Subaru Legacy Saloon 2003 - Present

The Legacy has always been overlooked in the executive sector - but there's no reason for it anymore. This model has a classy look to it. It's good to drive with powerful, punchy engines and still has the traditional Subaru traits - excellent build quality and four-wheel drive handling giving security when the going is slippery and extra grip for deploying its performance

Subaru have never really caught the public’s imagination, well not in the way that they should have.  They have long been great competitors in rally driving and have made great cars for the UK’s roads for years.  The Legacy has had one of the more difficult markets to try and crack, the executive sector.  There are few sectors that are so badge conscious, and with a car that will be used for business the need to project an image can so often give either a good or bad first impression. That said, people can’t help but be impressed with a handsome car, regardless of it’s badge, Skoda’s Superb is likely to be viewed as an astute executive car while the credit crunch ravages balance sheets, and businesses look to batten down the hatches.  This may present an opportunity for the sales teams at Subaru to negotiate a deal on the Legacy; it’s well made, looks and drives nicely, and is keenly priced.  Although the economy figures aren’t going to win any green awards and with that the VED and company car tax bands aren’t great.

Approaching the car it has a refined look.  It could be argued that the styling is a little anonymous, but at the same time there is something almost Maserati about the look of the Legacy, and that can only be viewed as a good thing.  On the inside it’s nicely finished, a good list of standard features including: Alarm, Alloy wheels, Body coloured bumpers, CD, Climate control, Cloth seat trim, driver, passenger and side airbags; Electric mirrors, Folding rear seats, electric windows, Front fog lights ,Heated mirrors, Isofix child seat anchor points, Remote locking, Side airbags.  The cup holders are something of a disappointment as they are merely holes in the centre console.  The trim is nice to look and to touch and the industrial looking pedals really add something to the look.  Head and legroom are good throughout the cabin and the rear seats can take three adults with ease. 

On the road you’re assailed by the great performance of the boxer engine.  The unusual layout see’s the cylinders sitting opposite each other firing at one another.   This is where the term ‘boxer’ comes from, it’s as if they are trying to punch each other.  The engine is probably most famously used by BMW, on a wide range of their motorcycle engines, and VW in the Beetle and Camper vans.  This gives them their distinctive sound.  The Legacy Boxer comes in two sizes a middleweight 2.0L (165 bhp) and a heavyweight 3.0L (245 bhp).  They are both good performers, and unlike real boxers the bigger engine has the bigger punch and is the more nimble of the two.  The smaller engine does give a good account of itself though.  Their vital stats are 9.2 and 6.7 seconds for the spring to 60 and, 133 and 151 mph top end.  There was a 2.5L engine with similar figures to the 2.0L model but that was retired in 2006.  while they may perform quite well in the pound for pound rankings their economy figures are not going to draw many fans with 27 and 23 mpg being quoted on the combined cycle.  These numbers may work well if you’re claiming the cost of your fuel back but the accounts department are likely to notice and go through your mileage claims with a fine tooth comb. 

The Legacy is an executive car for those who can see past a badge.  Is offers a really solid and well built car that’s reliable and fun to drive.  The handling is natural and inspires confidence.  Costly to run but keenly priced in the showroom.  Good choice for an executive who enjoys their driving and isn’t worried about image.

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