The 2012 Subaru Legacy Tourer

Subaru have made a number of improvements to their Legacy Tourer, the most important change is the fitment of Subaru’s next-generation Boxer diesel engine.

Prices now start at £26,865 and rise to £31,150 for diesel powered Legacy Tourer 2.0D SE NavPlus.

The new Euro 5-compliant Boxer diesel engine see a 7% increase in the fuel economy – now according to Subaru the combined figure is 49.6 mpg and CO2 emissions are cut by up to 7.5%  to 149 g/km. The diesel engine produces 147ps and delivers 350 Nm worth of torque between 1,600 and 2,400 rpm. The 0 – 62 mph figure is 9.6 seconds and the top speed 120 mph. The 6-speed manual transmission has been also overhauled which is standard fitment for the diesel model.

There is a choice of a petrol engine and three trim levels depending on the model. The only extra on the options lists are special paint finishes, priced at £500. In the UK, the 2012 Legacy is available in a selection of six exterior body colours – one new colour (Ice Silver Metallic) – alongside five popular carry-over colours, Satin White, Galaxy Blue Silica, Crystal Black Silica, Graphite Grey Metallic and Camellia Red Pearl.

Exterior changes are limited to new, aerodynamically smoother door mirrors, a higher-resolution rear view camera (SE NavPlus only).

Inside, the 2012 Subaru Legacy sports a single-CD unit featuring a large LCD display screen together with USB and iPod connectivity and steering wheel-mounted controls.  On diesel models (with manual transmission) the instrument cluster now has a ‘shift-up’ indicator to encourage an economical driving style.

All models feature cruise control, a glass ‘tilt-n-slide’ sunroof, dual-zone fully automatic air-conditioning, and a premium audio system with six speakers (including two tweeters), automatic lights and wipers and a powered driver’s seat.

A Bluetooth hands-free system with voice activation is fitted as standard, while all but the S model are trimmed in black leather.  Models with Lineartronic transmission feature steering wheel mounted paddle-shifters as standard.

SE and SE NavPlus models now feature a ‘Sports Package’ which comprises a sports front bumper and front grille, dark tinted headlamps, larger 18-inch alloy wheels and special Bilstein dampers.

Subaru Legacy Tourer SE NavPlus models also feature a new DVD navigation system as standard, with a high-resolution eight-inch display.