There's nothing like a boxer
The turbocharged 2.5-liter flat-four now produces 243 horsepower, down from 250, due to SAE revisions. It pulls strongly in just about any rev range, as its peak torque appears at just 3,600 rpm. The engine's unique sound is pleasing for some (including me), but others might find it a little thrashy.
My fuel economy average of 13.6 L/100 km is pretty high, but it reflects the way you drive. The 2.5GT entices you to drive faster than you normally would, which in turn burns more gasoline. Besides, if you really want to drive slowly and really want to save fuel, you should check out the normally-aspirated Legacy models. The non-turbo engine produces 175 horsepower, more than enough for anyone. But turbos are fun.
New for 2007, the SI-DRIVE knob allows switching between three modes: Intelligent, Sport and Sport Sharp. Basically different engine mappings, the Intelligent mode gives the engine a more relaxed behavior and reduces fuel consumption (Subaru claims 10%). The Sport mode makes the engine more responsive, and even more so in the Sport Sharp mode.
Switching from Intelligent to Sport Sharp in full acceleration and you'll feel a swift kick in the pants as the car lunges ahead faster. I would've settled for two modes instead of three, as the difference between Sport and Sport Sharp isn't very noticeable. Besides, you either want to drive fast, or don't want to; the Sport mode seems unnecessary.
Needless to say, the Symmetrical all-wheel drive system performs beautifully in the snow. Equipped with good snow tires, this Legacy's rear end will step out lightly when you punch the throttle on slippery surfaces, the AWD hardware telling you that it's on duty.
Don't worry, though, everything is under control; stepping out of the Subie and into another all-wheel drive vehicle (in this case, a Ford Fusion SEL AWD), you quickly feel the difference in how the car behaves. The Symmetrical system is one of the best systems out there, and is confidence-inspiring for the driver.
The turbocharged 2.5-liter flat-four now produces 243 horsepower, down from 250, due to SAE revisions. It pulls strongly in just about any rev range, as its peak torque appears at just 3,600 rpm. The engine's unique sound is pleasing for some (including me), but others might find it a little thrashy.
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| The Boxer engine expresses itself in a distinctive way. |
My fuel economy average of 13.6 L/100 km is pretty high, but it reflects the way you drive. The 2.5GT entices you to drive faster than you normally would, which in turn burns more gasoline. Besides, if you really want to drive slowly and really want to save fuel, you should check out the normally-aspirated Legacy models. The non-turbo engine produces 175 horsepower, more than enough for anyone. But turbos are fun.
New for 2007, the SI-DRIVE knob allows switching between three modes: Intelligent, Sport and Sport Sharp. Basically different engine mappings, the Intelligent mode gives the engine a more relaxed behavior and reduces fuel consumption (Subaru claims 10%). The Sport mode makes the engine more responsive, and even more so in the Sport Sharp mode.
Switching from Intelligent to Sport Sharp in full acceleration and you'll feel a swift kick in the pants as the car lunges ahead faster. I would've settled for two modes instead of three, as the difference between Sport and Sport Sharp isn't very noticeable. Besides, you either want to drive fast, or don't want to; the Sport mode seems unnecessary.
Needless to say, the Symmetrical all-wheel drive system performs beautifully in the snow. Equipped with good snow tires, this Legacy's rear end will step out lightly when you punch the throttle on slippery surfaces, the AWD hardware telling you that it's on duty.
Don't worry, though, everything is under control; stepping out of the Subie and into another all-wheel drive vehicle (in this case, a Ford Fusion SEL AWD), you quickly feel the difference in how the car behaves. The Symmetrical system is one of the best systems out there, and is confidence-inspiring for the driver.
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| The available SI-DRIVE system control knob. |