognition of distant vehicles and detection of pedestrians, while logic advancements means the system performs well in bad weather.

The adaptive cruise control has been improved and the mounting of the cameras has been revised, with less intrusion into the cabin.

Subaru Australia managing director Nick Senior said offering the technology as standard across the range is a sign of the Japanese car-maker’s commitment to safety.

“Safety has long been an elevated focus at Subaru and that’s been consistently recognised by high five-star occupant safety ratings right across our range from the independent Australasian New Car Assessment Program,” he said.

“EyeSight driver assist takes our safety commitment even further, potentially preventing collisions or reducing the severity.”

Eyesight made its Australian debut in 2011 on the Liberty and Outback, with the technology since extended to the Forester.

In the current-generation Liberty the 2.5i entry car and the manual version of 2.5 GT Premium miss out on the technology, but next year will see it on every variant in the Liberty line-up.

Revealed in February at the Chicago motor show, the next-generation Liberty appeared toned down in production guise compared to the wild concept shown at the Los Angeles auto show in November last year.

Measuring 4796mm long, the new model is 51mm longer than the current car and at 4796mm it’s up to 60mm wider, while the wheelbase remains unchanged at 2750mm.

Two engines will power the line-up – a 2.5-litre four cylinder boxer and 3.6-litre flat six – both carried over from the existing model.

The 2015 range will not include a wagon, with the company focussing on the high-riding Outback wagon instead.

Subaru Australia said local pricing and specifications will be announced in December.