Skip advert
Advertisement

Legacy STi S402

Has subaru joined the super-saloon class with latest flier?

Overall Auto Express rating

4.0

How we review cars
Find your Subaru Legacy
Compare deals from trusted partners on this car and previous models.
Or are you looking to sell your car?
Value my car
Fast, no-nonsense car selling
Value my car

The Legacy has a small but cult UK following – owners love its involvement and 4WD stability. And the S402 is the ultimate incarnation. Subaru engineers have shown amazing attention to detail, and turned the standard car into a brilliant driving machine. It’s fast, fun and good looking. For the pace it offers, it’s also reasonably good value. If only top brass could be persuaded to bring it here.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Think of hot Subarus, and the Impreza WRX and STi spring to mind. But the firm has another performance car up its sleeve. This is the S402 – a fitting
farewell to the Legacy saloon, which will be replaced next year.

Modified by the STi rally arm (it stands for Subaru Tecnica International), the car is designed to be the fastest, best-handling Legacy ever. And engineers have left no stone unturned.

At the front there’s a unique mesh grille, while the flared arches are 20mm wider than the standard car’s. The wheels are larger and wear 235/40 R18 Bridgestone Potenza tyres. Air vents, a rear spoiler and S402 logos complete the upgrades.

Sourced from the Impreza, the 2.5-litre flat-four boxer gets a new turbo and ECU, increased boost pressure and uprated exhaust. It delivers 282bhp and 392Nm of torque. The engine is mated to a modified Impreza STi six-speed manual box, and the firm says it’s punchier and more flexible than a standard Legacy.

The S402’s suspension has been honed at the Nürburgring in Germany. It has STi-tuned dampers and springs, new anti-roll bars and a quicker steering rack, plus six-piston Brembo brakes with larger discs.

Even in town, throttle, steering and brake responses are instant. There’s lots of low-rev thrust, and the engine sounds amazing as it soars to the red line. What’s more, this Legacy is nearly as fast as the lighter Impreza STi.

In corners, the 4WD grips hard, body roll is minimal and the steering super-sharp. The brakes are incredible too, offering huge stopping power and lots of feel.

It’s just a pity the leather seats aren’t more supportive. Cabin quality could be better, too.

Officially, the Legacy S402 won’t be available in the UK. It can be imported, although it’s likely to cost around £37,500.

Rival: BMW M3 saloon
In many ways, the saloon is the best M3. It’s more practical than the Coupé or Convertible, but performs just as well. The 400bhp V8 gives it the measure of the S402, although the BMW costs far more, at £49,900.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Audi A3

Audi A3

RRP £26,295Avg. savings £3,214 off RRP*Used from £10,395
Volkswagen Tiguan

Volkswagen Tiguan

RRP £37,230Avg. savings £3,710 off RRP*Used from £15,440
Vauxhall Corsa

Vauxhall Corsa

RRP £19,690Avg. savings £4,685 off RRP*Used from £16,811
Toyota Yaris Cross

Toyota Yaris Cross

RRP £26,495Avg. savings £1,672 off RRP*Used from £16,100
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New Xiaomi YU7 2025 review: a world-beating new EV to worry the establishment
Xiaomi YU7 - front cornering

New Xiaomi YU7 2025 review: a world-beating new EV to worry the establishment

BMW or Mercedes would do anything to keep the new Xiaomi YU7 from sale in the UK and Europe, and this is why
Road tests
14 Jul 2025
New MG IM5 has the Tesla Model 3 beaten on price and range
MG IM5 - Goodwood front

New MG IM5 has the Tesla Model 3 beaten on price and range

The all-electric IM5 brings new technology and design to the MG line-up
News
10 Jul 2025
The EV grant is back: Government's new £3,750 electric car discount in detail
Auto Express creative director Darren Wilson charging the Lexus RZ

The EV grant is back: Government's new £3,750 electric car discount in detail

The government has set out its plan to help reduce the cost of affordable EVs by introducing a new £3,750 grant for new EVs sold
News
15 Jul 2025