REVIEWS AND ROAD TESTS

Methodical

Subaru is a master at the art of bringing detailed and sometimes insignificant changes to its new models. And to help us discover (and appreciate) the third-generation Legacy – whether you go for the sedan (more attractive) or the wagon (more attractive still) – Subaru has carefully and methodically revised the whys and hows of each of the technical choices that underlie this model’s development.

This being said, I should warn you that some experts still settle the third-generation Legacy’s case in only two lines, pointing out the fact that the 3.0-litre flat six- cylinder engine is badly needed. An evaluation that falls a bit short, especially since it doesn’t do justice to the efforts made by Subaru to polish a lineup whose originality and diversity are still unequalled.Is Subaru marginal? A bit. A rebel? Not always. It takes well-measured risks, it relies on the tried and true, but it does make steady progress, eliminating the small drawbacks that may have been present on previous generations.

Bigger than it used to be, the Legacy provides more room, which spells a more comfortable ride. It also gives you more to see, thanks to a dashboard that seems to be positioned lower. The result? Front-seat passengers tend to curl in their toes to avoid knocking them against the plumbing tucked behind and under the instrument panel. Speaking of which, to help us feel in control Subaru has tilted the steering column away from the centre console, at the foot of which is a brushed aluminum gearshift grid (automatic only). Chic. Instrumentation is detailed, main controls are within easy reach for the driver, bucket seats are comfortable and provide fairly good support. The rear bench seat isn’t as praiseworthy, mostly because its back slopes too far. But at least the same bench seat has a third seat belt and a trio of headrests.

What about the trunk? It’s roomy enough in the case of the sedan, but the wagon’s is even more surprising, with a bigger cargo floor area now that the rear suspension is more compact.On wet and well-paved roads, the Legacy is well-behaved, to the point of almost being boring. On the other hand, as soon as weather conditions get a bit wild, they’re at their absolute and positive best. To begin with there’s the efficient and reliable all-wheel drive system, which makes driving on even the snowiest roads a real cakewalk.

As soon as things get back to normal, however, the Legacy tames down. With the pretext – a good one – of increasing its useful range at lower and average rpm levels Subaru has removed one cam from its big 2.5-litre in-line four-cylinder (another whim typical of this builder). So, is this four-cylinder any peppier? It’s hard to say given the conditions that prevailed during this first test drive: the four-cylinder in question was visibly short of breath (we were in a high-altitude area) to show its full potential. Still, one thing is sure: from the purely mathematical standpoint, the new Legacy, which is heavier, offers a weight-power ratio that isn’t as good as its predecessor’s, which should hurt its performance capabilities considerably.

However, on the plus side the mechanical system runs quietly and is smoother at lower speeds. And to help things along, the two available transmission choices are particularly good, even the manual, whose lever no longer jiggles around as if it’s in the middle of some kind of seizure.

The Legacy has no surprises in store when it comes to handling. For example, the steering system provides minimal feedback to maximize comfort. Roll is moderate, the suspension has a hard time countering road defects, but it feels as if this Legacy is either lighter or more powerful (or, in the best of both worlds, both at the same time). The qualities of its chassis, which happens to be very rigid, is a better reflection of the efforts made by the engineers who worked on its development. However, this flaw is felt only when driving on totally dry roads – as soon as rain, snow or ice comes into the picture, the Legacy’s all-wheel drive system (and the system on all other Subarus) makes its very reassuring presence felt.

It’s too bad that the Outback version has traded its Michelin tires for Firestone alternatives – no doubt for the sake of their more evocative name (Wilderness) – that don’t prove to be completely efficient. Asked about the motivation behind the new choice of tires, a Subaru spokesman indicated that fuel economy and a comfortable ride took precedence over all other considerations.

Consistent and easy to drive, the new Legacy is a good bargain, especially if you choose an entry-level model (L and Brighton), better equipped and not as voracious when your turn comes to go to the cash register.

PROS
Perfect for winter driving
Good soundproofing
Rigid chassis

CONS
Asthmatic engine
High fuel consumption
Unexciting handling on dry roads