The 2010 Subaru Legacy
>> Saturday, April 10, 2010
The Subaru Legacy is a mid-size car built by Japanese manufacturer Subaru since 1989, and is available as a sedan or wagon. Part of the original design goals for the Legacy model was to provide Subaru a vehicle in which they could compete in the lucrative North American midsize market against competitors Honda Accord and Toyota CamryT. Higher performance variants of the Legacy are offered as competitive alternatives to compact executive cars such as the Audi A4,Alfa Romeo 159 and BMW 3 Series.
The Legacy also serves as Subaru's flagship car.In 1995, Subaru created a raised, crossover version of the Legacy wagon called the Legacy Outback. It is unique in its class for offering all wheel drive as a standard feature, and Subaru's traditional boxer engine. The Legacy bears the name Liberty in Australia out of deference for Legacy Australia, a veterans' assistance organization. As of 2008, 3.6 million Legacies have been built since its 1989 introduction. Subaru Legacy (fifth generation) Production of the fifth generation Legacy began the last week of May 2009 at the Indiana location.
Dashboard
The 2010 Subaru Legacy was unveiled at 2009 New York Auto Show. According to the Subaru website in Japan, the Legacy was introduced in Japan on May 20, 2009. According to the Japanese site on Wikipedia the STi Legacy will continue production. The new for this generation Lineartronic Continuosly variable transmission is used internationally on the EJ25 2.5 L flat-4 engine and the EJ20 in some markets, with a 6-speed manual transmission also offered only in North America and Australia. The 2.5GT uses a turbocharger with a 6-speed manual transmission used exclusively in Japan and North America with Australia being able to choose between the 6-speed manual or 5-speed automatic transmission; vehicles identified as "3.6R" use the EZ36 flat-6 engine with a 5-speed SportShift conventional automatic transmission. The Lineartronic CVT transmission is also shared with the JDM-spec Subaru Exiqa on AWD models.
Interior Seat
The North American PZEV Legacy 2.5i continues to be available in all 50 states, unlike other manufacturers who only sell PZEV certified vehicles in states that have adopted California emission standards. Internationally, the EZ36 flat-6 engine is used in the Outback only, but is also available in the Legacy sedan in both North America and Australia. The Japan-spec vehicle has discontinued using the EJ20 engine, offering the EJ25 in both turbo and non-turbo versions. "SI-Drive" is standard equipment on all Japanese-spec vehicles, and both the Australian 2.5GT and the 3.6R sedan, but not in North America. SI-Drive is standard on the international Outback with the EZ36 except North America. The Legacy wagon is available as an Outback only in North America, whereas the wagon is available as both a Legacy and Outback in Japan, the UK, Australia, and Europe.
In the UK, only the wagon is offered, with engine choices limited to the Subaru EE20 turbodiesel or the EJ25. In Europe, the EJ20 is still offered in both the sedan and a wagon, alongside the EE20 turbodiesel and the EJ25. The EE20 turbodiesel is available in Australia in the Outback. The European and UK Legacy EE20 diesel, the EJ20 and the EJ25 gasoline engines are Euro 5 emission standard compliant. The side windows are no longer frameless, ending a Subaru tradition started with the first generation Leone in the early 1970s.
The “D” pillar on the wagon is no longer covered in glass, also ending a design tradition established with the first generation, borrowed from the Subaru XT. A center console mounted hand brake has been replaced with an electric handbrake switch installed on the dashboard. Stereo control and climate control buttons as well as the CVT gear selector are oriented to either left- or right-hand driving, meaning commonly used functions are placed closer to the driver, such as volume adjustment on the stereo, or the "Auto" function on the climate control unit.
Manual control of the CVT transmission is done by pulling the gear selector lever towards the driver. Bilstein struts are still offered in Japan, the UK, Europe and Australia as either standard or optional equipment based on trim packages offered in the specified markets except North America. G-Book, a vehicle telematics service, is offered optionally on all Legacies sold in Japan. This is the ninth Subaru vehicle to offer a CVT transmission; the first was the Subaru Justy (1987–1994), followed by the Subaru Rex (1987–1992), the Subaru Vivio (1992–1998), the Subaru Pleo (1998–current), the Subaru R1 coupe (2004–current), the Subaru R2 5-door hatchback (2003–current), the Subaru Sambar (1990–1995 only), and the Subaru Exiga starting September 2009. In 2009, a Subaru Legacy concept was designed to commemorate 20th anniversary of the model, reported to be the basis of the production version of the then upcoming fifth generation Subaru Legacy. The concept vehicle was unveiled at the 2009 Detroit Auto Show.
