27 Sep 06
The final level is 'Sport #' - pronounced 'sport sharp' - which is the terrestrial manifestation of interstellar overdrive. Technically, all it does is give quicker throttle response and go into kickdown mode more readily. But the effect is huge. The 1500kg-plus all-wheel-drive Legacy suddenly seems much nimbler and more responsive.
Like its smaller brother, the Impreza, it feels perfectly balanced. Even more so than the Impreza, it's a very well sorted car that's easy to get on with about town, comfortable and refined on long journeys, but ready and willing if you're in the mood for some gratuitous behaviour on country lanes.
SI-Drive comes as standard on all 3.0-litre models in the Legacy range: the manual and auto 3.0R Spec B saloon and estate, and the auto-only Outback 3.0R and Rn. All 3.0-litre autos now have paddles for rapid manual gearchanges and those paddles work brilliantly in unison with Sport #. Let it shift for itself in this mode and it will tend to hang on to a gear right up to the 7,000rpm red line, which is 400rpm beyond the point at which the engine's power output peaks at 241bhp. However, you're better off making manual changes closer to 4,200rpm, where you get the maximum torque output of 219lb-ft.
The whole Legacy/Outback range, now priced from £17,995 to £29,895, has had a mild facelift (new grille, bumpers and wheels) for 2007, plus retuned suspension and an upgraded interior, with more equipment as standard.
The range-topping Spec B automatic Sports Tourer is now much improved and by a clear margin the one to go for. It's not just a quirky, practical alternative to the dominant Germans - it's also a brilliantly rewarding car to drive.
