* Fresh, modern styling for longer, wider, taller Legacy Sports Tourer
* Peerless all-weather traction from updated Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive
* More room inside high-quality cabin, and up to 1,726-litres of luggage space
* Recently awarded a 5-Star Euro NCAP crash safety rating
On sale from 1 December, the Legacy Sports Tourer features a bold new look, increased space and comfort for all occupants, improved dynamics and refinement, and enhanced safety.
The Legacy Sports Tourer offers the combination of Horizontally-Opposed ‘Boxer’ diesel engine and Symmetrical AWD (All-Wheel-Drive). This well-proven set-up, further refined by Subaru’s engineers for the fifth-generation car, has made successive generations of Legacy Tourer the preferred choice for motorists seeking a practical family car that delivers rewarding yet secure handling in all weather conditions.
The Legacy Sports Tourer exudes on-road presence thanks to a bold front-end design and an increase in overall dimensions: the car is wider (by 50mm), taller (by 65mm) and longer (by 55mm).
The new grille (complete with ‘wing motif’) flanked by elongated headlights is both modern and instantly recognizable as a Subaru. Prominent wheel-arches hint at the impressive power running through the Symmetrical AWD system, while the strong belt line and a chrome-rimmed glass-house give the Legacy Sports Tourer a premium feel.
The luxurious and spacious interior has been completely redesigned to give occupants more room and to improve comfort levels. For example, front headroom has risen by 21mm over the previous model, and legroom for rear-seat passengers increases by 99mm, aided by an 80mm increase in wheelbase.
Key to the Legacy’s sustained appeal over the years has been the practicality it offers buyers, and the latest incarnation is no different. Boasting a generous 526 litres of stowage capacity with the 60/40 split rear seats in place, the new model offers an additional 67 litres over its predecessor. Fold the rear pews flat, and a cavernous 1,677-litre cargo hold is created.
Subaru has adopted a revised MacPherson strut front suspension design, with the lower arm mounted on the sub-frame for greater stability and refinement. The thickness of the stabilizer (anti-roll) bar has also been increased, improving roll resistance and offering even greater agility.
Underneath the ‘new-look’ styling, the New Legacy Sports Tourer has a completely re-engineered all-steel unitary structure that delivers the highest crash safety performance. The vehicle was recently awarded a 5-Star Euro NCAP crash safety rating.
Legacy’s loyal customer base of over 3.6 million buyers worldwide has come to expect high levels of standard specification, and the latest version will not disappoint. Standard features include 18” alloy wheels, tilt-and-slide sunroof, leather interior, heated front seats, six CD tuner with RDS and six speakers, dual-zone automatic air-conditioning, cruise control, Bluetooth connectivity, and automatic activation for wipers and headlights.
COMFORT AND CONVENIENCE
The Legacy Sports Tourer features dual-zone, fully automatic air-conditioning with an anti-dust filter and heating ducts to the rear passenger foot wells. A premium audio system, with a radio/CD player, six speakers (including two tweeters) and steering wheel-mounted remote controls, is standard. For the New Legacy Sports Tourer, radio reception has been significantly improved by the fitting of two high performance antennas within the rear window glass.
The audio systems are MP3 compatible and a Bluetooth* hands-free system is fitted as standard. Voice activation from the hands-free microphone allows users to make phone calls, specify navigation destinations and operate the audio appliances.
Facing the New Legacy Sports Tourer driver, the new instrument panel integrates clarity, functionality and a visual richness in keeping with the premium character of the new model. Four dials are ringed in aluminum and feature an additional liquid crystal display panel in the center. The dials and the display are illuminated constantly, even in daytime, to improve visibility. The dials appear white with the ignition off and turn light blue with the ignition on. When the ignition is switched on, the gauge needles sweep to the maximum position and then quickly return to zero – heightening the excitement and anticipation of the journey to come. A glow indicator, sedimenter warning light and diesel particulate filter warning light are also on display.
The new Multi-Information Display (MID) is positioned on the center stack’s upper surface so that it can be viewed from all seats. The MID shows ambient temperature, fuel consumption information (instantaneous fuel efficiency, average fuel efficiency, driving range to empty), passenger seat belt warning lights and a digital clock.
Major controls in the New Legacy Sports Tourer are laid out to minimize both the intrusion into the driver’s line of sight and the time the driver’s hands are away from the steering wheel. Minor controls and switches are positioned to optimize ease-of-use.
*Bluetooth is a registered trademark of Bluetooth
PRACTICALITY
The cabin is also longer, wider and taller than that of its predecessor, facilitating improvements in comfort and practicality. The interior also demonstrates lessons learned in Subaru’s latest ‘packaging innovation’ research programmed.
Larger seats are fitted to make best-use of the increased space around each occupant. The space between the front seats has increased by 30 mm and the between the front and rear seats is increased by 62 mm. The rear seat backrest is split 60/40% and folds flat to offer the best people/cargo carrying versatility. With the rear seats upright, cargo capacity is increased by 67 litres to 526 litres.
Larger rear doors result in improved access to the rear seats, and detailed attention to the window shapes and pillar layouts ensures a greater feeling of ‘openness’ for the rear seat occupants in the New Legacy Sports Tourer.
While the width and height of the luggage bay were increased, the depth of the lip between the rear bumper and cargo was reduced slightly to ensure it is easier for users to load and unload heavy items when lifting them into the interior. The tailgate, which is 33mm wider and 45mm taller than before for easier access, features an electromagnetic switch for easy opening with a light touch, aided by twin supporting gas struts.
The new front seats have concave backrests to provide extra knee space for rear seat occupants. The rear seat features a folding center armrest with twin cup holders, and the backrests can be reclined for greater comfort during long journeys. A remote one-touch mechanism conveniently located in the cargo bay side panel enables the backrests to be folded flat in one simple operation from the rear tailgate when loading long items.
