New Subaru Legacy diesel fast, frugal and eco friendly

Road tested by Hugh Maguire This is the very first diesel in the Subaru range. This diesel is also the world"s first Boxer diesel passenger car. The arrival of a diesel to the Subaru range will without doubt further broaden the appeal of these cars. At present this new diesel engine is available in the Legacy saloon, Legacy Sports Tourer and Subaru Outback. Subaru have gone to great lengths to develop this car. They did not simply drop a newly developed diesel into the existing Legacy. Engine mounts are now liquid to dampen vibration, there is extra soundproofing, the gearbox has higher ratios suited to the diesel engine, brakes are upgraded and power steering is now electric. Many know the Subaru brand through their numerous championship successes on the world rally scene with the remarkable Impreza WRC and as a result the road going car has quite a following. Surprisingly though the rest of the Subaru range does not seem to enjoy such a wide following and I often wonder why because every time I drive a model in the range I come away very impressed indeed. Sometimes I feel as though the brand is a best-kept secret and many are missing something by not including one of these cars on their shopping list. My test car this week is the Subaru Legacy Sports Tourer (read estate) powered by the all-new 2.0 flat four cylinder 'Boxer' diesel turbo. First impressions The Legacy range was freshened-up last year the result is that the new style has really brightened up the look of the car. Details such as new front and rear light clusters, new bumpers and a revised front grill as well as remodelled new front wings really do make it look like it could be a new model. Overall the latest Legacy manages to cut a dash with its sleek good looks and sporty design. There is a wide range of colour options including pearl effect paints which combined with some lovely alloy wheel designs really do set off the new look. The Sports Tourer is certainly one of the best looking estate cars in the class. Behind the wheel. The cabin also got a makeover last year. The revised cabin with it"s aluminium trim really sets of what is a quality look. The driving position is just about perfect and there are a variety of combinations for adjustment to both the driver"s seat and steering wheel ensuring that almost anybody will find their ideal driving position. The new interior design is simply excellent. The dashboard is very well designed with high quality materials and switches that work with a well engineered precision. Indeed the quality of this car is so good you could be forgiven for thinking you were sitting behind the wheel of one of the leading German brands such as Mercedes or BMW. There is ample leg and headroom in both the front and rear and even the rear seats prove comfortable and supportive. The dashboard is ergonomically excellent with all instruments and switches perfectly placed for ease of use. I particularly like the centre console which is slightly curved towards the driver while the heater and audio controls are finished in a sporty aluminium effect trim. Standard equipment includes, symmetrical All Wheel Drive, ABS with EBD, twin front dual stage airbags, dual front side airbags, curtain airbags, active head rests, ISOFIX, cruise control, automatic dual zone climate control with individual rear outlets, 8 way power drivers seat, a very high quality stereo with an in dash 6 CD stereo with MP3 facility, electric windows, electric heated and folding door mirrors, heated seats, front projector foglamps, HID headlamps, alloy wheels, and remote locking with immobiliser. Performance The all-new 2.0 litre 4-cylinder diesel boxer engine develops some 150 bhp at 3,600 rpm. The Boxer engine is famous for its bottom end torque and this new diesel certainly does not disappoint. It has bags of torque and proves a very lively, refined and willing performer. The new 2.0 litre Boxer turbo diesel is mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox which proved light, precise and has well chosen ratios to get the most from the Boxer turbo diesel engine. On the economy front it is excellent burning on average just 7.1 litres per 100km. Road Behaviour The Subaru symmetrical AWD system is simply excellent endowing this Legacy diesel with incredible handling. Fitted with low profile tyres the car will track your chosen line through a corner with unerring accuracy, yet lift-off mid corner and the rear of the car will very gently start to move off line allowing the driver to balance the car on the throttle. It is truly a rewarding driving experience. The revised suspension has in my opinion made the ride that bit more compliant. Refinement levels are high with wind and road noise well suppressed. Verdict. I just loved this car. The new Legacy turbo diesel is a beautifully built motorcar which offers a high level of standard equipment allied to a wonderful driving experience thanks to the permanent all-wheel-drive. It is a real drivers car, yet it doesn"t shout about it. I enjoyed every kilometre behind the wheel. If you are looking for a quality estate that can match the German marques for build excellence, will be eminently reliable and bloody good fun to drive then the new Legacy diesel Sports Tourer will fit the bill. Go test drive one, you will see what I mean. Now for the best news! Due to it"s eco friendly 128g/km low emission diesel engine this car comes to the market at the excellent price of just € 32,795. The saloon starts at €29,995. These cars are truly excellent value for money, important in these tough economic times!! Oh and one more thing, the Legacy range has a comprehensive 3 year 160,000km warranty and 12 year anti-corrosion cover, with a three year paintwork warranty, now that displays real confidence in your product.