| LONG-TERM PART 2 | LONG-TERM PART 3 | LONG-TERM WRAP-UP |
The first 3,000 kilometres
The Subaru Legacy is a midsize sedan that takes on such models as the Sebring, Fusion, Accord, Sonata, Magentis, Altima, G6 and Camry. Needless to say that the competition is very fierce. But the Legacy has two advantages over its rivals. First, it's also available as a 5-door wagon. In addition, it includes all-wheel drive as standard equipment. The only other model to do so is the Passat. Otherwise, you would have to look at a minivan or an SUV.
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| The Legacy will receive a complete makeover for 2008. |
Well-equipped base model
Our tester is a base model with a 2.5L engine. Given its midsize status, however, the Legacy has a higher level of standard equipment. For instance, every model includes power windows and locks, climate control and a CD player.
But Subaru wanted to add a couple of extras. Thus, the 2006 Legacy features a power-adjustable driver's seat, heated front seats as well as an integrated security system with keyless entry.
175-hp 4-cylinder
The Legacy is motivated by a 2.5-litre, 4-cylinder boxer engine that sends power to all four wheels. Meanwhile, the GT model is available with a turbocharged engine and a 6-cylinder mill is optional in Outback trim.
Our tester uses a 5-speed manual transmission, but a 4-speed autobox is also on the menu. The latter, which I tried on a separate occasion, was revised in 2006 and proves to be both smooth and efficient.
In 2005, Subaru modified its 4-cylinder powerplant by adding variable valve timing. As our road test will show, the benefits are improved low-end torque and a better fuel economy. We averaged between 9 and 10 L/100 km in daily driving. With the old engine, the figure was somewhere between 11 and 13 L/100 km. And contrary to popular belief, the automatic transmission nets better results than the manual, which is mated to a permanent AWD system.
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| This 4-cylinder boxer engine is fairly thrifty. |