The designers also paid attention to create generously sized, easy-to-use storage space for smaller items – with capacity increased by 39 litres over the previous model.
A larger glovebox will accept 31 CDs, while the new double-decker center console, which can accommodate 22 CDs, incorporates a 12V power supply and AUX audio input socket.
Two cup-holders are provided alongside the center console, while a 500 ml plastic bottle can be stored in all door pockets. A 50 mm thick box of tissues can also be accommodated in the front door pockets. A central overhead console is provided for storage of sunglasses and small items.
Interior Dimensions (mm)
Headroom (front) 1024
(rear) 951
Legroom (front) 1091
(rear) 960
Shoulder room (front) 1430
(rear) 1426
Hip room (front) 1384
(rear) 1370
Cargo space (seats up) 526
(seats folded) 1726
Cargo width 1090
Cargo height 815
Cargo depth* 1070
*length front-to-rear
ENGINES
In March 2008, Subaru introduced the ‘Boxer Diesel’, the world’s first horizontally-opposed diesel engine for volume-produced passenger cars. The 1,998 cc diesel produces a maximum output of 150 ps and maximum torque of 350 Nm between 1,800 and 2,400 rpm.
Now, for the New Legacy Sports Tourer, this unique engine benefits from several technical refinements and enhanced environmentally-friendly features. The shape of the piston crowns has been changed for a wider, shallower design. This, in conjunction with improvements made to gas flow within the combustion chamber have improved combustion efficiency and reduced the production of particulate matter. A ‘lift sensor’ has been added to the variable nozzle turbocharger for more precise control of the vanes.
The glow plugs have been changed from a metallic type to a ceramic type, raising the maximum operating temperature and providing better start-up at cold temperatures.
Control of the fuel injection has been optimised and the intake manifold has been redesigned in resin for improved airflow for improved torque characteristics and fuel efficiency. An added benefit of the new resin construction is the 1.5kg weight reduction over the previous aluminum version.
A single exhaust silencer has been used to optimize engine output and noise levels, while also saving weight. The addition of a vibration absorbing structure in the middle of main exhaust pipe also reduces noise levels.
The Subaru Boxer Diesel is fitted with a closed-type diesel particulate filter (DPF) that features a honeycomb shaped filter made of silicon carbide. The DPF, which is positioned low down with the turbocharger to maintain the car’s low center of gravity, improves engine combustion efficiency and reduces particulate matter in the exhaust, further enhancing environmental friendliness.
And finally, the exhaust gas recirculate (EGR) cooler has been enlarged to improve the system’s efficiency by 12% – lowering NOx emissions to ensure that the New Legacy complies with Euro 5 exhaust gas regulations.
TRANSMISSION AND DRIVE TRAIN
Standard transmission is a new manual six-speed unit. This compact transmission is the same length as the previous five-speed unit and weighs just five kg more.
Improvements featured in the new transmission include a cable-type linkage and a carbon synchronize for the first and second ratios, constantly-engaged synchromesh for reverse gear, to improve the shift feel and optimised lubrication paths for reduced friction losses. The broader ratio coverage provided by the six-speed unit delivers better fuel economy, plus improved drivability and quietness at higher speeds.
Full-time ‘Symmetrical’ AWD – the Subaru hallmark
While numerous aspects of the New Legacy Sports Tourer are indeed ‘all-new’, the Symmetrical AWD (All-Wheel-Drive) system is carried over, giving the new model all the traction advantages for which the Subaru brand is famous.
Four-wheel drive is delivered by a ‘Center differential AWD with viscous LSD’ system. This combines a bevel-gear-type center differential with the basic 50/50% front/rear, torque distribution and a viscous coupling limited slip differential. When a front wheel or rear wheel slips, the viscous coupling raises the torque distribution to other wheels to ensure optimum traction.
The Legacy Sports Tourer is equipped with Subaru’s Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) system. This is an electronic stability control programmed (ESC) that closely monitors vehicle behavior and automatically corrects excessive understeer and over steer, by braking individual wheels and/or reducing engine power, to ensure that vehicle follows the course intended by the driver, ensuring maximum safety.
RUNNING GEAR
New suspension, sub-frame and power steering
Following the strong traditional of the ‘Subaru Dynamic Chassis Control Concept’, engineers devised and developed the chassis and running gear for the New Legacy Sports Tourer to feature many new and updated components. Their aim was to create a new Subaru that was exceptionally comfortable and safe to drive for long periods, and over many years of ownership, while also guaranteeing good drivability, high performance and genuine motoring pleasure.
To reduce noise, vibrations and harshness (NVH), and to enhance ride comfort, the engine mounting structure has been entirely renewed. An all-new ‘Cradle Mount System’ was adopted where the engine and transmission are mounted on a sub-frame – rather than directly to the bodyshell. This system brings numerous benefits.
The sub-frame is attached to the bodyshell using rubber bushes, especially tuned to dampen different frequencies of vibrations generated by the engine, transmission and suspension. For example, the main cushion rubber uses a liquid-filled type of bush, and the engine is supported on the subframe at four widely-spread points.
In addition, the front suspension and the power steering are mounted on the sub-frame, so that potential vibrations from the road surface are not easily transferred to the bodyshell or the car’s occupants – improving ride comfort and refinement.
New front and rear suspension
For the New Legacy Sports Tourer, Subaru has adopted a revised MacPherson strut front suspension, with the lower arm mounted on the sub-frame for greater stability. Steering response is enhanced, and quietness is increased by reducing vibrations. The thickness of the stabilizer (anti-roll) bar is increased, improving roll stiffness without requiring a change to the main spring rates. Road-holding during cornering is enhanced (thanks in part to a wider track), while smooth ride comfort is retained with extended wheel travel and optimised geometry.
