Subaru Legacy back in the middleweight fray

Choosing a middleweight performance sedan that doesn’t plot the same course as the rest is about to get a whole lot easier, now that Subaru Southern Africa having announced the introduction of a potent new 3.6-litre version of the nameplate that moved the brand onto the world stage. The 191 kW/350 Nm Subaru Legacy 3.6R, a new flagship for the brand, will be in local showrooms by the middle of March.

The arrival of the sixth generation version continues a heritage of intelligent engineering coupled to all-round dynamic excellence which has always made Legacy stand out amongst similarly-sized rivals.  Key to this is the combination of Boxer engine – in this instance a six-cylinder version – and the ongoing evolution of the Symmetrical All Wheel Drive platform. It remains a unique combination of attributes and the logical layout for a powerful performance sedan.

Buyers can also look forward to a generous level of equipment and luxury features, in line with the brand’s philosophy of providing a full-house offering. Everything needed for effortless, brisk cruising is fitted as standard.

But for the BF4 generation of Legacy, Subaru has focused on adding emotional appeal and refinement, fusing it with the functional attributes – such as quality, reliability, ruggedness and engineering-driven design – that are Legacy traits.

“Intelligence has always been part of the Legacy philosophy, and this is apparent in features such as Si-Drive and other driver aids, advanced transmission and drivetrain technology, and both passive and dynamic safety,” explains Subaru Southern Africa’s Marketing Manager, Ashley Lazarus. “The new version is designed to be a more engaging car on an emotional and tactile level, starting with a sleeker, sportier shape and a purposeful countenance underpinned by the new grille. It continues on the inside with a more driver-centric cockpit and an upmarket yet sporty persona.

“The result is a car which continues to instil trust and confidence, but with a bold look and feel which clearly says, ‘drive me’. Adding features such as Active Torque Vectoring and a Lineartronic transmission configured for driving pleasure will ensure that it lives up to that promise.”

The new Subaru Legacy 3.6R is expected to be priced at approximately R 530 000, including a 3 year/75 000 full maintenance plan.