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What is it? Subaru unveiled the new Legacy at the New York
Auto Show. This sedan's 2.5i versions will be powered by an updated
2.5-liter four-cylinder Boxer engine producing 170-hp and equipped with a
standard six-speed manual transmission or a new CVT. The 2.5GT models will
have a 265-hp turbocharged/intercooled engine. The 3.6 versions of the
Legacy will have a 256-hp 3.6-liter six-cylinder boxer engine matched to a
five-speed electronic automatic transmission. This engine is more powerful
than the outgoing 3.0 liter and now will use regular fuel rather than
premium.
Safety features include standard stability and traction control as well as
anti-lock brakes and electronic brake-force distribution. Base models have
increased their features by offering steering wheel audio and cruise
control, iPod connectivity, and electronic parking brake.
What's new or notable? The new Legacy has grown in size to a
wheelbase of 108.3-in., a 3.2-in. increase from the previous version. While
its longer than a Ford Fusion, its still not as long as the Camry or
Accord. Rear legroom has also grown nearly four inches and is overall
higher by over three inches and wider by 3.6 inches. In our tests we have noted
the snug interior, so we hope this increase will provide more room and
comfort.
CR's take: The Legacy and Outback were a bit small to truly compete head-to-head with midsized sedan juggernauts like the Accord and Camry. Thats changed now; with its greater width and a longer wheelbase, it offers more interior space without becoming massive. Subaru claims to have retained the fun-to-drive nature of the previous car. Its odd that the Legacy GT turbo lacks an automatic transmission, making it a very narrowly focused sports sedan. Now that the Forester has grown, it might cannibalize some Outback sales. It would be nice to have a Legacy wagon without the Outback kitsch, but Subaru said that no one bought them when they did build them.
When will it be available? Late summer.
Consumer Reports New cars: A to Z
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