At the rear, new ‘short height’ compact double-wishbone suspension is used to minimize intrusion into the cabin or cargo space. For maximum refinement, all the suspension links and the rear differential are installed on a new sub-frame. Large bushes are used between the sub-frame and the bodyshell to minimize transfer of NVH.
To achieve an ideal ride/handling balance, Bilstein dampers are fitted, front and rear. These dampers are tuned exclusively to match the characteristics of the standard 18-inch wheels and tyres, (225/45R18 tyres) ensuring a sense of ‘solidity and stability’ in fast driving, without loss of smoothness.
New electronic parking brake and hill-hold function
The all-disc braking system, with ABS and EBD (Electric Brake-force Distribution) as standard, has a linear feel with retardation corresponding closely to applied brake pedal pressure. A redesigned master cylinder gives a 30% faster response to driver inputs on the brake pedal.
Brake Assist is also standard, developing maximum stopping power automatically when the system detects emergency application of the brakes.
For the New Legacy Sports Tourer, an innovative electronic parking brake is used. Controlled by a dashboard mounted switch, the new system does away with the traditional hand brake, freeing up cabin space and allowing a cleaner, less cluttered center console design. If the doors are closed and the driver’s seat belt is fastened then the parking brake will automatically release when the driver operates the accelerator pedal.
The new braking system also introduces a ‘Hill-Hold’ function. When the vehicle is stopped on a slope of 5% or more this feature will hold the vehicle on the brakes for one second after the driver removes their foot from the clutch – long enough to move it to the accelerator without rolling back; a feature that is particularly useful when towing.
STRUCTURE AND SAFETY
As well as ‘new-look’ styling, larger dimensions and new suspension, the New Legacy Sports Tourer has a completely reviewed and re-engineered bodyshell. The all-steel unitary structure is refined to enhance ride, handling and refinement, while also delivering the highest level of crash safety performance. The New Legacy Sports Tourer was recently awarded a 5-Star Euro NCAP crash safety rating, confirming that Subaru’s structural and safety engineers have achieved their targets for this new model.
Newly developed, the bodyshell is both lighter and stiffer, featuring ring-shaped reinforcement frames – ‘circular links’ – joining the A, B, C and D-pillars with cross members at roof and floor level. This creates a series of ‘circular links’ which strongly protects the cabin occupants. Ultra-high-strength steel plate (980 Mpa level) is used at key portions of the bodyshell to achieve strength without adding significantly to overall weight.
By fully exploiting the structural characteristics of the newly adopted sub-frame mounting system, the front body structure is redesigned to improve the rigidity of the front suspension installation and to enhance impact resistance as well as steering response. These improvements, and reinforcement of the engine bay bulkhead and toe board areas, were accomplished while also saving 6 kg from the front body panels.
The rear floor structure has also been optimised to accommodate the new sub-frame and to reduce weight while increasing rigidity, further improving rear suspension characteristics and vehicle drivability.
Delivering ‘5-Star’ crash safety protection
Using the advanced ring-shaped reinforcements throughout the New Legacy Sports Tourer bodyshell enhances collision safety and resistance to impacts from all directions. In addition, the newly adopted ‘cradle mount’ sub-frame mounting system contributes to an enlarged front-end crush zone, further improving occupant protection and the Euro NCAP test performance.
During a front-end collision, the new front ‘cradle mount’ sub-frame deforms in a controlled manner and pushes the power unit downwards to the rear. As a result, the rearward movement of such a large mass dissipates impact energy and assists the efficient absorption of collision energy by the main body structure.
To enhance side-impact protection, ultra-high-strength steel plate (980 Mpa level) is used for the B-pillar and side sill structures to improve the local cabin area rigidity. In addition, two door impact beams are placed within each front and rear door. By optimally positioning the beams in relation to the door’s internal structure, a sufficient crush space is ensured to minimize intrusion. Furthermore, a ‘door catcher’ is fitted to the bottom of the rear door to prevent it intruding into the cabin.
Despite the relatively short rear overhang, the New Legacy’s structure is optimised so that rear impact energy is efficiently absorbed by controlled and gradual crushing of the rear sub-frames.
‘Passive’ safety advances that also benefit pedestrians
While a robust structure can form the foundation for a truly safe car, Subaru has also ensured that the New Legacy Sports Tourer is comprehensively kitted out with a full range of both ‘passive’ and ‘active’ safety equipment – as the best way to prevent occupant injury is to overcome the hazards of daily motoring and avoid any accident in the first place.
The new front seats have significantly-increased frame and inner-structure stiffness to provide protection against whiplash injuries. New-design, energy-absorbing head restraints offer greater protection by reducing head impact forces.
Front dual, side and curtain airbags are fitted as standard on all models. The side and curtain airbags are enlarged for enhanced performance, and the airbag impact sensors have been upgraded to improve responses.
To protect the driver’s knee and lower leg, the steering column’s structure has been redesigned with an impact-absorption space, and a knee protector is fitted. All the foot pedals have a collapsible function (above a pre-set g-force) to reduce the likelihood of foot injuries.
The issue of pedestrian protection has also been addressed. New, impact-absorbing materials and an optimised structure around the front bumper have been designed to exceed the European next-generation pedestrian protection standards, which are the most stringent in the world.
Although steel is used for the hood (to maximize protection of the car’s occupants), the impact-absorbing space beneath the hood and above the low boxer engine is enlarged, and the structure is improved around the body cowl to reduce possible injury to a pedestrian.