Performance enhancements The EZ series of flat-6 cylinder engines, used in current Legacy products, replaced the EGSeries found in the Subaru SVX. Subaru has produced high performance versions of the Legacy with a Bilstein suspension and tuned turbocharged engines equivalent to the homologized rally version WRX STI (generating 205 kW (275 hp) on manufacturer's figures for the 2.0 L equivalent engine with manual transmission). Recent 3.0 L engines move close to the 2.0 L turbo output and share the Bilstein suspension. 2.0 L-engined turbocharged models with the Bilstein suspension were named either the GT-B (for wagons), or Spec B, or RSK-B4 (for sedans). The new 2003 model moved many models to simply B4 or even GT in some countries. In Australia, the 2.5GT (SatNav) marks the top of the pile for the Legacy/Liberty range. In North America, early sporty models were known simply as the Sport Sedan and Touring Wagon. Later models were given the GT and GT Limited nomenclature. The 2006 Legacy model brought forth a limited run of 500 Spec B models. Starting in 2007 the Spec B became a regular production model (albeit a somewhat limited run). All Spec B models feature an improved suspension system by Bilstein, navigation system (making the Spec. B the sole MT Legacy to get one), exclusive (to the Spec B) interior, 18" wheels, and additional aesthetic modifications. 2006 Spec B models have a 5 speed manual transmission while 2007-on models have a 6-speed manual transmission. (Review by: http://www.en.wikipedia.org)
Another review by KC Colwell , Article from Car and Driver 2009 Magazine descripting : The previous generation Legacy sedan had standard all wheel drive and fairly zesty chassis,along with the enthusiast’ option of a high power turbo GT model.However, it suffered from weak fuel economy and a tight back seat.Indeed,the Legacy sacrificed practical corncerns for fun. The new,fifth generation AWD Legacy still available in base,GT,and R versions is larger than its predecessor in every dimension. Noteworthy is a 3.2 inch stretch in the wheelbase (now 108.3) and a lengthening of 1.4 inches (186.4). Interior space has been generously increased. Passenger volume is up 12 cubic feet, eight of it in the back, to 102.
Those rear seats have excellent thigh support, and there’s plenty of head and legroom, even for passengers well over six feet. With the space gain, though, comes roughly 65 pounds of added weight; it now maxes out at 3600 pounds. The same 170 hp flat four soldiers on as the base engine, though now it is hooked to a six speed manual or a cvt, both new. The six speed’s sloopy shifter disappointed us,but the CVT surprised us.It manages to keep the revs low when cruising;also,the golf cart lazy acceleration that is often associated with CVTs has been kept to a minimum. According to the car’s fuel economy gauge, the CVT delivers on the 31 mpg highway claim (the CVT is rated at 23 in the city). Powering the Legacy GT is a slightly different version of the turbocharged, 2.5 liter flat four found in the slice and dice Impreza WRX, making 265 horsepower in both cars.
Subaru has determined that people interested in the quick,turbocharged Legacy GT will not be interested in a slushbox,so it comes with a six speed manual only. The R model swaps the old 3.0 liter flat six for the Tribeca’s 3.6 liter flat six making 256 horses. In this case, a five speed automatic is the only transmission available.The three spoke steering wheel has a nicely weighted feel,is adjustable for both rake and reach to enhance driver comfort,and features excellent on center feel.Beneath the new body its most striking feature is the squared off fender arches is an overhauled chassis. With a strut type suspension in front and a new multilink setup out back, the mid size Legacy proves to be a smooth cruiser on the highway and a capable back road sweeper despite retaining a healthy amount of body roll. Our drive route featured some of the smoothest roads in North America , and they weren’t Stelvio Pass squiggly.Even so,this legacy will hustle down a two laner at the pace,or quicker, of a Mazda 6 or a Honda Accord. The new Legacy goes on sale as you read this.The 2.5 GT, our favorite , will run 28,690 us dollar, undercutting the less efficient and front wheel drive Honda Accord LX (21 mpg city, 30 highway) by 725 us dollar.That’s hardly a sacrifice. Vehicle Type : Front engine, 4 wheel drive, 5 passenger, 4 door sedan.
