This Subaru has been around long enough to actually have a legacy. First introduced in 1989, the Legacy is Subaru's representative that competes in the family sedan segment with other familiar and popular nameplates such as the Honda Accord, Mazda6, Nissan Teana and the Toyota Camry.
The car also serves as the Gunma-based Japanese carmaker's flagship sedan, alongside its the Outback, its SUV brethren that shares the same platform.
To keep up with what is seemingly a steady flow of new family sedans being updated and launched, Subaru has given the Legacy a thorough redesign, with enhanced styling, an upgraded and roomier interior, and plenty of new luxury, safety and convenience features.
Exterior
A car's design, this one included, is usually reinvented every couple of years, but we think this sixth iteration will go down as one of the most attractive generations of the Legacy.
As far as looks are concerned, the new Legacy boasts a clean and upscale sheet metal, and it is a huge leap forward compared to the previous model, although not as stunning as the Legacy Concept shown at the 2013 Los Angeles Motor Show.
The bat-like front end of its predecessor has been replaced with a new design that employs a prominent hexagonal grille and better integrated LED head lights that are standard on the 2.5i-S variant you see here.
The silhouette of a handsome mainstream sedan leads the eyes to the rear and like the front end, it has a squarer overall look to it, completed with a short decklid and LED taillights.
Measuring 4,795mm x 1,840mm x 1,500mm (L x W x H), the new Legacy is 65mm longer, 60mm wider but 5mm shorter than the fifth generation model. And although the new car shares the same wheelbase of 2,750mm as its predecessor, there is more interior space.
Interior
The roomier and more spacious cabin offers generous room for occupants and seats all-around deliver great support and comfort for them, thus we gather a long road trip will not be a problem in the Legacy.
The entire switchgear is logically laid out, allowing the driver to access it easily. Also providing easy accessibility is an all new infotainment system consisting of a 7.0-inch touchscreen that sits atop the centre stack. It's designed to look like a tablet, which enhances the overall sophistication of the car.
Premium-looking metallic and black accents are used throughout the Legacy's cabin and they have a high-quality feel that's typically reserved for luxury cars.
The roomier and more spacious cabin offers generous room for occupants and seats all-around deliver great support and comfort for them, thus we gather a long road trip will not be a problem in the Legacy.
The entire switchgear is logically laid out, allowing the driver to access it easily. Also providing easy accessibility is an all new infotainment system consisting of a 7.0-inch touchscreen that sits atop the centre stack. It's designed to look like a tablet, which enhances the overall sophistication of the car.
Premium-looking metallic and black accents are used throughout the Legacy's cabin and they have a high-quality feel that's typically reserved for luxury cars.
Providing a visual treat in the cabin is the electro-luminescent instrument panel that gives off a certain Japan Domestic Market (JDM) vibe and wedged in between the dials is a small 3.5-inch LCD display that offers a quick read of driving information.
Audiophiles will also appreciate the optional Harman/Kardon 12-speaker audio system that we were lucky to have in this test car, and we were able to enjoy its nice clarity and powerful bass, aside to the wonderful engine note of the four-cylinder Boxer engine.
The Drive
With 173bhp and 235Nm of torque, the 2.5-litre Boxer under the hood of the Legacy has enough pep to please even the most demanding driver. This results in a relatively quick sprint off the line.
Part credit is due to the marriage between Subaru's Lineartronic CVT transmission and the engine. Although we're usually not fans of CVTs, Subaru's is one of the best on the market, and it's a value-add for the Legacy.
Simulated 'shifts' give the feedback of a conventional automatic gearbox while providing the fuel efficiency of a CVT. Even with a heavy right foot, we achieved some 10.8km/L during our time with the car.
A much stiffer chassis and some heft to the sharp steering, although we would have preferred more feedback, help the Legacy perform with excellent composure and sportiness.
In addition to the added grip of Subaru's Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive technology, the Legacy also features Active Torque Vectoring, which applies braking to the inside wheels in a turn to help eliminate understeer, giving the driver more confidence as he tackles a corner.
With 173bhp and 235Nm of torque, the 2.5-litre Boxer under the hood of the Legacy has enough pep to please even the most demanding driver. This results in a relatively quick sprint off the line.
Part credit is due to the marriage between Subaru's Lineartronic CVT transmission and the engine. Although we're usually not fans of CVTs, Subaru's is one of the best on the market, and it's a value-add for the Legacy.
Simulated 'shifts' give the feedback of a conventional automatic gearbox while providing the fuel efficiency of a CVT. Even with a heavy right foot, we achieved some 10.8km/L during our time with the car.
A much stiffer chassis and some heft to the sharp steering, although we would have preferred more feedback, help the Legacy perform with excellent composure and sportiness.
In addition to the added grip of Subaru's Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive technology, the Legacy also features Active Torque Vectoring, which applies braking to the inside wheels in a turn to help eliminate understeer, giving the driver more confidence as he tackles a corner.
More importantly, overall refinement has been improved in this car. It is relatively quiet on the highway, with wind and road noise kept at bay.
The ride quality is also really rather impressive. Although the MacPherson strut front and double-wishbone rear suspension are a little on the firm side, they work great to keep the Subaru level and free from any unwanted motion.
Conclusion
Subaru relies on a mix of affordability and build quality, and this new Legacy fits that bill to the letter. At the same time, it boasts improved looks, a quiet and refined interior, a unique powertrain configuration and a sublime ride, allowing it to be at the top of its class in many regards.
From behind the wheel of this capable and competent car, it seems like Subaru's Legacy will live on for years to come.