EQUIPMENT
Standard Equipment
Exterior
Body-coloured bumpers
Body-coloured door mirrors housings
Body-coloured door handles
Electric folding, heated door mirrors with LED indicators
HID head lamps with power washers and automatic self-leveling
Front fog lights
UV protected front, side and rear glass
Intermittent rear wash/wiper
18-inch alloy wheels with 225/45R18 tyres
Bilstein suspension
Powered glass tilt-n-slide sunroof with interior sunshade
Sports front bumper and grille
Black headlamp housings
Interior
Welcome lights front and rear
Leather upholstery and trim
Tilt and telescopic steering wheel adjustment
Steering wheel mounted audio and cruise controls
Leather-wrapped steering and gear selector
10-way electrically adjustable driver’s seat with memory
Adjustable lumbar support
Driver’s seatback storage pocket
Front passenger seatback storage pocket
Heated front seats
Aluminum foot pedals
Carbon-fibre effect interior trims
Driver and passenger illuminated vanity mirrors
Front map reading lights and cascade lighting
Electric windows front and rear
Adjustable dashboard illumination
Multi Information Display
Multi-function cent re console with 12v power outlet
Front and rear cup-holders
60/40 spilt rear seat with center armrest
Retractable luggage cover
Comfort and Convenience
Automatic dusk-sensing headlamps
Automatic rain-sensing wipers
Dual-zone automatic air-conditioning
Cruise control
Bluetooth connectivity
Eco driving ‘change-up’ indicator
Gear-in-use indicator
Six CD tuner with RDS and six speakers
Speed-adjusting automatic volume control
AUX input socket in center console
Audible headlights on reminder
Remote fuel flap release
Hill start assist linked to VDC system
Safety
Front, front side and curtain air bags
Vehicle Dynamics Control stability system
Traction Control
ABS, EBD and EBA braking systems
AWD full-time all-wheel drive system
Electronic push/pull handbrake
Security
Remote central locking with deadlocks
High security integrated audio system
Rolling code ECU immobilisers
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION
Engine
2.0-litre / 150 ps Diesel
Name Subaru Boxer Diesel
Type DOHC, horizontally opposed ‘flat four’, with VGT
Capacity 2.0-litres, 1,998 cc
Bore & Stroke 86.0 x 86.0 mm
Compression ratio 16.0:1
Max power 150 ps (110 kW) @ 3,600 rpm
Max torque 350 Nm (258.2 lbf.ft) @ 1,800-2.400 rpm
Valves 16 (4-per-cylinder)
Fuel system CRDi, common-rail, high pressure, direct injection
Turbo system Variable geometry turbocharger (VGT)
Construction Aluminum cylinder block and aluminum heads
Emissions class Euro Stage 5
Transmission
Manual 6-sp
Gear Ratios
1 3.454:1
2 1.750:1
3 1.062:1
4 0.785:1
5 0.634:1
6 0.557:1
Reverse 3.636:1
Final Drive 1 4.111:1
Drivetrain
2.0D AWD with center differential coupled to viscous LSD
Suspension and Damping
Front Fully independent by subframe-mounted MacPherson Struts, with coil springs and Bilsteins. Anti-roll stabilizer bar.
Rear Fully independent by subframe-mounted Double Wishbones, coil springs and Bilsteins.
Steering
Type Electric power-assisted rack & pinion
Wheel 375 mm diameter, three-spoke leather trimmed.
Gearing 2.8 turns lock-to-lock
Turning circle 11.0 metres
Brakes
Power 229
Front 294x24
Rear 286x10
ABS 4-Channel anti-lock system with EBD
BAS Boosts braking power to maximum during emergency stops
Wheels and Tyres
Alloy 18 in x 7.5J 225/45 R18 tyres
Spare Tyre mobility kit
Dimensions (mm)
Exterior
Overall length 4775 Overall width 2052/1780*
Overall height 1535 Wheelbase 2750
Front track 1540 Rear track 1540
Front overhang 960 Rear overhang 1065
Ground clearance 150 *including/excluding door mirrors
Interior
Front Rear
Headroom 1024 951
Legroom 1091 960
Shoulder room 1430 1426
Hip room 1384 1370
Capacities
Fuel tank 65 litres
Luggage (VDA) 526 litres behind 2nd row seats
1677 litres behind 1st row seats
Weights (kg)
Curb weight (min.) 1558
Gross weight 2075
Towing (max) kg* 750
1700
Performance
Top speed / Kph 203
0-to-100 Kph / sec 9.6
Fuel Economy (litres)
CO2 g/km 168
Generous Warranty
All models marketed by Subaru Ireland come with the reassurance of a three year or 160,000 kilometers warranty, plus twelve year anti-corrosion cover and three year paintwork warranty.
This is in addition to three year’s membership of Subaru Assist – a comprehensive home and roadside repair and recovery package throughout Ireland and Europe administered by Mapfre Asistencia.
* Peerless all-weather traction from updated Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive
* More room inside high-quality cabin, and up to 1,726-litres of luggage space
* Recently awarded a 5-Star Euro NCAP crash safety rating
On sale from 1 December, the Legacy Sports Tourer features a bold new look, increased space and comfort for all occupants, improved dynamics and refinement, and enhanced safety.
The Legacy Sports Tourer offers the combination of Horizontally-Opposed ‘Boxer’ diesel engine and Symmetrical AWD (All-Wheel-Drive). This well-proven set-up, further refined by Subaru’s engineers for the fifth-generation car, has made successive generations of Legacy Tourer the preferred choice for motorists seeking a practical family car that delivers rewarding yet secure handling in all weather conditions.
The Legacy Sports Tourer exudes on-road presence thanks to a bold front-end design and an increase in overall dimensions: the car is wider (by 50mm), taller (by 65mm) and longer (by 55mm).