Best Price : 20,690 us dollar – 28,690 us dollar Engine : SOHC 16 valve 2.5 liter flat 4,170 hp,170 lb-ft; DOHC 24 valve 3.6 liter flat 6, 256 hp, 247 lb-ft; turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 16 valve 2.5 liter flat 4, 265 hp,258 lb-ft. Transmissions : Continuosly variable automatic with manumatic shifting, 5 speed automatic with manumatic shifting, 6 speed manual. Dimensions : Wheelbase; 108.3 in Length; 186.4 in Width; 71.7 in Height; 59.3 in Curb weight;3300-3600 lb Performance Zero to 60 mph; 5.1-8.6 sec Standing ¼ mile; 13.9-16.5 sec Top speed (governor limited); 130-135 mph FuelEconomy EPA city/highway driving;18-23/25-31 mpg.
More review by: http://www.edmunds.com, tell us that the redesigned 2010 Subaru Legacy offers standard all-wheel drive and above-average performance in a significantly larger package. If you like the look of it, it's a solid choice.Standard all-wheel drive, sleek interior design, diverse engine and transmission choices, powerful turbocharged engine on 2.5GT trim. Polarizing styling, no automatic transmission available with the turbocharged engine, 3.6-liter engine's lackluster fuel economy.The 2010 Subaru Legacy has been fully redesigned. Highlights include a roomier and updated interior, more powerful engines and dramatic new styling.
2010 Subaru Legacy Vehicle Overview Introduction The new, fully redesigned 2010 Subaru Legacy is a stylistic departure from its predecessors, to put it mildly. Its steroidal fender flares are equal parts Mercedes-Benz S-Class and J.C. Whitney, and its large headlights and slablike front end wouldn't look out of place on a crossover SUV. While previous Legacy shapes ranged from inoffensive to downright sleek, this one is a bit more controversial. We hope consumers will warm to the Legacy's new skin, though, because underneath, there's a lot to like about Subaru's heavily updated midsize sedan.
As expected, every 2010 Legacy comes standard with all-wheel drive, a feature that has helped to make Subaru a fixture in America's snowbelt. Also expected are the Legacy's significantly expanded dimensions, as the previous model was hampered by its relatively tight cabin. Following in the footsteps of the Honda Accord and Mazda 6, both of which plumped out with their latest redesigns, the new Legacy gains 3.3 inches in height, 3.5 inches in width and 3.2 inches of wheelbase compared to the 2009 Legacy. On the inside, this yields substantial gains in head-, shoulder-, hip- and legroom. Nonetheless, the car only grows by just 1.4 inches in overall length and gains about 50 more pounds in curb weight, so the Legacy's historically above-average maneuverability hasn't been overly compromised. Another Legacy hallmark in recent years has been its diverse array of powertrain choices, and the 2010 Legacy carries on this tradition as well.
The base 2.5-liter "boxer" (horizontally opposed) four-cylinder engine will be adequate for many buyers, but those with a greater need for speed will be heartened to find two optional engines -- a revised turbocharged version of the boxer-4 that promises to be the sporty pick of the bunch, and a new, smooth-running 3.6-liter horizontally opposed six-cylinder engine that packs a lot more punch than last year's 3.0-liter flat-6. With either of the upgraded power plants, the Legacy can be seen as a budget-priced alternative to premium all-wheel-drive sport sedans from Germany and Japan.
In addition to its larger cabin, distinctive powertrains and standard all-wheel drive, the 2010 Subaru Legacy features a modern interior that can be outfitted with a full range of electronic gadgetry for buyers so inclined. In the crowded midsize sedan segment, these traits should help set the Legacy apart. We'd still advise you to test-drive the Ford Fusion, Honda Accord, Mazda 6, Nissan Altima and Volkswagen's CC and Passat, paying particular attention to interior design and feature availability. But as long as the Legacy's edgy new look doesn't rub you the wrong way, it should definitely be on your short list of family-oriented four-doors. Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options.
