Vehicle: 2007 Subaru Legacy 2.5GT Spec-B
Price as tested: CDN$44995

Performance: The biggest highlight to Spec-B, other than the Bilstein performance shocks, is the advance of Subaru’s SI-Drive. This SI-Drive has a desired effect when set it into “sport sharp” mode. This flat-4 turbocharged engine is more energetic at around 2500rpm when pushed, while the exhaust note has a solid rumble sound that is more in tuned with Spec-B’s sporty character. The “sport” mode is a more sporty mode than the economy-oriented “intelligent” mode which provides more gentle throttle response, as well as a nifty green light to give driver notice on upshifting. This design encouarges the driver to keep in the most economical rpm. Everything else this SI-Drive is connected to Legacy’s electronic throttle. By moving the I-Drive esque knob in the center console, driver can choose between “light”, “mild” and “spicy”. Back to the 243 hp flat-4 turbocharged 16-valver. This unit is as impressive as ever, as it doesn’t have any turbo lag with distinctive horizontally opposed engine note. The 6-speed unit, which is exclusive to Spec-B, has nicely set-up ratios and decent clutch.

Handling: The Spec-B stands for Bilstein performance shocks. The same set of shocks already gone into the impressive WRX STi rocketship. Given LGT’s already impressive ride and handling compromise, all these shocks have given it a flatter cornering ability. Along with Subaru’s well-renowed symmetrical AWD and low center of gravity, thanks to its flat engine configuration. Its handling dynamics can easily be mistaken as a sports car. Even if it does handle like a sports car, its ride quality is supple and firm without losing the comfort of a family car. On the other hand, Spec-B’s VDC is an uninstrusive type. It only kicks in to save during nasty situations.

Brakes: 4-wheel discs with standard ABS have provide excellent pedal feel. Spec-B has the best pedal feel in Subaru history, second only to the STi. The pedal is firm and linear, without all the mushiness typical of Subaru in the past.

Interior: The biggest difference between standard LGT and Spec-B is the use of “Alcantara” in the center portion of its leather sports seats. Its more supportive and grippy when flying through corners. Other than that, its the usual Legacy interior. Once again, Legacy’s interior has always been considered as Subaru’s best efforts.

Performance aside, the biggest improvement to Spec-B is the addition of 60/40 split fold-down rear seats. You finally can have both fun and practicality if one is looking to buy a performance Legacy sedan.

Conclusion: With the introduction of Spec-B, Subaru finally has a car that can run with any German top-tier sports sedans. It has a great engine, wonderful handling dynamics and, finally, practicality to boost the whole package. Those who are looking to buy an STi with less “boy racer” image can have something more understated to haul their whole family. If Subaru is going to make a Spec-B with wagon bodystyle, its going to be close to perfect. However, there is another issue that Spec-B is never going to be perfect. And that is price. Even if Spec-B has 243 horses and top-notch AWD to run with the best of European AWD sedans (A4 2.0T Quattro/328Xi particularly), Subaru just doesn’t have the cachet to charge such a premium. In short, its really a pity!

OVERALL VERDICT FOR 2007 SUBARU LEGACY SPEC-B
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Performance: 5/5
Handling and ride/fun-to-drive: 5/5
Interior/ergonomics/user-friendliness: 4.5/5
Fit-and-finish/build quality: 4/5
Cargo/accessibility/layout: 4/5
Value-for-money: 2/5

Overall rating: 4/5