The new grille (complete with ‘wing motif’) flanked by elongated headlights is both modern and instantly recognizable as a Subaru. Prominent wheel-arches hint at the impressive power running through the Symmetrical AWD system, while the strong belt line and a chrome-rimmed glass-house give the Legacy Sports Tourer a premium feel.
The luxurious and spacious interior has been completely redesigned to give occupants more room and to improve comfort levels. For example, front headroom has risen by 21mm over the previous model, and legroom for rear-seat passengers increases by 99mm, aided by an 80mm increase in wheelbase.
Key to the Legacy’s sustained appeal over the years has been the practicality it offers buyers, and the latest incarnation is no different. Boasting a generous 526 litres of stowage capacity with the 60/40 split rear seats in place, the new model offers an additional 67 litres over its predecessor. Fold the rear pews flat, and a cavernous 1,677-litre cargo hold is created.
Subaru has adopted a revised MacPherson strut front suspension design, with the lower arm mounted on the sub-frame for greater stability and refinement. The thickness of the stabilizer (anti-roll) bar has also been increased, improving roll resistance and offering even greater agility.
Underneath the ‘new-look’ styling, the New Legacy Sports Tourer has a completely re-engineered all-steel unitary structure that delivers the highest crash safety performance. The vehicle was recently awarded a 5-Star Euro NCAP crash safety rating.
Legacy’s loyal customer base of over 3.6 million buyers worldwide has come to expect high levels of standard specification, and the latest version will not disappoint. Standard features include 18” alloy wheels, tilt-and-slide sunroof, leather interior, heated front seats, six CD tuner with RDS and six speakers, dual-zone automatic air-conditioning, cruise control, Bluetooth connectivity, and automatic activation for wipers and headlights.
COMFORT AND CONVENIENCE
The Legacy Sports Tourer features dual-zone, fully automatic air-conditioning with an anti-dust filter and heating ducts to the rear passenger foot wells. A premium audio system, with a radio/CD player, six speakers (including two tweeters) and steering wheel-mounted remote controls, is standard. For the New Legacy Sports Tourer, radio reception has been significantly improved by the fitting of two high performance antennas within the rear window glass.
The audio systems are MP3 compatible and a Bluetooth* hands-free system is fitted as standard. Voice activation from the hands-free microphone allows users to make phone calls, specify navigation destinations and operate the audio appliances.
Facing the New Legacy Sports Tourer driver, the new instrument panel integrates clarity, functionality and a visual richness in keeping with the premium character of the new model. Four dials are ringed in aluminum and feature an additional liquid crystal display panel in the center. The dials and the display are illuminated constantly, even in daytime, to improve visibility. The dials appear white with the ignition off and turn light blue with the ignition on. When the ignition is switched on, the gauge needles sweep to the maximum position and then quickly return to zero – heightening the excitement and anticipation of the journey to come. A glow indicator, sedimenter warning light and diesel particulate filter warning light are also on display.
The new Multi-Information Display (MID) is positioned on the center stack’s upper surface so that it can be viewed from all seats. The MID shows ambient temperature, fuel consumption information (instantaneous fuel efficiency, average fuel efficiency, driving range to empty), passenger seat belt warning lights and a digital clock.
Major controls in the New Legacy Sports Tourer are laid out to minimize both the intrusion into the driver’s line of sight and the time the driver’s hands are away from the steering wheel. Minor controls and switches are positioned to optimize ease-of-use.
*Bluetooth is a registered trademark of Bluetooth
PRACTICALITY
The cabin is also longer, wider and taller than that of its predecessor, facilitating improvements in comfort and practicality. The interior also demonstrates lessons learned in Subaru’s latest ‘packaging innovation’ research programmed.
Larger seats are fitted to make best-use of the increased space around each occupant. The space between the front seats has increased by 30 mm and the between the front and rear seats is increased by 62 mm. The rear seat backrest is split 60/40% and folds flat to offer the best people/cargo carrying versatility. With the rear seats upright, cargo capacity is increased by 67 litres to 526 litres.
Larger rear doors result in improved access to the rear seats, and detailed attention to the window shapes and pillar layouts ensures a greater feeling of ‘openness’ for the rear seat occupants in the New Legacy Sports Tourer.
While the width and height of the luggage bay were increased, the depth of the lip between the rear bumper and cargo was reduced slightly to ensure it is easier for users to load and unload heavy items when lifting them into the interior. The tailgate, which is 33mm wider and 45mm taller than before for easier access, features an electromagnetic switch for easy opening with a light touch, aided by twin supporting gas struts.
The new front seats have concave backrests to provide extra knee space for rear seat occupants. The rear seat features a folding center armrest with twin cup holders, and the backrests can be reclined for greater comfort during long journeys. A remote one-touch mechanism conveniently located in the cargo bay side panel enables the backrests to be folded flat in one simple operation from the rear tailgate when loading long items.
The designers also paid attention to create generously sized, easy-to-use storage space for smaller items – with capacity increased by 39 litres over the previous model.
A larger glovebox will accept 31 CDs, while the new double-decker center console, which can accommodate 22 CDs, incorporates a 12V power supply and AUX audio input socket.
Two cup-holders are provided alongside the center console, while a 500 ml plastic bottle can be stored in all door pockets. A 50 mm thick box of tissues can also be accommodated in the front door pockets. A central overhead console is provided for storage of sunglasses and small items.