The 2010 Subaru Legacy is a five-passenger midsize sedan offered in base 2.5i, 2.5i Premium, 2.5i Limited, 2.5GT Premium, 2.5GT Limited, 3.6R, 3.6R Premium and 3.6R Limited trim levels. The base 2.5i comes standard with 16-inch steel wheels, air-conditioning, a height-adjustable driver seat, a tilt-telescoping steering wheel with integrated audio controls, a 60/40-split fold-down rear seat, an electronic parking brake and a four-speaker stereo with CD player and auxiliary audio jack. The 2.5i Premium trim steps up to 16-inch alloy wheels, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, an eight-way power driver seat and an auto up/down driver window.
The 2.5i Limited adds 17-inch alloy wheels, a four-way power passenger seat, an All Weather package (includes a windshield wiper de-icer, heated side mirrors and heated front seats), dual-zone automatic climate control, leather upholstery, Bluetooth and a nine-speaker Harman Kardon audio system. The 2.5GT Premium starts with the 2.5i Premium's equipment and adds the turbocharged four-cylinder engine, 18-inch alloy wheels, performance tires, larger brakes a hood scoop and the All Weather package. The 2.5GT Limited tacks on the power passenger seat, automatic climate control and leather upholstery. The 3.6R starts with the base 2.5i's equipment and adds the 3.6-liter flat-6 engine and 17-inch alloy wheels. The 3.6R Premium adds the 2.5i Premium's extra features except for the wheels, which remain 17-inch alloys, and it also gets the All Weather package.
The 3.6R Limited has the same extras as the 2.5GT Limited. Many standard features on higher trim levels can be specified as options on lower trims. Exclusive to Limited models is an optional voice-activated navigation system that's bundled with an iPod/USB input, Bluetooth and streaming Bluetooth audio, and a back-up camera. A sunroof is a stand-alone option on all but the base 2.5i. Powertrains and Performance The all-wheel-drive 2010 Subaru Legacy offers no fewer than three engines and three transmissions. The base 2.5-liter horizontally opposed (a.k.a. "boxer") four-cylinder engine makes 170 horsepower and 170 pound-feet of torque.
A six-speed manual transmission is standard on the base 2.5i and 2.5i Premium models, while a continuously variable transmission (CVT) with manual shift control is optional on those models and standard on the 2.5i Limited. Legacy 2.5i models are also available with top-tier PZEV tailpipe emission certification. The 2.5GT models boast a turbocharged version of the 2.5-liter four that cranks out 265 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque on premium fuel. Notably, the 2.5GT is available only with a six-speed manual. The 3.6R models are powered by a 3.6-liter horizontally opposed six-cylinder engine that generates 256 hp and 247 lb-ft of torque on regular fuel. A five-speed automatic is the only available transmission. EPA fuel economy estimates are at their best with the CVT-equipped 2.5i; you can expect 23 mpg city and 31 mpg highway with this combo. Opting for the six-speed manual drops those numbers to 19/27 mpg. The Legacy 2.5GT and 3.6R both have a less impressive 18/25 mpg rating.
Safety Standard safety equipment on the Legacy includes antilock disc brakes with brake assist, stability control, front seat side airbags and side curtain airbags. In Insurance Institute for Highway Safety crash tests, the Legacy earned a top score of "Good" for its protection of occupants in both frontal-offset and side-impact collisions. Interior Design and Special Features The Legacy's interior design is sleek and sophisticated, but you better like silver paint, because the V-shaped center stack is covered with it. Though the interior plastics look upscale, most of them are hard to the touch and lack the more upscale feel found in models like the Ford Fusion and VW Passat.
A sporty three-spoke steering wheel hints at this Subaru's above-average athleticism. The seats are comfortable and the Legacy's newly enlarged dimensions pay dividends in passenger space, particularly in back where legroom increases by nearly 4 inches. Technophiles will appreciate the optional navigation system, which is part of a gadget suite that includes an iPod jack and streaming Bluetooth audio. Unfortunately, you have to ante up for the top-of-the-line Limited trim in order to activate this option. Trunk space is an average 14.7 cubic feet.
