There are concept cars; then there are thinly-veiled near production cars masquerading as concepts to debut new models. Subaru's Legacy Concept falls firmly into the latter category, the concept on the Subaru stand in the Cobo Centre, Detroit showing the public how the next generation Legacy will look.

The Legacy Concept marks the 20th anniversary of the Legacy in the Subaru line-up, the new model sharing the same centre of gravity lowering boxer engine under the bonnet and traction enhancing four-wheel drive system that's been part of the Legacy's technical make up since its introduction. In the 2009 Concept the engine is a 3.6-litre unit, while its complex four-wheel drive system is almost unrecognisable compared to the basic set-up featured on the classic Legacy, which also made an appearance on the Subaru stand.

Underlining its 'concept' status is a four-seat passenger layout and multimedia rich interior, the exterior bristling with cameras to replace conventional rear-view mirrors. The trick 'liquid silver' paintwork and overt trim materials inside also won't make the production model, but fingers crossed the more upmarket feeling interior plastics will. Expect the new Subaru Legacy to reach showrooms late 2009.

Kyle Fortune - 12 Jan 2009