Vehicle: 2010 Subaru Legacy 2.5GT
Price as tested: CDN$38395

Performance: Subaru’s latest offering in the mid-size sedan comes in 3 flavours. The base 2.5 liter flat-4 that comes with 170hp up to flagship flat-6 3.6 liter with 256hp. In between the 2, its the highlight of our test drive. The new Legacy with DOHC 2.5 liter flat-4 and a turbocharger. With the addition of a turbocharger and a double overhead instead of single overhead cam, this Legacy has 265 ponies and 247 lb/ft of torque, which is 9 more horses and 11 more lb/ft of torque than the equivalent 6. In the other trim level, Legacy is finally available with what Subaru called Lineartronic CVT gearbox. However, on our GT tester. It only comes standard with a 6-speed manual gearbox. What is really surprise us, is the latest Legacy’s manaul gearbox has surprisingly long throw compares to Subaru of the past. While the clutch is light and progressive, the manual gearbox doesn’t have the defined gates and smooth shift as we used to be. On the other hand, Subaru’s known horizontally opposed turbo 4-cylinder engine is a smooth operator. Its also completely lack of any turbo lag. The turbo starts to spools up whenever driver nails the throttle. It is also willing in the mid and upper range without feeling any breathless. Subaru flat-4′s distinctive engine note remains intact with the latest Legacy.

Handling: Its always hard to fault Subaru’s driving experience. As it all begins with a solid and stiff chassis, which is completely free of any cracks and rattles. The latest Legacy has taken this one step forward. New Legacy’s chassis rigidty is on par with anything from Germany. Add to Subaru’s famed assymertrical AWD system and a sports suspension in our latest GT, this Legacy is a very capable sports sedan. Not only does the AWD system works exceptionally well in all kinds of weather, its also a proactive system that is seamless in its operation. It also works with Subaru’s VDC as the 1st level of security. The vehicle dynamic control won’t step in unnecessarily until the AWD works its worth. That means the VDC will always remain uninstrusive and allow driver to have some oversteer before actually steps in. Add Subaru’s hallmark steering feel and feedback, which as always, provide excellent roadfeel and ultra precise. Along with acceptable amount of body rolls and understeer, you get a very satisfying dynamic package. Last but not least, Legacy turbo has a supple yet controlled ride which is both comfortable and offer excellent body motion control.

Brakes: With 4-wheel discs and standard ABS, the latest Legacy has stopped accordingly. The stopping distance is short while pedal feel sure-footness and confidence-inspiring. Unlike Subaru of the past, the latest Legacy’s pedal has some lives to it. The Brake Assist doesn’t grab driver’s right leg as much as many of its rival’s systems do. ABS, on the other hand, only steps in whenever its necessary.

Interior: Subaru interiors used to have some weird design with quirky materials. The latest Legacy has finished exceptionally well. Not only does everything else has placed ergonomically, they are user-friendly as well. The automatic climate control placed below the stereo for better access. All the controls are large enough to operate with glove hands in the winter. The instrumentation gauges are clear and analog. The leather seats are well-foamed, comfortable and made with high-quality leather hides. In terms of plastic materials, the latest Legacy uses all the top-notch materials. That means there are plenty of soft-touch plastic around the dashboard and door panels.

The rear seat is equally spacious, as there are plenty of space for 3 passengers aboard.

When it comes to trunk space, the new Legacy has scored well with uninstrusive trunk hinges. Unlike some old school poppy leaver hinges, this kind of hinges won’t crashed into the eggs and vegetables you put in the trunk. While the liftover is high, the side cut-off is pretty well. That’s despite the trunk opening is pretty narrow. With the 60/40 split fold-down rear seats, the latest Legacy is a very versatile sports sedan.

Conclusion: The new Legacy has signalled Subaru’s transformation from a quirky manufacturer to mainstream manufacturer is about to complete. As the Legacy has everything to complete with all the mainstreamers, along with the benefit of Subaru’s famed assymetrical AWD and great driving dynamics. But it doesn’t mean this transformation is all good. As the 4th generation Legacy doesn’t have any wagon offering on this side of the earth, since Subaru thinks those who purchase a Legacy wagon would opt for the Outback. Not a smart move given how loyal Legacy wagon owners tend to be.

OVERALL VERDICT FOR 2010 Subaru Legacy
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Handling and ride/fun-to-drive: 5/5
Interior/ergonomics/user-friendliness: 4.5/5
Fit-and-finish/build quality: 4.5/5
Cargo/accessibility/layout: 3/5
Value-for-money: 4.5/5

Overall rating: 4.25/5