[Adfunk Auto] Impressive Subaru Legacy tested

[Muhammad]

The Subaru brand is rocking thanks to the iconic Impreza and its performance in the WRC. However, there's more to Subaru than the Impreza and a car such as the new Legacy is quite impressive too.

We test the new entry-level Legacy 2.0 R sedan.

Whereas the Impreza, with its striking looks and rally genes, is an in-your-face showcase of red-hot performance, other Subarus such as the Legacy and Forester take a more subtle approach. But looks can be deceiving?

The Legacy is throbbing with true Subaru blood and once behind the wheel you realise this is no ordinary vehicle.

Despite its low-key looks the Legacy is a Subaru and with this status comes attributes such as passion and true driving pleasure.

However, the Legacy is no ugly duckling, and its design is clean and uncluttered. But unlike its predecessor it doesn't appear dull as there are stylish and sporty styling cues.

The Legacy faces tough competition from cars such as the Volvo S40, Toyota Camry, VW Passat and Honda Accord. All these competitors have a loyal following and are tried and trusted products but if you are in the market for a mid-size vehicle you better take a look at the Legacy too.

The Legacy is available as a sedan and estate, while the range features 2-litre and 3-litre engine derivatives. It comes with impressive Subaru engineering too.

Inside

# Equipment & quality

The new generation Subarus come with good quality fit and finish and the Legacy doesn't disappoint. Its interior has a solid feel to it while the layout of the fascia is attractive and straight-forward.

The Legacy feels well-put together and the perceivable quality of materials used is top notch.

Naturally it comes well equipped too, and comfort features such as climate control, a CD front-loader and all-round electric windows are standard. In terms of passive safety, six airbags are standard.

# In the driver's seat

The Legacy offers a sporty and low-slung driving position, while the seating position is comfortable.

Of course the driver's seat and steering wheel can be adjusted to suit you. Overall ergonomics are good too - all controls and the general display are straight forward and well positioned.

# Space and versatility

Although the Legacy has some sporty attributes it is also aimed at the family market.

The car offers more than enough space to accommodate a family of four while boot space is generous too.

The rear seats can also fold down to increase the loading capacity.

On the road

# Under the skin

The entry-level Legacy 2.0 R is Subaru's first DOHC model in South Africa.

This naturally aspirated engine is a high revving unit with its peak power output of 121 kW available at 6 400 r/min.

Torque is 7 500 r/min and comes in at 3 200 r/min.

This model also comes with all-independent suspension and as Subaru tradition requires, the Legacy has symmetrical all-wheel drive too.

As with all other Legacys the car has aluminium rear brake callipers - a feature that aids brake cooling and reduces un-sprung weight.

ABS and Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD) are standard as well.

The engine is mated to a five-speed-manual or Subaru's Sportshift automatic transmission.

# Driving it

Even in entry-level guise the Legacy feels sure-footed and offers a fun drive.

Despite its midsize status the Legacy is easy to manoeuvre in city driving and steering is precise.

Thanks to the Subaru's legendary all-wheel-drive setup the Legacy has class-leading traction and feels stable on the road.

Even in slippery conditions the Legacy feels secure and it feels right at home on twisty roads.

The car's 2-litre engine offers adequate power and performance is brisk. In manual guise it will reach the 100 km/h mark in 9.1 seconds from standstill, while top speed is 214 km/h.

However, this 2-litre engine lacks some low-down torque but once you get going you are in for an entertaining ride.

Once of the nicest aspects of this engine is its distinctive and sporty sound. It gives a hint those around a hint at the Legacy's Subaru heritage.

Conclusion

In some people's opinion the Legacy may lack the prestige of a BMW, Audi or Volvo badge but there are very few cars on the road comes with the passion of the Subaru brand.

With the Legacy 2.0 R you also get a lot of car for your money and the car is well positioned to take on its rivals.

The Legacy deserves to be on your shopping list if you are in the market for a family sedan or even executive wheels.

It is a vehicle that represents something different and refreshing, keeping true to Subaru heritage as a driver-oriented vehicle.

Pluses
# Great drive
# Good build quality
# Value for money

Minuses
# No brand prestige for some



# subaru # svx # loyale # outback # van bortel # xt6 # subarus # ea82 # cityside # wrx # subaru impreza # matt slap # bill kolb # ea81 # ej25 # wagon # fuji heavy industries # legacys # forester # ej22 # brat # ej22t # h6 # imprenza # ej20 # subary # legasy # hill holder # subaru+ # ea 81 # outbacks # dewey griffin # condrin # trucks # glanzman # ej18 # ubaru # mini jumbo # ea71 # subaro # justy # baja # royal moore # subaruparts # subar # subarue # station wagon # impreza # bald hill # dan perkins # salerno duane # subro # ea82t # subru # sedan # 4wd # b4 # 4eat # blitzen # westboro # subsru # suburu # leone # l series # legasi # beechmont # legacu # lease # farrish # subarro # traviq # e12 # lecacy # don jacobs # twin turbo # morrie's # suberu # bertera # super station # subbaro # ground clearance # subarau # shillers # pleo # station wagons # 2.2 l # stevens creek # gl10 # lagacy # alcyone # brumby # sales # autback # subara # don beyer # gas mileage # applied science fiction # oldham's # saburu # subarucars # subau # cheam motors # xt # gtb # liberty # big valley # vdc # high mileage # wagons # minooka # subaruforester # sti # subarulegacy # rsk # suaru # troncalli # subaroo # lagecy # oldhams # christmas motors # baha # ertle # secor # chilson # hatchback # gl # cigarmen # 6 cylinder # hairy trigger # impresza # vanagon # sabura # eblen # 1993 # eg33 # 1992 # legesy # spfi # loyal # ruges # turbo # 1997 # egacy # legazy # 1991 # feders # ej16 # subarru # vivio # gt b # shibutani # 1990 # avcs # zapatinas # ef12 # maita # gt # slapp # don docksteader # docksteader # fhi # 1995 # 1996 # 1998

--
Posted by Muhammad to Adfunk Auto at 11/03/2005 10:53:00 PM