8:00am Saturday 3rd July 2010
THE Subaru Legacy tourer has been a favourite with country folk and vets for many years.
The all-wheel drive vehicle has built up a reputation for being versatile, practical and dependable - just the job for tackling winding rural routes, muddy tracks, slippery fields and wintry conditions.
It’s very good on the open road, too, with bags of performance, superb rally-bred roadholding characteristics from the iconic Impreza and plenty of passenger and luggage space.
These qualities are still on offer but the big difference between the old model and the latest Legacy is refinement.
The latest model has evolved into a premium vehicle with softer, eyecatching looks and a depth of talent that now puts it among the best of the all-wheel-drive estates.
Subaru’s popular 2.0-litre diesel is available with a manual gearbox while a 171bhp 2.5-litre petrol is housed in the Legacy with automatic transmission.
The petrol unit is the more expensive and in the top-specification SE Nav-Plus trim costs £28,205 which although being the base price includes a standard equipment list as long as your arm and can boast items such as full colour touch screen sat-nav, built in reversing camera with on-screen guide lines, keyless smart entry and push-button start.
Not cheap, you might say. But bearing in mind the specification, size, performance and beautiful build quality, the price compares well with similar vehicles from the big manufacturers.
While the company has introduced new features, it has remained faithful to the flat Boxer power unit with its low centre of gravity for less roll and better handling.
The motor is a gem of engineering and if you drive quickly you’ll appreciate the excellent balance of the car and the leech-like grip and stability in all conditions.
It also gives a comfortable ride over most road surfaces.
In the past the Legacy has not been noted for its economy but the 2.5- litre motor is more reasonable on fuel with a combined figure 33.6mpg.
It is nothing like as economical as the diesel but the unit is sweetrevving and flexible with an inherent smoothness that will be greatly appreciated by drivers.
For seamless response to changing conditions, the 2.5 models are fitted with the new lineartronic transmission and also get paddle shifters mounted behind the steering wheel for those times when you want instant response.
The car is tops for technology.
Switches on the leather steering wheel place audio controls at the driver’s fingertips.
And also so very easy to use is the cruise control and Bluetooth handsfree system to automatically link you with your mobile phone.
The plush and stylish leather interior and quality carpeting also deliver just what you would expect from Subaru.
The cabin is well laid out and features dual-zone automatic climate control with rear ducts to ensure passengers travel in comfort.
The front and rear reclining seats are also multi adjustable and this is a great help on long trips.
Safety has been taken care of, too, with plenty of airbags at the ready and height adjustable front seat belts include pretensioners to hold passengers firmly in place.
The top-bracket safety credentials are also backed up with the award of the highest five-star rating in Euro NCAP tests.
The tourer is certainly a more stylish, better to drive, and more intelligent car than its predecessor.
And for fans of the brand this will be important, as it is these attributes that will make the investment worthwhile.
AT-A-GLANCE
Subaru Legacy tourer 2.5-litre SE petrol Nav-Plus.
Price: £28,205.
Top speed: 129mph.
0-60mph: 10.3 seconds.
Fuel: 33.6mpg (combined figure).
C02 emissions (g/km): 196.
Verdict: Great looking family estate, refined, spacious, practical, comfortable with the added attraction of four-wheel drive.
© Copyright 2001-2012 Newsquest Media Group
http://www.herefordtimes.com/trade_directory/