Interior Dimensions (mm)
Headroom (front) 1024
(rear) 951
Legroom (front) 1091
(rear) 960
Shoulder room (front) 1430
(rear) 1426
Hip room (front) 1384
(rear) 1370
Cargo space (seats up) 526
(seats folded) 1726
Cargo width 1090
Cargo height 815
Cargo depth* 1070
*length front-to-rear
ENGINES
In March 2008, Subaru introduced the ‘Boxer Diesel’, the world’s first horizontally-opposed diesel engine for volume-produced passenger cars. The 1,998 cc diesel produces a maximum output of 150 ps and maximum torque of 350 Nm between 1,800 and 2,400 rpm.
Now, for the New Legacy Sports Tourer, this unique engine benefits from several technical refinements and enhanced environmentally-friendly features. The shape of the piston crowns has been changed for a wider, shallower design. This, in conjunction with improvements made to gas flow within the combustion chamber have improved combustion efficiency and reduced the production of particulate matter. A ‘lift sensor’ has been added to the variable nozzle turbocharger for more precise control of the vanes.
The glow plugs have been changed from a metallic type to a ceramic type, raising the maximum operating temperature and providing better start-up at cold temperatures.
Control of the fuel injection has been optimised and the intake manifold has been redesigned in resin for improved airflow for improved torque characteristics and fuel efficiency. An added benefit of the new resin construction is the 1.5kg weight reduction over the previous aluminum version.
A single exhaust silencer has been used to optimize engine output and noise levels, while also saving weight. The addition of a vibration absorbing structure in the middle of main exhaust pipe also reduces noise levels.
The Subaru Boxer Diesel is fitted with a closed-type diesel particulate filter (DPF) that features a honeycomb shaped filter made of silicon carbide. The DPF, which is positioned low down with the turbocharger to maintain the car’s low center of gravity, improves engine combustion efficiency and reduces particulate matter in the exhaust, further enhancing environmental friendliness.
And finally, the exhaust gas recirculate (EGR) cooler has been enlarged to improve the system’s efficiency by 12% – lowering NOx emissions to ensure that the New Legacy complies with Euro 5 exhaust gas regulations.
TRANSMISSION AND DRIVE TRAIN
Standard transmission is a new manual six-speed unit. This compact transmission is the same length as the previous five-speed unit and weighs just five kg more.
Improvements featured in the new transmission include a cable-type linkage and a carbon synchronize for the first and second ratios, constantly-engaged synchromesh for reverse gear, to improve the shift feel and optimised lubrication paths for reduced friction losses. The broader ratio coverage provided by the six-speed unit delivers better fuel economy, plus improved drivability and quietness at higher speeds.
Full-time ‘Symmetrical’ AWD – the Subaru hallmark
While numerous aspects of the New Legacy Sports Tourer are indeed ‘all-new’, the Symmetrical AWD (All-Wheel-Drive) system is carried over, giving the new model all the traction advantages for which the Subaru brand is famous.
Four-wheel drive is delivered by a ‘Center differential AWD with viscous LSD’ system. This combines a bevel-gear-type center differential with the basic 50/50% front/rear, torque distribution and a viscous coupling limited slip differential. When a front wheel or rear wheel slips, the viscous coupling raises the torque distribution to other wheels to ensure optimum traction.
The Legacy Sports Tourer is equipped with Subaru’s Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) system. This is an electronic stability control programmed (ESC) that closely monitors vehicle behavior and automatically corrects excessive understeer and over steer, by braking individual wheels and/or reducing engine power, to ensure that vehicle follows the course intended by the driver, ensuring maximum safety.
RUNNING GEAR
New suspension, sub-frame and power steering
Following the strong traditional of the ‘Subaru Dynamic Chassis Control Concept’, engineers devised and developed the chassis and running gear for the New Legacy Sports Tourer to feature many new and updated components. Their aim was to create a new Subaru that was exceptionally comfortable and safe to drive for long periods, and over many years of ownership, while also guaranteeing good drivability, high performance and genuine motoring pleasure.
To reduce noise, vibrations and harshness (NVH), and to enhance ride comfort, the engine mounting structure has been entirely renewed. An all-new ‘Cradle Mount System’ was adopted where the engine and transmission are mounted on a sub-frame – rather than directly to the bodyshell. This system brings numerous benefits.
The sub-frame is attached to the bodyshell using rubber bushes, especially tuned to dampen different frequencies of vibrations generated by the engine, transmission and suspension. For example, the main cushion rubber uses a liquid-filled type of bush, and the engine is supported on the subframe at four widely-spread points.
In addition, the front suspension and the power steering are mounted on the sub-frame, so that potential vibrations from the road surface are not easily transferred to the bodyshell or the car’s occupants – improving ride comfort and refinement.
New front and rear suspension
For the New Legacy Sports Tourer, Subaru has adopted a revised MacPherson strut front suspension, with the lower arm mounted on the sub-frame for greater stability. Steering response is enhanced, and quietness is increased by reducing vibrations. The thickness of the stabilizer (anti-roll) bar is increased, improving roll stiffness without requiring a change to the main spring rates. Road-holding during cornering is enhanced (thanks in part to a wider track), while smooth ride comfort is retained with extended wheel travel and optimised geometry.
At the rear, new ‘short height’ compact double-wishbone suspension is used to minimize intrusion into the cabin or cargo space. For maximum refinement, all the suspension links and the rear differential are installed on a new sub-frame. Large bushes are used between the sub-frame and the bodyshell to minimize transfer of NVH.
To achieve an ideal ride/handling balance, Bilstein dampers are fitted, front and rear. These dampers are tuned exclusively to match the characteristics of the standard 18-inch wheels and tyres, (225/45R18 tyres) ensuring a sense of ‘solidity and stability’ in fast driving, without loss of smoothness.
