Subaru continues to enjoy much success in the marketplace based mainly around performance orientated products backed up by niche models such as the Forester. Whilst the
Impreza hogs the limelight, the more mature Subaru Legacy has evolved into something of a higher-class Subaru; a thinking man's Impreza if you like, with much less of the show but most of the go aimed at buyers of more upmarket models such as the
BMW 3-series. Available in both saloon and Sports Tourer variants (and as the Outback crossover) the Legacy range spans a price margin of around £10,000, bridging the gap from mainstream models such as the
Ford Mondeo right up to premium marques such as BMW and Audi. This year Subaru launched a 162bhp 2-litre model to replace the old 2.5-litre unit in a new model badged 2.0R. Here we test the top-of-the range 3.0 R spec.B.
Both the saloon and Sports Tourer are stylish cars. They suffer slightly from the archetypal Japanese car anonymity but aren't as bland as many offerings and from certain angles are genuinely appealing. The low bonnet line (afforded by Subaru's choice to stick with the boxer engine configuration) is a prominent feature and the sloping rear glasshouse gives the Sports Tourer a rakish profile. The rear of the Legacy spec.B tested here is suitably restrained and the removal of the model designation keeps people guessing as to the car's identity; only the twin pipes betray the presence of the 3-litre engine up front. Large sports alloys shod with appropriately wide rubber lend some visual intent to and the design is suitably aggressive whilst remaining restrained. If nothing else the Subaru Legacy offers an alternative from the standard German look that dominates this sector.
Under the bonnet, the flat-six 3-litre engine provides eerily smooth power. Noise is the only real giveaway to the speed at which the engine is revving such is its linear nature, so much so that it is all too easy to bump into the limiter until you get used to the car. Peak power of 241bhp arrives at a fairly high 6600rpm with peak torque of 219lb.ft at 4200rpm, but variable valve timing ensures the delivery is much less peaky than the figures suggest with a broad spread of torque throughout the rev range. If anything the engine is a little too quiet for a sporty car; what you can hear is nice and tuneful, but the volume needs turning up, at least when the driver has his foot on the carpet.
That power figure means the Sports Tourer is capable of 145mph and 0-60mph in 6.6 seconds (Subaru quotes the same numbers for the saloon); figures not far short of those recorded by the overtly sporting Impreza, but delivered in an altogether more refined manner. The Subaru Legacy is much more sophisticated and restrained, but reveals a sporting side when pushed; the slick six-speed box has well-judged ratios through which to drive all four wheels via the asymmetrical split system. The price one pays for the power and this transmission is fairly heavy fuel consumption. Subaru quotes 15.7mpg around town, although we managed a more respectable 22mpg overall, which though not exceptional is more bearable.
On the road the spec.B Legacy drives very well. The controls are well placed and good to use although the steering is overly light and lacking in feel, although the Momo wheel itself is lovely. The suspension is set up with a sporty bias and the Legacy drives accordingly with sharp turn-in, plenty of grip and well controlled roll. When pushed, the drive can be felt transferring to the wheels where there is still grip, keeping the car balanced and neutral as long as possible. The ride quality is firm but not excessively so, although the rear suspension skips a little when the Sports Tourer is empty; no doubt a compromise for when carrying a cargo, as the saloon does not exhibit this characteristic.
The interior is roomy and, thanks to a long glass sunroof in the Sports Tourer, airy and light despite the fact that much of the interior is very dark in terms of seat upholstery and dash materials. The Subaru Legacy suffers much as the Impreza interior-wise with some cheap looking materials and a lack of that certain air of quality in general. It feels robust, but it doesn't have the look or feel of class or expense, in contrast to the exterior appearance.
Nevertheless, the seats are comfortable; more padded and less grippy than those in the Impreza and therefore the Subaru Legacy is a comfortable place to grind out the motorway miles. Road and wind noise is well suppressed and the cabin is well ventilated courtesy of the standard automatic climate control. Leather trim is also standard as is the 6 CD changer equipped stereo, electric front seats, cruise control and all the other electrics expected.
For those who hanker after a performance Subaru with less of the overt brashness of an STi Impreza, the spec.B Legacy offers a suitably subtle choice. Ultimately the Legacy doesn't have the breadth and depth of talent to carry the fight to a
BMW 325i but, if interior quality isn't your top priority it isn't as far off the mark as you may think. For those seeking an alternative to the predictable choices the Legacy is well worth a look.
Subaru Legacy UK range overview
Prices below are for the saloon. The Sports Tourer costs £1,000 more in each case.
- Subaru Legacy 2.0 R: £17,020
- Subaru Legacy 2.0 R Automatic: £18,020
- Subaru Legacy 2.0 RE: £19,020
- Subaru Legacy 2.0 RE Automatic: £20,020
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Subaru Legacy 3.0 R spec.B: £26,945
- Subaru Legacy 3.0 R spec.B Automatic: £27,295