Driving Impressions Despite its pumped-up size, the 2010 Subaru Legacy is still one of the better-handling family sedans on the market, thanks to a willing chassis and tenacious all-wheel-drive traction. The ride is laudably smooth thanks in part to a new double-wishbone rear suspension. Drivers expecting the 2.5GT model to be a sleeper sport sedan will be disappointed, though, as it has the same soft suspension tuning as all other Legacys.
The base 2.5-liter engine won't elicit any grins, but its power is certainly adequate for most folks. Subaru's new CVT works notably well and is actually the recommended transmission here, as it provides ideal gearing for both fuel economy and acceleration when needed. The 2.5GT's turbocharged engine is much more of a thrill, though the mandatory manual transmission will limit its appeal. That leaves the new 3.6-liter flat-6 as the main draw for those wanting some punch. Thankfully, it's a big upgrade over last year's 3.0-liter engine, delivering snappy acceleration along with an enjoyable engine note that's vaguely similar to that of the Porsche 911.
Source :
http://www.edmunds.com/subaru/legacy/2010/review.html,
http://www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/subaru-legacy,
car and review 2009 magazine.
Pics source :
http://www.motortrend.com
http://www.subaruinformation.blogspot.com
http://www.arrigodcj.com
The Legacy also serves as Subaru's flagship car.In 1995, Subaru created a raised, crossover version of the Legacy wagon called the Legacy Outback. It is unique in its class for offering all wheel drive as a standard feature, and Subaru's traditional boxer engine. The Legacy bears the name Liberty in Australia out of deference for Legacy Australia, a veterans' assistance organization. As of 2008, 3.6 million Legacies have been built since its 1989 introduction. Subaru Legacy (fifth generation) Production of the fifth generation Legacy began the last week of May 2009 at the Indiana location.
Dashboard
Interior SeatIn the UK, only the wagon is offered, with engine choices limited to the Subaru EE20 turbodiesel or the EJ25. In Europe, the EJ20 is still offered in both the sedan and a wagon, alongside the EE20 turbodiesel and the EJ25. The EE20 turbodiesel is available in Australia in the Outback. The European and UK Legacy EE20 diesel, the EJ20 and the EJ25 gasoline engines are Euro 5 emission standard compliant. The side windows are no longer frameless, ending a Subaru tradition started with the first generation Leone in the early 1970s.
The “D” pillar on the wagon is no longer covered in glass, also ending a design tradition established with the first generation, borrowed from the Subaru XT. A center console mounted hand brake has been replaced with an electric handbrake switch installed on the dashboard. Stereo control and climate control buttons as well as the CVT gear selector are oriented to either left- or right-hand driving, meaning commonly used functions are placed closer to the driver, such as volume adjustment on the stereo, or the "Auto" function on the climate control unit.
Manual control of the CVT transmission is done by pulling the gear selector lever towards the driver. Bilstein struts are still offered in Japan, the UK, Europe and Australia as either standard or optional equipment based on trim packages offered in the specified markets except North America. G-Book, a vehicle telematics service, is offered optionally on all Legacies sold in Japan. This is the ninth Subaru vehicle to offer a CVT transmission; the first was the Subaru Justy (1987–1994), followed by the Subaru Rex (1987–1992), the Subaru Vivio (1992–1998), the Subaru Pleo (1998–current), the Subaru R1 coupe (2004–current), the Subaru R2 5-door hatchback (2003–current), the Subaru Sambar (1990–1995 only), and the Subaru Exiga starting September 2009. In 2009, a Subaru Legacy concept was designed to commemorate 20th anniversary of the model, reported to be the basis of the production version of the then upcoming fifth generation Subaru Legacy. The concept vehicle was unveiled at the 2009 Detroit Auto Show.