New electronic parking brake and hill-hold function
The all-disc braking system, with ABS and EBD (Electric Brake-force Distribution) as standard, has a linear feel with retardation corresponding closely to applied brake pedal pressure. A redesigned master cylinder gives a 30% faster response to driver inputs on the brake pedal.
Brake Assist is also standard, developing maximum stopping power automatically when the system detects emergency application of the brakes.
For the New Legacy Sports Tourer, an innovative electronic parking brake is used. Controlled by a dashboard mounted switch, the new system does away with the traditional hand brake, freeing up cabin space and allowing a cleaner, less cluttered center console design. If the doors are closed and the driver’s seat belt is fastened then the parking brake will automatically release when the driver operates the accelerator pedal.
The new braking system also introduces a ‘Hill-Hold’ function. When the vehicle is stopped on a slope of 5% or more this feature will hold the vehicle on the brakes for one second after the driver removes their foot from the clutch – long enough to move it to the accelerator without rolling back; a feature that is particularly useful when towing.
STRUCTURE AND SAFETY
As well as ‘new-look’ styling, larger dimensions and new suspension, the New Legacy Sports Tourer has a completely reviewed and re-engineered bodyshell. The all-steel unitary structure is refined to enhance ride, handling and refinement, while also delivering the highest level of crash safety performance. The New Legacy Sports Tourer was recently awarded a 5-Star Euro NCAP crash safety rating, confirming that Subaru’s structural and safety engineers have achieved their targets for this new model.
Newly developed, the bodyshell is both lighter and stiffer, featuring ring-shaped reinforcement frames – ‘circular links’ – joining the A, B, C and D-pillars with cross members at roof and floor level. This creates a series of ‘circular links’ which strongly protects the cabin occupants. Ultra-high-strength steel plate (980 Mpa level) is used at key portions of the bodyshell to achieve strength without adding significantly to overall weight.
By fully exploiting the structural characteristics of the newly adopted sub-frame mounting system, the front body structure is redesigned to improve the rigidity of the front suspension installation and to enhance impact resistance as well as steering response. These improvements, and reinforcement of the engine bay bulkhead and toe board areas, were accomplished while also saving 6 kg from the front body panels.
The rear floor structure has also been optimised to accommodate the new sub-frame and to reduce weight while increasing rigidity, further improving rear suspension characteristics and vehicle drivability.
Delivering ‘5-Star’ crash safety protection
Using the advanced ring-shaped reinforcements throughout the New Legacy Sports Tourer bodyshell enhances collision safety and resistance to impacts from all directions. In addition, the newly adopted ‘cradle mount’ sub-frame mounting system contributes to an enlarged front-end crush zone, further improving occupant protection and the Euro NCAP test performance.
During a front-end collision, the new front ‘cradle mount’ sub-frame deforms in a controlled manner and pushes the power unit downwards to the rear. As a result, the rearward movement of such a large mass dissipates impact energy and assists the efficient absorption of collision energy by the main body structure.
To enhance side-impact protection, ultra-high-strength steel plate (980 Mpa level) is used for the B-pillar and side sill structures to improve the local cabin area rigidity. In addition, two door impact beams are placed within each front and rear door. By optimally positioning the beams in relation to the door’s internal structure, a sufficient crush space is ensured to minimize intrusion. Furthermore, a ‘door catcher’ is fitted to the bottom of the rear door to prevent it intruding into the cabin.
Despite the relatively short rear overhang, the New Legacy’s structure is optimised so that rear impact energy is efficiently absorbed by controlled and gradual crushing of the rear sub-frames.
‘Passive’ safety advances that also benefit pedestrians
While a robust structure can form the foundation for a truly safe car, Subaru has also ensured that the New Legacy Sports Tourer is comprehensively kitted out with a full range of both ‘passive’ and ‘active’ safety equipment – as the best way to prevent occupant injury is to overcome the hazards of daily motoring and avoid any accident in the first place.
The new front seats have significantly-increased frame and inner-structure stiffness to provide protection against whiplash injuries. New-design, energy-absorbing head restraints offer greater protection by reducing head impact forces.
Front dual, side and curtain airbags are fitted as standard on all models. The side and curtain airbags are enlarged for enhanced performance, and the airbag impact sensors have been upgraded to improve responses.
To protect the driver’s knee and lower leg, the steering column’s structure has been redesigned with an impact-absorption space, and a knee protector is fitted. All the foot pedals have a collapsible function (above a pre-set g-force) to reduce the likelihood of foot injuries.
The issue of pedestrian protection has also been addressed. New, impact-absorbing materials and an optimised structure around the front bumper have been designed to exceed the European next-generation pedestrian protection standards, which are the most stringent in the world.
Although steel is used for the hood (to maximize protection of the car’s occupants), the impact-absorbing space beneath the hood and above the low boxer engine is enlarged, and the structure is improved around the body cowl to reduce possible injury to a pedestrian.
