Posted 10.18.2009

Executive Wheels: Think you don’t like Subarus?

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It's larger than in years past, or so it seems. While the new model is actually only 1.4 inches longer, they moved the wheels both forward and back. This translates into a much more stable vehicle, with nearly four more inches of legroom in the rear seats, larger passenger volume all around and a spacious trunk. You won't think of Subaru sitting it; this is a much more substantial car.

That's due in part to the windows. Previously, the doors did not rim the windows, which often gave the cars the tinny feeling. Not anymore. The doors are complete now, with the windows fully rimmed, and just seem all the more substantial.

Another feature that I have always disliked about Subaru was the two-tone styling detail -- a broad, maybe six-inch muted-gold panel running the length of the car. It's gone now, and the solid color gives the Legacy the class and elegance of my favorite car lines: Toyota, Honda, Hyundai, BMW.

Subaru has pretty much kept intact its basic engines on the low end, but updated them, and it has gone buff on the high end. This sedan is available with a 2.5-liter H4 engine, with 170 hp and improved gas mileage. The 2.5 comes in the base 2.5i model, the 2.5i Premium, and the 2.5i Limited.

Then there's a revised turbo/intercooled 2.5-liter Boxer engine, featuring 256-hp and available on the 2.5GT Premium and Limited. There's also an all-new 3.6 -liter H6 engine, with 256 hp, that comes in two trims, the 3.6R Limited and Premium.

They also offer several different transmission and all-wheel-drive systems to suit just about any need. For the 2.5, they have a standard 6-speed manual transmission as well as a Lineartronic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) automatic.

 Mileage-wise, the Premium I drove is rated at 19/27/22 mpg city/highway/combined, while the CVT is 22/31/26. 

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