Subaru Legacy Range
Subaru is a brand built around its engineering. The products gaze serenely down on the spluttering masses from the top tier of almost any reliability survey you care to root out. Their outstanding chassis technology and four-wheel-drive transmission systems inspire driver confidence at levels that may not be strictly safe and then there are those wonderfully charismatic engines. When it comes to the oily bits, Subaru really know their stuff and the Legacy even manages to top all of the above off with some glossy design along with a quality of materials and construction that werent necessarily associated with Subaru models past.
The Legacy is good but if its to fulfil Subarus stated aim of picking sales from the pockets of prestige European marques, its going to have to be very good. Just ask the likes of Volkswagen and Honda, who have attempted a similar feat with their Passat and Accord models, how taxing it is to challenge prestige manufacturers without a prestige badge. Its like trying to access the Garrick Club wearing a shell suit and scouser wig ensemble. The Legacy has always been an alternative choice and buyers in the compact executive sector with their egos set on a 3 Series, a C Class or an A4 are still unlikely to give it much time.
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The entry-level 2.0-litre unit is a Subaru trademark four-cam Boxer, so the cylinders and pistons are set horizontally instead of vertically and appear to battle each other in a punching action. The unit produces a hefty 163bhp, a remarkable output for a normally-aspirated 2.0-litre, and the earthy growl emitted from the engine as you let the revs rise is a pleasure.
60mph is 9.2s away and theres a 133mph top speed but fuel economy isnt all that great by todays standards at just over 32mpg.
"Subaru have strived to make the Legacy an engaging drivers car and theyve succeeded"
Theres no halfway house 2.5-litre engine these days, unless you opt for an Outback estate with its off-road augmentations, and that leaves us with the range-topping 3.0-litre flat-six unit. Again, this is an engine that the keen driver will absolutely love until the time comes to refuel.
The sprint to 60mph can be dispatched in a mere 6.5 seconds with this 242bhp lump snarling defiantly all the way. The latest model has also had its exhaust tweaked to deliver greater pulling power from lower down in the rev range. Top speed is 151mph and if you regularly try to replicate those figures, your fuel economy will be markedly less than the 23mpg average.
The 3.0-litre models now feature the SI-Drive system that manifests itself as a round dial on the centre console and steering wheel-mounted buttons. It allows the driver to select Intelligent, Sport or Sport Sharp modes which, in that order, deliver increasingly urgent throttle responses along with a growing eagerness to kickdown into a lower gear when paired with the automatic gearbox. The Intelligent mode not only implies that the performance junkies who routinely hare around with the Sports settings selected are something less than the sharpest tools in the box, it also provides a more relaxed and fuel-efficient driving experience.
An Eco gauge on the speedometer shows just how well youre doing at conserving the planets resources but everythings relative and this is still a 3.0-litre 242bhp car. Subaru have badged most of the Legacy models R or RE. The letter R usually denotes a high performance derivative when used by other marques but in this case, if you want high performance, youll need to look for the Spec B.
This is the only trim level available with the 3.0-litre engine and it features a series of upgrades including inverted strut suspension, Bilstein front and rear shocks, corner spoilers and 10-spoke 18" wheels. Theres also Subaru Vehicle Dynamics Control which detects slip on all four wheels and measures G-forces, reducing engine power and applying the brakes where necessary to pull the car back from the point of no return. Experienced drivers can switch the system off - inexperienced ones can too, but probably shouldnt. All models get four-wheel drive, ABS with EBD, dual-zone climate control, cruise control, alloy wheels, electric windows and remote central locking.
The RE derivatives add a full leather interior, an 8-way adjustable electric drivers seat, heated front seats and an electric sunroof, amongst other things. Meanwhile, the B Spec adds a rear limited slip differential, steering-wheel paddle shifters on auto versions, a CD autochanger, electric adjustment for both front seats and steering wheel audio controls. There are Saloon and Sports Tourer estate bodystyles as well as the Outback. The Outback offers the same trim specifications but the levels are still called S and SE.
The Legacy majors on simple, cohesive styling but it works well. The latest models feature a chrome wing motif in the grille with a crease line that extends from the top edge of the headlamps down the front wings. The interior benefits from a centre console with twin cup-holder recesses which are bathed in blue light on the 3.0-litre derivatives as well as an aluminium strip running the length of the facia and loosely evoking the front grilles wing design.
The driving experience is the thing that will attract buyers in the Legacys direction and Subaru have take all kinds of steps to ensure its up to scratch in the current model. The rear suspension has been altered to enhance ride comfort and handling precision while the Legacys body itself is more rigid. The 3.0-litre models benefit from additional strengthening which has improved steering response.
All models also feature a brake support system which applies extra brake pressure if an emergency situation is detected. Subaru have strived to make the Legacy an engaging drivers car and theyve succeeded, although high running costs and the lack of a diesel mean it will struggle to do the really big volumes. The Legacy remains a slightly leftfield choice but now it has the all-round quality to warrant consideration by mainstream buyers.
FACTS AT A GLANCE
CAR: Subaru Legacy range
PRICES: £18,022-£29,597 on the road
INSURANCE GROUPS: 11E-15E
CO2 EMISSIONS: 182-234 g/km
PERFORMANCE: [3.0] 0-60mph 6.5s / Max Speed 151mph
FUEL CONSUMPTION: [2.0] (Combined) 32mpg
STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Twin front airbags / ABS with EBD / Seatbelt pretensioners.
WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: Length/Width/Heightmm 4665/1730/1425