EQUIPMENT
Standard Equipment
Exterior
Body-coloured bumpers
Body-coloured door mirrors housings
Body-coloured door handles
Electric folding, heated door mirrors with LED indicators
HID head lamps with power washers and automatic self-leveling
Front fog lights
UV protected front, side and rear glass
Intermittent rear wash/wiper
18-inch alloy wheels with 225/45R18 tyres
Bilstein suspension
Powered glass tilt-n-slide sunroof with interior sunshade
Sports front bumper and grille
Black headlamp housings
Interior
Welcome lights front and rear
Leather upholstery and trim
Tilt and telescopic steering wheel adjustment
Steering wheel mounted audio and cruise controls
Leather-wrapped steering and gear selector
10-way electrically adjustable driver’s seat with memory
Adjustable lumbar support
Driver’s seatback storage pocket
Front passenger seatback storage pocket
Heated front seats
Aluminum foot pedals
Carbon-fibre effect interior trims
Driver and passenger illuminated vanity mirrors
Front map reading lights and cascade lighting
Electric windows front and rear
Adjustable dashboard illumination
Multi Information Display
Multi-function cent re console with 12v power outlet
Front and rear cup-holders
60/40 spilt rear seat with center armrest
Retractable luggage cover
Comfort and Convenience
Automatic dusk-sensing headlamps
Automatic rain-sensing wipers
Dual-zone automatic air-conditioning
Cruise control
Bluetooth connectivity
Eco driving ‘change-up’ indicator
Gear-in-use indicator
Six CD tuner with RDS and six speakers
Speed-adjusting automatic volume control
AUX input socket in center console
Audible headlights on reminder
Remote fuel flap release
Hill start assist linked to VDC system
Safety
Front, front side and curtain air bags
Vehicle Dynamics Control stability system
Traction Control
ABS, EBD and EBA braking systems
AWD full-time all-wheel drive system
Electronic push/pull handbrake
Security
Remote central locking with deadlocks
High security integrated audio system
Rolling code ECU immobilisers
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION
Engine
2.0-litre / 150 ps Diesel
Name Subaru Boxer Diesel
Type DOHC, horizontally opposed ‘flat four’, with VGT
Capacity 2.0-litres, 1,998 cc
Bore & Stroke 86.0 x 86.0 mm
Compression ratio 16.0:1
Max power 150 ps (110 kW) @ 3,600 rpm
Max torque 350 Nm (258.2 lbf.ft) @ 1,800-2.400 rpm
Valves 16 (4-per-cylinder)
Fuel system CRDi, common-rail, high pressure, direct injection
Turbo system Variable geometry turbocharger (VGT)
Construction Aluminum cylinder block and aluminum heads
Emissions class Euro Stage 5
Transmission
Manual 6-sp
Gear Ratios
1 3.454:1
2 1.750:1
3 1.062:1
4 0.785:1
5 0.634:1
6 0.557:1
Reverse 3.636:1
Final Drive 1 4.111:1
Drivetrain
2.0D AWD with center differential coupled to viscous LSD
Suspension and Damping
Front Fully independent by subframe-mounted MacPherson Struts, with coil springs and Bilsteins. Anti-roll stabilizer bar.
Rear Fully independent by subframe-mounted Double Wishbones, coil springs and Bilsteins.
Steering
Type Electric power-assisted rack & pinion
Wheel 375 mm diameter, three-spoke leather trimmed.
Gearing 2.8 turns lock-to-lock
Turning circle 11.0 metres
Brakes
Power 229
Front 294x24
Rear 286x10
ABS 4-Channel anti-lock system with EBD
BAS Boosts braking power to maximum during emergency stops
Wheels and Tyres
Alloy 18 in x 7.5J 225/45 R18 tyres
Spare Tyre mobility kit
Dimensions (mm)
Exterior
Overall length 4775 Overall width 2052/1780*
Overall height 1535 Wheelbase 2750
Front track 1540 Rear track 1540
Front overhang 960 Rear overhang 1065
Ground clearance 150 *including/excluding door mirrors
Interior
Front Rear
Headroom 1024 951
Legroom 1091 960
Shoulder room 1430 1426
Hip room 1384 1370
Capacities
Fuel tank 65 litres
Luggage (VDA) 526 litres behind 2nd row seats
1677 litres behind 1st row seats
Weights (kg)
Curb weight (min.) 1558
Gross weight 2075
Towing (max) kg* 750
1700
Performance
Top speed / Kph 203
0-to-100 Kph / sec 9.6
Fuel Economy (litres)
CO2 g/km 168
Generous Warranty
All models marketed by Subaru Ireland come with the reassurance of a three year or 160,000 kilometers warranty, plus twelve year anti-corrosion cover and three year paintwork warranty.
This is in addition to three year’s membership of Subaru Assist – a comprehensive home and roadside repair and recovery package throughout Ireland and Europe administered by Mapfre Asistencia.
2011 Subaru Legacy Sports Tourer Prices, Subaru has just released pricing for the 2011 Legacy Sports Tourer that should be available from December 2010. The car is all-round bigger than the previous generation, comes with a Peerless all-weather traction updated Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, as well as a revised cabin space.
The 2011 Subaru Legacy Sportus Torer price starts at EUR41,995 ($57,890) and power is provided by a Boxer Diesel engine 1,998 cc in capacity which delivers 150 PS and 350 Nm of torque. The revised oil burner now complies with Euro 5 standards for emissions thanks to a number of improvements that result in a 12 percent lowering of the NOx emissions.
The Legacy Sports Tourer exudes on-road presence thanks to a bold front-end design and an increase in overall dimensions: the car is wider by 50 mm, taller by 65 mm and longer by 55 mm.
The spacious interior has been redesigned to give occupants more room and to improve comfort levels. Thus, front headroom has been improved by 21mm over the previous model, and legroom for rear-seat passengers grows by by 99mm, thanks in part to an 80mm increase in wheelbase.
Part of the Legacy’s appeal was given by its large, practical boot. The new model comes with 526 liters of storage capacity with the 60/40 split rear seats in place, that’s an additional 67 litres over its predecessor. Fold the rear bench flat, and a cavernous 1,677-litre cargo hold is thus obtained.
Standard features include 18” alloy wheels, tilt-and-slide sunroof, leather interior, heated front seats, six CD tuner with RDS and six speakers, dual-zone automatic air-conditioning, cruise control, Bluetooth connectivity, and automatic activation for wipers and headlights.
The new cars come with a three year or 160,000 kilometers (99,419 mile) warranty, plus twelve year anti-corrosion cover and three year paintwork warranty.
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