Performance enhancements The EZ series of flat-6 cylinder engines, used in current Legacy products, replaced the EGSeries found in the Subaru SVX. Subaru has produced high performance versions of the Legacy with a Bilstein suspension and tuned turbocharged engines equivalent to the homologized rally version WRX STI (generating 205 kW (275 hp) on manufacturer's figures for the 2.0 L equivalent engine with manual transmission). Recent 3.0 L engines move close to the 2.0 L turbo output and share the Bilstein suspension. 2.0 L-engined turbocharged models with the Bilstein suspension were named either the GT-B (for wagons), or Spec B, or RSK-B4 (for sedans). The new 2003 model moved many models to simply B4 or even GT in some countries. In Australia, the 2.5GT (SatNav) marks the top of the pile for the Legacy/Liberty range. In North America, early sporty models were known simply as the Sport Sedan and Touring Wagon. Later models were given the GT and GT Limited nomenclature. The 2006 Legacy model brought forth a limited run of 500 Spec B models. Starting in 2007 the Spec B became a regular production model (albeit a somewhat limited run). All Spec B models feature an improved suspension system by Bilstein, navigation system (making the Spec. B the sole MT Legacy to get one), exclusive (to the Spec B) interior, 18" wheels, and additional aesthetic modifications. 2006 Spec B models have a 5 speed manual transmission while 2007-on models have a 6-speed manual transmission. (Review by: http://www.en.wikipedia.org)
Another review by KC Colwell , Article from Car and Driver 2009 Magazine descripting : The previous generation Legacy sedan had standard all wheel drive and fairly zesty chassis,along with the enthusiast’ option of a high power turbo GT model.However, it suffered from weak fuel economy and a tight back seat.Indeed,the Legacy sacrificed practical corncerns for fun. The new,fifth generation AWD Legacy still available in base,GT,and R versions is larger than its predecessor in every dimension. Noteworthy is a 3.2 inch stretch in the wheelbase (now 108.3) and a lengthening of 1.4 inches (186.4). Interior space has been generously increased. Passenger volume is up 12 cubic feet, eight of it in the back, to 102.
Those rear seats have excellent thigh support, and there’s plenty of head and legroom, even for passengers well over six feet. With the space gain, though, comes roughly 65 pounds of added weight; it now maxes out at 3600 pounds. The same 170 hp flat four soldiers on as the base engine, though now it is hooked to a six speed manual or a cvt, both new. The six speed’s sloopy shifter disappointed us,but the CVT surprised us.It manages to keep the revs low when cruising;also,the golf cart lazy acceleration that is often associated with CVTs has been kept to a minimum. According to the car’s fuel economy gauge, the CVT delivers on the 31 mpg highway claim (the CVT is rated at 23 in the city). Powering the Legacy GT is a slightly different version of the turbocharged, 2.5 liter flat four found in the slice and dice Impreza WRX, making 265 horsepower in both cars.
Subaru has determined that people interested in the quick,turbocharged Legacy GT will not be interested in a slushbox,so it comes with a six speed manual only. The R model swaps the old 3.0 liter flat six for the Tribeca’s 3.6 liter flat six making 256 horses. In this case, a five speed automatic is the only transmission available.The three spoke steering wheel has a nicely weighted feel,is adjustable for both rake and reach to enhance driver comfort,and features excellent on center feel.Beneath the new body its most striking feature is the squared off fender arches is an overhauled chassis. With a strut type suspension in front and a new multilink setup out back, the mid size Legacy proves to be a smooth cruiser on the highway and a capable back road sweeper despite retaining a healthy amount of body roll. Our drive route featured some of the smoothest roads in North America , and they weren’t Stelvio Pass squiggly.Even so,this legacy will hustle down a two laner at the pace,or quicker, of a Mazda 6 or a Honda Accord. The new Legacy goes on sale as you read this.The 2.5 GT, our favorite , will run 28,690 us dollar, undercutting the less efficient and front wheel drive Honda Accord LX (21 mpg city, 30 highway) by 725 us dollar.That’s hardly a sacrifice. Vehicle Type : Front engine, 4 wheel drive, 5 passenger, 4 door sedan.
Best Price : 20,690 us dollar – 28,690 us dollar Engine : SOHC 16 valve 2.5 liter flat 4,170 hp,170 lb-ft; DOHC 24 valve 3.6 liter flat 6, 256 hp, 247 lb-ft; turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 16 valve 2.5 liter flat 4, 265 hp,258 lb-ft. Transmissions : Continuosly variable automatic with manumatic shifting, 5 speed automatic with manumatic shifting, 6 speed manual. Dimensions : Wheelbase; 108.3 in Length; 186.4 in Width; 71.7 in Height; 59.3 in Curb weight;3300-3600 lb Performance Zero to 60 mph; 5.1-8.6 sec Standing ¼ mile; 13.9-16.5 sec Top speed (governor limited); 130-135 mph FuelEconomy EPA city/highway driving;18-23/25-31 mpg.
