OAKVILLE BEAVER Wednesday, July 29, 2009 · 10 2010 Subaru Legacy has the right size and the right stuff By Jim Robinson Metroland Newspapers Carguide Magazine ST. JOHN'S, NL.: If you don't think bigger is better, talk to Subaru. While planning for the fifth generation Legacy, Subaru found size was a major reason why buyers were looking elsewhere for their next mid-size sedan. With the Toyota Camry and Mazda6 becoming comparable in length and width to the Chrysler 300, the current full-size leader, Subaru found through focus groups and owners, that to grow their presence in the mid-size arena, they would have to grow the Legacy's size and cut the purchase price. The 2010 Legacy is 90 mm wider and 80 mm taller and 35 mm longer. Stubbier front and rear overhangs allowed the wheelbase to be 80 mm longer. Most of this is found in back seat legroom, accentuated by the deep scallops on the front seat backs to markedly improve knee room. The long-time signature frameless windows have been dropped, because the new side windows were too big, and thus heavy, to be used without a frame. But, that did not mean sacrificing all the attributes that have turned first-time Subaru buyers into life-long owners. Besides size and price, research showed equipment level and styling were issues. When the new model was shown to focus groups, the new shape was at the top of the approval list followed by being well equipped along with the expected pluses of all-wheeldrive (AWD) and sporty handling. All 2010 Legacys come standard with Subaru's famed Symmetrical AWD, stability control, an electronic parking brake with Hill Holder (first time on an automatic), auto-on lights, tilt/telescoping steering wheel, remote entry and a multi-function information display. On top of that, most models come standard with auto-up driver's SUBARU PZEV OUTBACK TOURING 2009 AT A GLANCE BODY STYLE: Mid-size wagon. DRIVE METHOD: front-engine, allwheel-drive ENGINE: 2.5-litre, horizontally opposed DOHC four-cylinder (170 hp, 170 lb/ft); 2.5-litre, horizontally opposed DOHC turbocharged fourcylinder (265 hp, 258 lb/ft); 3.6-litre horizontally opposed DOHC six-cylinder (256 hp, 247 lb/ft). FUEL ECONOMY: 2.5i manual 10.6/7.4L/100 km city/highway; 2.5i CVT, 9.2/6.5; 2.5GT, 11.5/8.0; 3.6R, 11.8/8.2. PRICE: 2.5i, $23,995; PZEV, $26,395; 2.5i Sport, $27,995; 2.5I Limited, $31,995; 2.5GT, $38,395; 3.6R, $31,895; 3.6R limited, $34,695; Multimedia option adds $2,300. WEB: Subaru.ca Photo by Jim Robinson Now in its fifth generation, the 2010 Subaru Legacy is firmly in the mid-size sedan segment is terms of passenger volume and equipment. There are seven versions available including the turbocharged 2.5GT shown. side window, 10-way power driver's seat, Blueconnect cellphone link, media hub (USB, iPod player connections) and alloy wheels. With pencils sharpened, Subaru set the base starting price $3,000 lower than the 2009 Legacy with the gap staying relatively the same to the top of the trim levels at $2,000 less for the 2010. All Legacy models are sedans, no Legacy wagon model being offered. The 2010 Outback now handles the wagon role. While there are just two engines, a 2.5litre "boxer" four-cylinder (170 hp, 170 lb/ft) and a 3.6-litre "boxer" six-cylinder (256 hp, 247 lb/ft), there are seven different ways to order your next Legacy. The base Legacy 2.5i ($23,995) comes with a standard six-speed manual, the first time this was used with the naturally aspirated Subaru four-cylinder. Optional is Subaru's new Lineartronic constantly variable transmission (CVT) that uses a steel chain instead of the more common belt. The six-speed is what the Legacy has been missing. The same box as found in the mighty Impreza STi, it is one of the slickest on the market. Through a combination of costal fishing towns and rural roads, 170 hp was more than enough and the 170 lb/ft of torque didn't mean rowing up and down through the gears. The 2.5i Sport ($27,995), with CVT optional, adds a lot of equipment like 17-inch alloy wheels and power sunroof. The 2.5i Limited Package ($31,995) makes the CVT standard and adds gobs of goodies like leathers and wood grain trim. The 2.5GT ($38,395) adds the 2.5-litre turbocharged engine that was developed from the lessons learned from three World Rally Championship wins. It develops 265 hp and 258 lb/ft of torque through the six-speed manual. It is loaded with extras like full leather, dual zone climate control, 18-inch alloy wheels and a 440-watt Harman Kardon sound system. I drove the GT back to back with a 2.5i Limited with the CVT that also has paddle shifters on the steering wheel, but you really don't need them. Continued on Page 13