Subaru Legacy debut

09th April 2009

Could this be the car to reverse Subaru's declining fortunes in the UK? With like for like sales down almost 60 percent in March, the Japanese firm is certainly hoping so...

Totally new from the ground up, the latest Legacy is 35mm longer, 90mm wider and 80mm taller than the car it replaces. And, as well as being more spacious, the BMW 3-Series rival features a new look, based around the concept revealed at January’s Detroit Motor Show.

Underneath the skin lies a fresh four-wheel drive chassis with McPherson struts at the front and double wishbones at the rear. Power comes from a range of boxer engines, including 170bhp 2.5-litre unit, a turbo version with 265hp and a range-topping R version with a 3.6-litre boxer that produces 256hp and 350Nm of torque.

Transmissions will include five and six-speed manual gearboxes as well as a new CVT ’box called Lineartronic, which is designed to help reduce CO2 emissions.

Inside, as well as being bigger and more spacious that the outgoing car, the new Legacy gets luxurious kit such as sat-nav and a voice command system. It also features an electronic parking brake, a 10-way adjustable driver's seat and a new three-spoke steering wheel.

Sales should kick-off in the UK in early 2010. Expect a starting price tag of around £20,000.