Car reviews

Introduction

The Subaru Legacy is a good-looking car that comes as both an estate and saloon. Both models offer superb handling and spacious interiors. It underwent a face-lift in 2008 that improved the looks further and introduced a superb diesel engine into the mix, offering a good blend of power and fuel efficiency.

Exterior & Interior

The Subaru Legacy is available either as a Saloon or an Estate model. Both are stylish cars for people who like to stand out from the crowd by driving something unordinary. They both have plenty of space for five adults to sit comfortably with ample head and legroom at the back for three passengers, although the transmission tunnel does take up some vital foot space. The boot in the saloon easily swallows a families week’s worth of holiday gear; and the estate, naturally, offers even more space. Both come with split folding rear seats to increase the space even further. The boot in the estate reveals two extra storage areas for smaller objects such as jump leads and high-visibility tops.

There are various trim levels to choose from, but the RE and R trims are the best, offering good levels of equipment for your money.

Drive

The ’flat’ or ’boxer’ engines found in the Subaru Legacy help to keep the centre of gravity low and with the four-wheel drive permanently on, the Legacy corners superbly, displaying good body control and plenty of grip. The ride is firm because of this, but not uncomfortable, unless you opt for the 3.0-litre model, which gives you harder and sportier suspension. Steering feels sharp and responsive, but at lower speeds it lacks feeling. The boxer engines also have the very distinctive burbling voice. The engine and road noise can be intrusive at high speeds, but wind noise is kept well outside at all times.

Faults & Repairs

Subaru has a good reputation for reliability and most Legacy’s have withstood years of abuse from their owners. However, it isn’t as reliable as some of Subaru’s other models. The main problems are related to the air-con and heating system, the engines and the fuel pump problems are not uncommon too. Only go for a car that has full service history as there are many out there that haven’t been serviced for years and are likely to cause problems latter in life. Repair costs are often hefty.

Servicing can prove costly as can having any repairs because spare parts are expensive and the Subaru Legacy is a complex car. Hopefully with regular servicing, problems should be few and far between.