More review by: http://www.edmunds.com, tell us that the redesigned 2010 Subaru Legacy offers standard all-wheel drive and above-average performance in a significantly larger package. If you like the look of it, it's a solid choice.Standard all-wheel drive, sleek interior design, diverse engine and transmission choices, powerful turbocharged engine on 2.5GT trim. Polarizing styling, no automatic transmission available with the turbocharged engine, 3.6-liter engine's lackluster fuel economy.The 2010 Subaru Legacy has been fully redesigned. Highlights include a roomier and updated interior, more powerful engines and dramatic new styling.
2010 Subaru Legacy Vehicle Overview Introduction The new, fully redesigned 2010 Subaru Legacy is a stylistic departure from its predecessors, to put it mildly. Its steroidal fender flares are equal parts Mercedes-Benz S-Class and J.C. Whitney, and its large headlights and slablike front end wouldn't look out of place on a crossover SUV. While previous Legacy shapes ranged from inoffensive to downright sleek, this one is a bit more controversial. We hope consumers will warm to the Legacy's new skin, though, because underneath, there's a lot to like about Subaru's heavily updated midsize sedan.
As expected, every 2010 Legacy comes standard with all-wheel drive, a feature that has helped to make Subaru a fixture in America's snowbelt. Also expected are the Legacy's significantly expanded dimensions, as the previous model was hampered by its relatively tight cabin. Following in the footsteps of the Honda Accord and Mazda 6, both of which plumped out with their latest redesigns, the new Legacy gains 3.3 inches in height, 3.5 inches in width and 3.2 inches of wheelbase compared to the 2009 Legacy. On the inside, this yields substantial gains in head-, shoulder-, hip- and legroom. Nonetheless, the car only grows by just 1.4 inches in overall length and gains about 50 more pounds in curb weight, so the Legacy's historically above-average maneuverability hasn't been overly compromised. Another Legacy hallmark in recent years has been its diverse array of powertrain choices, and the 2010 Legacy carries on this tradition as well.
The base 2.5-liter "boxer" (horizontally opposed) four-cylinder engine will be adequate for many buyers, but those with a greater need for speed will be heartened to find two optional engines -- a revised turbocharged version of the boxer-4 that promises to be the sporty pick of the bunch, and a new, smooth-running 3.6-liter horizontally opposed six-cylinder engine that packs a lot more punch than last year's 3.0-liter flat-6. With either of the upgraded power plants, the Legacy can be seen as a budget-priced alternative to premium all-wheel-drive sport sedans from Germany and Japan.
In addition to its larger cabin, distinctive powertrains and standard all-wheel drive, the 2010 Subaru Legacy features a modern interior that can be outfitted with a full range of electronic gadgetry for buyers so inclined. In the crowded midsize sedan segment, these traits should help set the Legacy apart. We'd still advise you to test-drive the Ford Fusion, Honda Accord, Mazda 6, Nissan Altima and Volkswagen's CC and Passat, paying particular attention to interior design and feature availability. But as long as the Legacy's edgy new look doesn't rub you the wrong way, it should definitely be on your short list of family-oriented four-doors. Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options.
The 2010 Subaru Legacy is a five-passenger midsize sedan offered in base 2.5i, 2.5i Premium, 2.5i Limited, 2.5GT Premium, 2.5GT Limited, 3.6R, 3.6R Premium and 3.6R Limited trim levels. The base 2.5i comes standard with 16-inch steel wheels, air-conditioning, a height-adjustable driver seat, a tilt-telescoping steering wheel with integrated audio controls, a 60/40-split fold-down rear seat, an electronic parking brake and a four-speaker stereo with CD player and auxiliary audio jack. The 2.5i Premium trim steps up to 16-inch alloy wheels, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, an eight-way power driver seat and an auto up/down driver window.
The 2.5i Limited adds 17-inch alloy wheels, a four-way power passenger seat, an All Weather package (includes a windshield wiper de-icer, heated side mirrors and heated front seats), dual-zone automatic climate control, leather upholstery, Bluetooth and a nine-speaker Harman Kardon audio system. The 2.5GT Premium starts with the 2.5i Premium's equipment and adds the turbocharged four-cylinder engine, 18-inch alloy wheels, performance tires, larger brakes a hood scoop and the All Weather package. The 2.5GT Limited tacks on the power passenger seat, automatic climate control and leather upholstery. The 3.6R starts with the base 2.5i's equipment and adds the 3.6-liter flat-6 engine and 17-inch alloy wheels. The 3.6R Premium adds the 2.5i Premium's extra features except for the wheels, which remain 17-inch alloys, and it also gets the All Weather package.
