The New Legacy And Outback
Published: 11th October 2003
Not to be outdone, the 2.0 litre and 2.5 litre both have more power – now 138 and 165 PS – giving higher top speeds, yet are considerably more economical with figures similar to mainstream two-wheel drive competitors.
For example, the Legacy 2.5i automatic saloon is 7.1 mpg better on the Extra Urban Cycle at 46.3 mpg. Equally impressive is the Legacy 2.0i manual Sports Tourer which records 36.7 mpg on the Combined Cycle – up by 5.7 mpg.
Exhaust emissions show a spectacular reduction, meaning big savings for company car drivers. In fact some Legacys have lower penalties than diesel-engined competitors such as the VW Passat 1.9 TDi PD (130 PS) 4Motion Sport.
The VW estate imposes a 22 per cent tax under Benefit-In-Kind rules for the 2003-2004 tax year while the Subaru Legacy manual 2.0i Sports Tourer is rated at 20 per cent – seven per cent down on the old model.
Even the much-respected new Honda Accord Tourer 2.0i-VTEC SE imposes a 25 per cent surcharge compared to the Legacy’s 20 per cent – despite the Subaru having the active safety advantage of symmetrical All-Wheel Drive.
The reason for such running cost improvements are better aerodynamics of 0.28 Cd for the saloon and 0.30 Cd for Sports Tourers plus a typical weight reduction of 55 kg – equivalent to that of the average woman.
Also helping are many low-friction improvements to the engine and AWD transmission. A new ‘constant pulsation’ exhaust system, for example, provides more power and economy thanks to reduced back-pressure. It also produces a new, sweeter-sounding boxer ‘burble’.
Safety enhancements include active front head-restraints which reduce whiplash injuries during rear-end shunts, dual-mode front airbags which inflate according to the severity of the accident and brake and clutch pedals which effectively snap away under severe impact, protecting the driver’s lower limbs.
All Legacy and Outback models also have side airbags large enough to protect the head and chest and anti-lock brakes (ABS) with electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD). Curtain airbags are standard or optional on many models.
In addition, both front seats have quick-reacting pre-tensioners with load-limiters, while the rear seat offers the extra protection of a centre, thee-point seat belt and – for very young children – two outer ISOFIX standard locking devices. This allows the easy fitment – and reduced movement – of a child safety seat.
Subaru UK-inspired security measures range from deadlocks, keyless
entry and shielded door locks to a sophisticated Thatcham Category
One alarm and immobiliser. These initiatives plus easier-to-repair
accident-damage parts should result in competitive insurance premiums.
