Subaru has a remarkable record of producing quality cars, as demonstrated by the fact that in the last 12 years, 96 percent of all its vehicles are still on the road.
Legacy is a sixth-generation midsize sedan that rides on an all-new platform with standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and Lineartronic CVT. The standard Active Torque Vectoring and electric power steering allows for greater handling. The steering wheel (leather wrapped) is thick, giving the driver a feeling of additional strength in the turn.
Just punch the enhanced 175-hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder DOHC Boxer engine, which offers more power and increased refinements while delivering 26 mpg in the city and 36 mpg highway. I drove the Legacy hard for 7 days under different driving and weather conditions, but never used more than half a tank of gas.
Now the literature assured me that Legacy had extensive quieting revisions that included acoustic windshield and liquid-filled engine mounts. But I must confess, cabin noise was way too abundant. The driver’s door appeared not to be sealed properly. Wind noise was very prevalent around the upper part of the window and door hinges. In fact, all doors had wind noise along the door frame. Tire singing could be heard. The cabin noise in the Legacy is the first experience I have had with noise in a Subaru. Maybe this particular vehicle was an anomaly.
Legacy has a coupe-like outside and the 17-inch wheels on the 2.5i are standard. A new Active Grille Shutter System improves aerodynamics and reduces fuel consumption, and the steering-responsive fog lights add to the safety and atheistic value of the car.
The interior is roomy with extensive soft-touch materials throughout. Occupants in the front were most comfortable with 10-way power adjustable driver’s seat, heated front seats, dual zone automatic climate control, windshield wiper de-icer, and an air filter system.
There was a max cargo space of 15 cu. ft., and standard 60/40 split-fold rear seats expands carrying capacity.
You command your Legacy through a Premium 7-inch multi-gesture touch screen that offers swipe and scroll, voice-activated controls, SiriusXM, SMS Text messaging, iTunes tagging, and dual USB ports. I can’t really say I tried all the technologies, but my grandson’s face lit up when I told him what Legacy had to offer. With a broad smile he said, “When are you going to take me for a ride?”
Several features were most impressive for a vehicle starting at $23,495. Available EyeSight Driver Assist System uses a new color stereo camera system like an extra pair of eyes to implement safety features including adaptive cruise control, pre-collision braking, pre-collision throttle management, and lane departure and sway warning.
Available optional packages include Moonroof, Navigation, EyeSight, and Blind Spot Detection & Rear Traffic Alert that can add up to an additional $2890.
Fix that noise problem and you'll have quite a car.
Basic Specifications
Wheelbase: 108.3 inches
Length: 188.8 inches
Weight: 3,455 lbs.
Transmission: Lineartronic CVT with 6-spd manual mode paddle shifters
Durhl Caussey writes a car column read around the world. He may be reached at this paper or [email protected].
