Outstanding New 'Boxer' Engine For 2006 Subaru Legacy
Published: 1st August 2005
Subaru Legacy
- ‘Entry-level’ Legacy 2.0 litre boasts new 165 PS four-cam ‘Boxer’ engine
- Most powerful in class after pricier new BMW 3 Series
- 27 PS power boost gives 11 mph top speed hike at 133 mph (saloon)
- Returns frugal 41.5 mpg on Extra Urban Cycle
- Badged 2.0R and available with new close-ratio manual or auto ‘boxes’
- Sporty spec includes 17x7 ins alloy wheels with 215/45 tyres
- Involving driving dynamics continue throughout range
- Exterior presence and interior quality matches prestige Europeans
- Range topping 245 PS Legacy 3.0R spec.B now available as a 5-speed auto
- Crossover Outback has 200 mm ground clearance
- Standard active front head-restraints, dual-stage front airbags, head and chest-protecting side airbags, curtain airbags and ABS with EBD
- Priced from £16,995 OTR (Legacy 2.0R saloon)
Crisper to drive, cleaner to run and sleeker to look at - the completely new Legacy saloons, Sports Tourers and crossover Outbacks are now aimed unashamedly at leading prestige European marques.
Originally launched for the ’04 model year, the latest Legacy boasts an outstanding new 2.0 litre ‘boxer’ engine which also replaces the previous 2.5 litre.
This new ‘entry level’ Legacy saloon and Sports Tourer - badged 2.0R - is anything but basic and boasts high equipment levels including climate-control, cruise control, front, side and curtain airbags, a leather MOMO steering wheel, 215/45 tyres on 17x7 ins alloy wheels and - of course, Subaru’s acclaimed symmetrical all-wheel drive system.
Not only is the new 165 PS 2.0 litre horizontally-opposed engine the most powerful in its class - after the 168 PS BMW 3 Series unit - but provides a 133 mph top speed for the saloon and 0-60 mph time of 9.2 seconds.
Despite a new close-ratio manual gearbox aimed at exploiting the extra power for livelier acceleration, fuel economy is also outstanding at 41.5 mpg on the Extra Urban Cycle. Meanwhile, emissions of 207 g/km for the manual saloon and 202 g/km for the automatic are also highly competitive.
Other changes for the ’06 model year include the availability of a five-speed automatic transmission for the 3.0R spec.B as an option to the standard six-speed manual.
Subaru Legacy
Our Subaru Legacy Guide lists the full specification of the current UK Legacy range, including car prices, fuel consumption, dimensions and other vital data.
Price Range: £18,995 - £30,705
Body Styles:
Fuel:
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Models in the range: 15
We have road tested the Subaru Legacy, to read our in-depth car reviews:
Subaru Legacy Review - Sep 2008
Subaru Legacy Review - Dec 2006
Our Car Buyer’s Guide covers all of the UK’s major new cars and includes CO2 ratings and car insurance groups. Data updated on the 21st Sep 2008
