The fifth generation Subaru Legacy arrived late last year and although touted as a ‘mid-sized sports-sedan’, this base model certainly won’t light any fires. But there is more to the Subaru brand than just WRC (World Rally Championship) thoroughbred race cars, as the new Legacy proves.
Interior
Beginning with the interior, the new Legacy offers a smart and comfortable cabin. Standard equipment includes features such as cruise control and sound system satellite controls on the leather-rimmed steering wheel; electrically operated windows; electrically-adjusted driver’s seat (including electric lumbar adjustment); electrically-adjustable/folding exterior mirrors; synthetic leather upholstery; electrically operated sunroof; electric parking brake and hill-hold assistance; dual-zone climate control with rear vents, and multi-function onboard computer.
Apart from these luxuries, passengers also enjoy an impressive amount of head, shoulder and legroom throughout. Rear legroom has increased by 99 mm, allowing the Legacy to seat three (average-sized) adults in the back without fuss. Incidentally, the seatbelt safety system fitted to the rear seats, which detects whether a passenger is seated or not, did not like it when we simply dropped our passengers off without turning off the engine. Oddly, the system still thought the passengers were in the car without their belts fastened and so beeped profusely as we headed for our next destination. Another function, which we found a bit temperamental, was the volume control located on the steering wheel, which didn’t always respond to our input.
Although much plastic has been used in and around the dashboard, the construction is of a good quality with no creaks or rattles to speak of. A metal look finish (or carbon fibre in the case of Sport models) across the fascia and doors – extending to the rear – adds a stylish touch. Behind the rear seats lies a large 476-litre boot, which can accommodate an extra 47-litres by opening the load-through hatch of the centre arm-rest. Overall, Subaru can be commended on the effort they’ve put into the interior of their new Legacy, which still has some way to go in matching the levels of tactility provided by some of its competitors, but nevertheless offers a pleasing level of refinement.
Exterior
Gone are the rounded edges of the previous generation Legacy, replaced by a far more edgy and chiseled design. The new styling garners mixed opinions from onlookers. The front is characterised by projector-type headlights that reach back toward the A-pillar and bonnet lines that add a muscular demeanour. A deep front air intake, flanked on either side by fog lights, rounds off the face of the Legacy, which could be akin to that of an astute business person – smart and on the money.
The rear three-quarter angle appeals most to us and there’s a hint of Lexus in the tail lights, but the 16-inch wheels of the 2.0i Premium seem a little lost inside the pronounced wheel arches. The Legacy’s overall length and height have both grown by 80 mm, while the car is now 50 mm wider than before. Despite its larger body with harder design angles, the Legacy benefits from improved aerodynamics over those of its forebears, as well as reduced overall weight, thanks to the use of simplified construction in key areas and a bonnet now made from aluminium versus steel.
The Drive
Getting to grips with the new Legacy is easy, thanks to a 3-spoke leather covered steering wheel that adds class to the interior and a positive feel of the new car. What is immediately apparent when setting off in the Legacy 2.0i Premium, is that this car is made for cruising in comfort and not cornering in anger, as many Subaru’s are known for. Having said that, the new Legacy is equipped with larger diameter anti-roll bars and of course, Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel-Drive system that offers sure footed cornering ability in cases where competitors may stumble.
Attention has been given to the refinement of the new Legacy and efforts to reduce mechanical noise include filling the A, B and C pillars with a special foam that expands from the heat generated during the painting process and increased density for the bonnet insulator. Extra sound deadening has also been applied to the transmission tunnel, which masks the sound for models equipped with the new Lineartronic CVT transmission. Subaru claim their new compact double-wishbone rear suspension also results in reduced noise, vibration and harshness (NVH), while McPherson strut-type front suspension is mounted to the engine cradle, improving steering response, handling and overall rigidity. Whereas the steering does not offer any feel per se, it does allow one to accurately point the car in the chosen direction.
The brakes do a good job of bringing the 1 447 kg sedan to a halt, but the electronically operated ‘Hill Holder’ proved a bit quirky. Although Subaru say the hill holder system activates “if the vehicle stops on a gradient with an angle of more than five percent”, it wasn’t consistent and we felt more confident manually activating the electronic parking brake to ensure the car didn’t roll backwards.
On the open road the Legacy offers a comfortable ride quality matched to the cruising speed, but be prepared to flick between 4th or 5th gears if you want to maintain your speed over the hills. In terms of safety, the Legacy offers all the features one would expect from an executive saloon. Boasting a 5-Star Euro NCAP rating the Legacy includes safety equipment such as 8 airbags, anti-lock brakes with electronic brake-force distribution, 3-point seatbelts for all three rear occupants, as well as ISOFIX child seat preparation and traction control.
Performance
As we mentioned, the 2,0-litre, 16-valve boxer engine is no firecracker and offers an adequate 110 kW and 196 N.m of torque. The 6-speed gearbox has longish ratios between 1st and 3rd, and combined with maximum torque being available at 3 000 rpm, means the Legacy can feel lethargic at times. However, once up to speed the engine and gearbox work well together, providing a quiet and comfortable drive. The 6th gear is not one for work, but was instrumental in delivering admirable fuel consumption of 10.0 L/100km in our real-world test conditions. The 9.5 seconds it takes the Legacy 2.0i Premium to reach 100 km/h from standstill, or its 210 km/h top speed, won’t blow anyone’s hair back. However, at the everyday speeds in between, the Legacy does well to carry its passengers in genuine comfort and safety.
What we like…
- A solid premium offering from Subaru.
- Comfortable ride with the safety of Subaru’s AWD make this a great option for the family/executive.
What we would like…
- A hill-hold function that activates when you stop, regardless of incline gradients.
- A more intuitive rear seatbelt warning system.
| Quick Facts |
|
| Base Price | R299 000 |
| Maintenance Plan | 3 year / 63 000 km |
| Warranty | 3 year / 100 000 km |
| Engine Capacity | 1 994 cm³ |
| No. Of Cylinders | 4-cylinders, Horizontally-opposed |
| Aspiration | Natural |
| Power | 110 kW @ 6 000 rpm |
| Torque | 196 Nm @ 3 000 rpm |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual |
| Drive type | Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive |
| Acceleration | 0-100 km/h in 9.5 seconds (claimed) |
| Top Speed | 210 km/h (claimed) |
| Fuel Consumption | 9.1 L/100km (claimed combined) |
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