The 3.6R Limited has the same extras as the 2.5GT Limited. Many standard features on higher trim levels can be specified as options on lower trims. Exclusive to Limited models is an optional voice-activated navigation system that's bundled with an iPod/USB input, Bluetooth and streaming Bluetooth audio, and a back-up camera. A sunroof is a stand-alone option on all but the base 2.5i. Powertrains and Performance The all-wheel-drive 2010 Subaru Legacy offers no fewer than three engines and three transmissions. The base 2.5-liter horizontally opposed (a.k.a. "boxer") four-cylinder engine makes 170 horsepower and 170 pound-feet of torque.
A six-speed manual transmission is standard on the base 2.5i and 2.5i Premium models, while a continuously variable transmission (CVT) with manual shift control is optional on those models and standard on the 2.5i Limited. Legacy 2.5i models are also available with top-tier PZEV tailpipe emission certification. The 2.5GT models boast a turbocharged version of the 2.5-liter four that cranks out 265 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque on premium fuel. Notably, the 2.5GT is available only with a six-speed manual. The 3.6R models are powered by a 3.6-liter horizontally opposed six-cylinder engine that generates 256 hp and 247 lb-ft of torque on regular fuel. A five-speed automatic is the only available transmission. EPA fuel economy estimates are at their best with the CVT-equipped 2.5i; you can expect 23 mpg city and 31 mpg highway with this combo. Opting for the six-speed manual drops those numbers to 19/27 mpg. The Legacy 2.5GT and 3.6R both have a less impressive 18/25 mpg rating.
Safety Standard safety equipment on the Legacy includes antilock disc brakes with brake assist, stability control, front seat side airbags and side curtain airbags. In Insurance Institute for Highway Safety crash tests, the Legacy earned a top score of "Good" for its protection of occupants in both frontal-offset and side-impact collisions. Interior Design and Special Features The Legacy's interior design is sleek and sophisticated, but you better like silver paint, because the V-shaped center stack is covered with it. Though the interior plastics look upscale, most of them are hard to the touch and lack the more upscale feel found in models like the Ford Fusion and VW Passat.
A sporty three-spoke steering wheel hints at this Subaru's above-average athleticism. The seats are comfortable and the Legacy's newly enlarged dimensions pay dividends in passenger space, particularly in back where legroom increases by nearly 4 inches. Technophiles will appreciate the optional navigation system, which is part of a gadget suite that includes an iPod jack and streaming Bluetooth audio. Unfortunately, you have to ante up for the top-of-the-line Limited trim in order to activate this option. Trunk space is an average 14.7 cubic feet.
Driving Impressions Despite its pumped-up size, the 2010 Subaru Legacy is still one of the better-handling family sedans on the market, thanks to a willing chassis and tenacious all-wheel-drive traction. The ride is laudably smooth thanks in part to a new double-wishbone rear suspension. Drivers expecting the 2.5GT model to be a sleeper sport sedan will be disappointed, though, as it has the same soft suspension tuning as all other Legacys.
The base 2.5-liter engine won't elicit any grins, but its power is certainly adequate for most folks. Subaru's new CVT works notably well and is actually the recommended transmission here, as it provides ideal gearing for both fuel economy and acceleration when needed. The 2.5GT's turbocharged engine is much more of a thrill, though the mandatory manual transmission will limit its appeal. That leaves the new 3.6-liter flat-6 as the main draw for those wanting some punch. Thankfully, it's a big upgrade over last year's 3.0-liter engine, delivering snappy acceleration along with an enjoyable engine note that's vaguely similar to that of the Porsche 911.
Source :
http://www.edmunds.com/subaru/legacy/2010/review.html,
http://www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/subaru-legacy,
car and review 2009 magazine.
Pics source :
http://www.motortrend.com
http://www.subaruinformation.blogspot.com
http://www.arrigodcj.com
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