Skip advert
Advertisement

Subaru Legacy

Let the train take the strain? Not likely! Our new Subaru Legacy Outback long-termer is a far more comfortable and reliable way to commute than the railway system as it clocks up 70 miles a day from north Hertfordshire to London and back.

Pros
  • Massive boot space, robust build, stable chassis, comfortable ride, fuel economy
Cons
  • Driving position too high, low-range gearbox, fit of plastic wheelarch spats
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

Let the train take the strain? Not likely! Our new Subaru Legacy Outback long-termer is a far more comfortable and reliable way to commute than the railway system as it clocks up 70 miles a day from north Hertfordshire to London and back.
The rugged off-roader cum estate car has been with us since December, and has already done 4,438 miles and had a 1,000-mile service to replace the thick running-in oil. This takes an hour and is free. Until the oil change we had kept the revs low, but now we can open up the 162bhp engine and really start using the power.
As well as commuting duty, the car has been pressed into service as a DIY support vehicle to lug six heavy flagstones from Cambridgeshire to my home near Stevenage. There's no doubt that the massive boot is one of the Subaru's strong-est features, but it's a shame that the cabin is not as impressively spacious.
Although our SE spec model looks smart, its cramped driving position has come in for criticism. While the electrically adjustable seat offers a degree of flexibility, we've found it impossible to get the chair low enough, and the problem is com-pounded by the fact that the adjustable steering wheel can't be lifted as high as we would like. However, we've been much more impressed by the ride, which is supple, the reassuringly strong brakes and accurate steering. What's more, the all-wheel-drive transmission adds extra grip and stability to the already neutral chassis.
Despite our confidence in the car's mechanical and structural strength, the plastic wheelarch spats don't appear to be well fitted, and we have still to find a use for the five-speed gearbox's transfer case. Although it's good to have the op-tion of a low-ratio drive, it would be preferable to have a sixth gear, which would improve the car's already impressive 32.2mpg fuel economy.
Unfortunately, public enthusiasm for the Out-back is not as strong as mine is, as I have still to see another on the road. Yet in the same period, I've spotted two Ultima kit cars, a new Rolls-Royce Phantom and an original Bentley Continental. Nevertheless, its practicality means the Legacy is in demand at Auto Express, so its life is unlikely to get easier. Stay tuned to see how it fares.
 

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Volkswagen Golf

Volkswagen Golf

RRP £24,405Avg. savings £2,749 off RRP*Used from £12,220
Omoda 5

Omoda 5

RRP £25,235Avg. savings £1,824 off RRP*Used from £24,000
Toyota Yaris Cross

Toyota Yaris Cross

RRP £26,155Avg. savings £2,019 off RRP*Used from £15,299
Nissan Qashqai

Nissan Qashqai

RRP £27,135Avg. savings £5,771 off RRP*Used from £13,571
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Car Deal of the Day: High-spec Nissan Qashqai for £191 a month is a steal
Nissan Qashqai - front cornering right

Car Deal of the Day: High-spec Nissan Qashqai for £191 a month is a steal

The Nissan Qashqai is a family favourite, with plenty of style and kerb appeal. It’s our Deal of the Day for 13 February
News
13 Feb 2025
New Volkswagen Transporter Shuttle 2025 review: makes 7-seater SUVs feel cramped
Volkswagen Transporter e-Shuttle - front

New Volkswagen Transporter Shuttle 2025 review: makes 7-seater SUVs feel cramped

The Ford-based Volkswagen Transporter Shuttle is refined, good to drive and has plenty of space in all three rows
Road tests
14 Feb 2025
New Renault Clio to shun electric power and stick with petrol and hybrid options
Renault Clio design render - front

New Renault Clio to shun electric power and stick with petrol and hybrid options

Renault’s sixth-generation Clio hatchback will get a clean look and hi-tech kit, and our exclusive images show what it could look like
News
12 Feb 2025