Subaru Legacy (2004-) Review

Comfort and Equipment

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The engines, including the diesel, are super-quiet (some Subaru enthusiasts may complain that the familiar burble has gone), and ride is much-enhanced too. Road noise has been reduced, vibrations and resonance is minimal, and all versions have less body roll and less of a tendency to float at high speeds; the Outback is particularly improved. This model also has self-levelling suspension, to maintain ride height whatever the rear load. The extra width contributes to a more spacious cabin than in the 2002-04 models, though the biggest difference is down to the more forward-slanted windscreen and taller windows - it's much lighter and airier. The rear seats are good and generous, and the boot is deeper and better-designed than before, with no intruding suspension turrets or other fixtures. The rear seats don't fold in the saloon, however, and even in the Sports Tourer and Outback, they aren't especially versatile, only doing a simple split/fold forwards (no clever tumbling). There's still more boot-room in a load-lugging Legacy than in a 3-Series Touring, Lexus IS300 SportCross or Alfa 156 Sportwagon, though, even if it can't compete with the cavernous Honda Accord Tourer in this department.

A radio/CD is standard on all versions - well done Subaru, no-one listens to cassette tapes any more, despite what the German manufacturers think - and 3.0R models get a six-CD autochanger. Satellite navigation, with clear colour touch-screen controls and detailed mapping, is optional on 3.0R versions. The stereo's not that powerful though, and lacks real bite to its bass; it's surprisingly tinny and trebly for a car with an otherwise excellent specification.