The new Legacy GT is available solely with a six-speed manual gearbox which replaces the old five-speed unit. The extra gear theoretically improves acceleration and mileage. There’s more power this year too—namely 265 ponies versus 243 in the older model. But we’ll call it a tie with the old car where acceleration is concerned. Fun to row the gears here too, but the soft clutch feels like it’s engineered to be more forgiving than rewarding.
Better in many ways—and still a bargain
Of course, it’s not all bad news. Basically, where the former Legacy 2.5GT drew drivers into the experience of performance motoring, the new one delivers a performance motoring experience that’s buried more deeply beneath a blanket of softness.
In day to day driving, the new Legacy GT does work better in many regards. It can be relaxed in, doesn’t confine its passengers, offers more places to put small items, and maintains the same easy to drive, easy to park and easy to see-out-of character as the old model.
Maybe the Legacy GT has grown up faster than your correspondent. It’s unquestionably become a well-rounded, handsome and refined touring performance sedan that offers an excellent place to log long hours on the highway. And it’s a bargain compared to any number of other AWD sedans with manual transmissions from Europe.
Still-- your writer, and Subaru enthusiasts of similar motivations, will probably wish for some of the edge back.
Better in many ways—and still a bargain
Of course, it’s not all bad news. Basically, where the former Legacy 2.5GT drew drivers into the experience of performance motoring, the new one delivers a performance motoring experience that’s buried more deeply beneath a blanket of softness.
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| The 2011 Legacy 2.5GT is a bargain compared to any number of other AWD sedans with manual transmissions from Europe. (Photo: Justin Pritchard/Auto123.com) |
In day to day driving, the new Legacy GT does work better in many regards. It can be relaxed in, doesn’t confine its passengers, offers more places to put small items, and maintains the same easy to drive, easy to park and easy to see-out-of character as the old model.
Maybe the Legacy GT has grown up faster than your correspondent. It’s unquestionably become a well-rounded, handsome and refined touring performance sedan that offers an excellent place to log long hours on the highway. And it’s a bargain compared to any number of other AWD sedans with manual transmissions from Europe.
Still-- your writer, and Subaru enthusiasts of similar motivations, will probably wish for some of the edge back.
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