FHI engineers continue to work on improving fuel efficiency with the current Subaru models. 

The current Liberty is a graphic demonstration of the challenges in developing a new car. To meet the latest safety requirements, Subaru calculated the car would have to be 130kg heavier than its predecessor. Instead Liberty is on average 100kg lighter. The car is stronger thanks to the use of different materials and construction methods, which have saved about 230kg.

Making vehicles lighter is one way to save fuel. This  can be complemented, by the development of more efficient motors, reducing the amount of friction in the driveline and using  transmissions with more gears, so the engine will perform more economically. 

The change to a single turbocharger, producing better, yet more economical performance saved 30kg alone in  Liberty GT models.

Another fuel efficiency innovation is Subaru intelligent Drive (SI-DRIVE). Found on selected Liberty and Outback plus Impreza WRX STI models feature the revolutionary technology. Put simply, it is like having three engines in one car. SI-DRIVE allows the driver to choose from three different engine settings from the touch of rotary dial located on the centre console

Intelligent (I), Sport (S) or Sport Sharp (S#).

This advanced system, adjusts the computer mapping in the Engine Control Unit (ECU) whist also regulating the Transmission Control Unit (TCU) to either maximise fuel efficiency or performance, depending upon the mode selected by the driver.

In the fuel-efficient Intelligent (I) mode, the system selects a more relaxed throttle response. By controlling throttle angle and response of the Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) this maximises fuel efficiency. Intelligent mode can deliver up to 10 per cent improvement in real world fuel consumption. 

To find out more about SI-DRIVE and other great Subaru Advanced Driving Techonologies go to the ADT section here

source Subaru global website, Subaru NZ website, Subaru USA website and Subaru Canada website