New York 2009: 2010 Subaru Legacy Debuts

I've always been a fan of Subaru's Legacy sedan and wagon.  It's like the Camry/Accord for interesting people.  Or it's the Impreza for grown-ups.  Either way, the Legacy has a tradition of delivering all-wheel-drive security, mid-size space, attractive looks, strong build quality and available turbo power.  Subaru has released images and details of the latest Legacy, and the looks raise some eyebrows.  Considering how nice the last Legacy was, it's worth taking a closer look.

The styling looks like a bizarre mixture of Infiniti G37 and Toyota Corolla, which I think mainly is from the seemingly tall-and-narrow proportions.  The grille looks disjointed, the headlights are just weirdly shaped, and I'm not sure it's nearly as attractive as the old Legacy.  I'll have to wait to see it in the flesh to pass judgment, as usual, but initial impressions aren't great - it looks like more downhill styling from Subaru, following in the steps of the pug-ugly new Impreza.  It's bigger in every dimension: 35mm longer, 90mm wider and 80mm taller.  Despite this, weight is only up 50 lbs over the old model.  The wheelbase grows by 80mm but the overhangs shrink by 45mm...  pushing the wheels out to the far corners for stable handling characteristics.

Out back it's a mixture of Lexus GS and Audi, with taillights that don't connect with each other for no apparent reason  - a trend that's really starting to bother me.  Subaru, you can do so much better than this.  Thankfully, things under the hood are still positive.

the Legacy will be sold in three trim levels - 2.5i, 2.5GT, and 3.6R.  The 2.5i has the same 2.5L single-cam flat four with variable valve timing and 170 horsepower @ 5600 rpm, with 170 lb-ft at 4200 rpm.  For the new model, the base engine gets a new intake manifold, redesigned heads and redesigned cooling system for greater efficiency and power.  It's available with either a 6-speed manual or the chain-type CVT, new to the Legacy, and humorously called Lineartronic.

The 2.5GT is the sporting model of the bunch, with a turbocharged 265bhp 2.5L flat-four and is only available with a 6-speed manual.  This motor has been treated to a new turbocharger setup with shorter piping, contributing to decreased turbo lag and lower torque and power peaks with bigger numbers - always a good thing.  The 265bhp power peak occurs at a lower 5600rpm, with a torque band of 258 lb-ft from 2,000 all the way to 5,200 rpm.

The 3.6R uses Subaru's revised 3.6L horizontally opposed flat-six, now making 256 horsepower.  This model, only available with a 5-speed automatic, is pitched more at the luxury market.  Having driven an old generation Outback with the 3.0L six, I can personally attest it's one of the smoothest engines on the market.  Displacement jumps from 3.0L to 3.6L and the flat-six can now run on regular gas, which is nice.

The interior seems to rate pretty neutral - like most Subarus, i'm sure it's well put-together with somewhat cheap plastics.  Again, only something that can be judged in person.  New stuff includes voice-activated satellite navigation, a nifty Harmon-Kardon sound system, and who knows what else.

The sedan debuts at the New York Auto Show, with the wagon to follow soon.  Stay tuned!