The '05 Legacy incorporates a conventional BMW-style notchback C-pillar, attractive but hardly rocking the boat like Nissan and Mitsubishi are doing with the rigid, squared off quarter window designs of their Maxima and Galant respectively. The Subaru's taillight clusters are also extremely handsome, butting up to the trunklid and trimmed with a tasteful dollop of chrome.
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| Although smaller in overall length, the wheelbase of the Legacy has increased, providing more interior room overall. (Photo: Subaru) |
It's slightly smaller, shaved off from end to end by about 50 mm (2.0 in), but the wheelbase has grown by half that amount to 2,670 mm (105.1 in). A longer wheelbase usually means more interior room, which is the case for the Legacy, up slightly in leg, hip, shoulder and headroom. Those looking for limousine seating in the rear need not apply, but the back bench is reportedly comfortable for two adults with three possible in a squeeze.
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| The larger interior is adorned with soft-touch plastics, high-quality fabric, optional leather and pewter trim. (Photo: Subaru) |
Those up front will appreciate the soft-touch dash, a requisite feature in today's perceived quality hungry world, while the headliner is finished in a high-quality nylon fabric. The center console and stack feature pewter surface trim, also nothing particularly revolutionary but welcomed by tech-trendy consumers.
The bright metal interior accents reflect the higher dose of aluminum Subaru added to the car's exterior body panels, including the bumpers, hood and sunroof components. The lightweight metal allowed a reduction of about 90 kg (200 lbs) when compared to the outgoing car, resulting in approximately 1,350 kg (3,000 lbs) for the sedan and 1,450 kg (3,200 lbs) for the wagon.