18 Jul 05
Subaru is best-known for its WRC-winning Impreza rally car, and its be-spoilered road-going counterparts, but the Legacy represents the other face of the brand. That's the low-key, hard-working Subaru, making subtly-styled, roomy, practical saloons and estates which, whilst not selling in mass-market volumes, attract a loyal following. The company consistently scores very highly in reliability and customer satisfaction surveys such as JD Power, and its dealer network is invariably acclaimed as friendly, knowledgeable and providing a high level of service. So why does the Legacy not sell in greater numbers?
Subaru thinks it has the answer: it's a neither-here-nor-there car, too esoteric for the mass market, but not expensive enough to be considered alongside comparably-sized Audi, BMW, Mercedes or Lexus models. So the company's going to put its prices up and retarget its advertising in the near future - and the message is buy now, because you'll never find such value for money again. This revised 2006 range will cost from £16,995 when it goes on sale in August, though the 3.0R Outback estate is getting near the £30K mark at £28,400 with the auto gearbox and satellite navigation.
A minor freshening-up of the new-generation model launched in 2004, this Legacy will come in 2.0-litre (165bhp) or 3.0R Spec B (245 bhp) form only - and in saloon or Sports Tourer estate bodystyles - though the 2.5-litre engine will continue in the Outback luxury-spec station wagon. The new 2.0-litre unit is more powerful than the 135 bhp engine it replaces, with its torque output at 138lb ft and peaking lower down the rev range at 3,200rpm. In the customary Subaru flat-four cylinder configuration, this engine is free-revving and flexible, and the new electronic throttle enables a quicker getaway. Top speed is now up to 133mph and 0-60mph acceleration comes up in 9.2 seconds; the 2.0R also returns a creditable 32.5mpg and 207 g/km of carbon dioxide. Its five-speed manual transmission has been revised for closer-set gear ratios; four-speed auto is optional with this engine too. The 3.0-litre flat-six engine remains unchanged from the 2004 range, but it is now available in combination with a five-speed automatic gearbox as well as the six-speed manual. Both engines are now mounted lower in the engine bay, making the drivetrain straighter and improving refinement, but also lowering the Legacy's centre of gravity to aid handling. Wider track (the distance between each pair of wheels) at both axles also helps cornering, reducing body roll and giving sharper turn-in.
