The Subaru Liberty (Legacy) GT wagon has won the Prestige segment of the Brisbane Courier-Mail’s 2004 Queensland Car of the Year Awards, announced today.

The turbocharged Liberty (Legacy) GT overcame heavyweight competition from the Ford Fairlane G220, Volvo V50 and Holden WL Statesman V8 to take the honours as Outstanding Prestige Car up to $100,000.

Cars in eight categories underwent a rigorous testing procedure by 21 drivers.

Nick Senior, General Manager, Subaru Australia, said: "We are delighted to receive this award, which comes at a time when Liberty (Legacy) GT and the six-cylinder variants of the car account for almost half Liberty(Legacy) sales.

"The award is the result of a thorough testing process, which undelines Liberty's (Legacy's) credentials as a serious competitor for prestige Euro brands, and that is reflected in the car’s sales success."

Liberty (Legacy) has enjoyed previous success in the Courier-Mail awards. In 2001 it was named Outstanding Family Car.

Today’s award is the latest in a series of recent accolades for new generation Liberty (Legacy) variants.

All Libertys (Legacys) were given a five star independent ANCAP crashworthiness rating this year, while Liberty (Legacy) 2.5i was also named Best Mid-Size Car in the combined motoring organizations Australia’s Best Cars awards.