Brian Joss –
The new Legacy 3.6R-S is the most complete executive express on the road, offering a blend of dynamics, performance, refinement, comfort, safety and value which is going to be hard to match, says Subaru. It provides an optimal blend of design and engineering.
Under the aluminium bonnet is the most refined and efficient version yet of the 3.6-litre H6 Boxer engine yet, feeding its 191kW and 350Nm to Subaru’s Lineartronic CVT, which now features an updated shift control system. The third side of the triangle, and arguably the most characteristic Subaru feature, is symmetrical All-Wheel-Drive, which distributes power front and back via an electronically-controlled centre differential, ensuring each wheel gets what it needs, when it needs it.
For the sixth generation – launched 25 years after the first – Subaru took a long hard look at the marketplace and addressed the two things the market said Legacy needed: more style (inside and out), and more emotion in the driving experience.
The Legacy is handsome and elegant, with a profile which leaves no doubt as to its sporty intent, Subaru says. The windscreen is steeply raked and the bold grille flanked by ‘hawkeye’ headlamps (incorporating LED technology) while the bootlid has a subtle kick to its trailing edge to enhance aerodynamic efficiency.
This is a driver’s car, but there’s plenty to surprise the passengers. There’s more hip and shoulder room thanks to a 20 mm increase in width, and the boot capacity has increased too, thanks to a slightly longer overhang. More sumptuous seating both front and rear, standard features include a sunroof and reverse camera, dual-zone climate control and comprehensive steering wheel controls. There is a new 6.2-inch touch screen with an interface reminiscent of smartphones and tablets; which acts as a command centre for functions such as audio, telephony, satellite navigation and vehicle-related settings and systems.
Steering, suspension and brakes all operate with extra precision and accuracy thanks to carefully considered placement of special steels, and this has benefits for refinement too, with noise levels lowered and unwanted vibrations banished.
The torsionally stiffer body also means more safety and Legacy has achieved 5-star ratings in ANCAP testing.
Pricing for the Legacy 3.6R-S is R529 000 including a three-year/75 000km full maintenance plan and a three-year /100 000 km factory warranty.
