Subaru’s biggest engine
If 170 horsepower doesn't cut it in your driveway, a turbocharged, 265-horsepower version of the four-cylinder engine is available-- as is a slightly less powerful 3.6 litre boxer six-cylinder engine. Among other things, the largest of Subaru’s powerplants helps to turn the Legacy into a sport sedan with some serious grunt.
The 256 horsepower engine is the only flat-six on the road that isn't bolted to the middle or rear or a Porsche-- and it's a unique piece of hardware. Though output is far from class-leading for its displacement, the powerplant does have some unique characteristics.
First, it’s as smooth as a newborns left buttock. The unit revs cleanly and eagerly to its 6,500 RPM redline, and it transmits almost no vibration into the cabin in the process. Sounds nice, too.
Second, it’s decent on fuel. Given the Legacy’s recently-increased size and standard All Wheel Drive (AWD), your writer was impressed with highway cruising mileage below 10L / 100km at real-world speeds.
Thirdly, the engine is a bit of a torque monster and rarely requires a downshift to make it up a hill. Should one be desired, drivers can execute it by clicking gently on one of the Legacy's steering-wheel mounted shift paddles.
A super-slick automatic
Sadly, there's no manual transmission available with this engine-- but get this: Subaru’s five-speed, manual mode autobox is actually a pile of fun to use.
Most comparable sedans offer a manual mode only as a means of requesting that a leisurely gearshift be carried out sometime in the near future. Conversely, the Legacy executes driver-demanded shifts very quickly, very precisely, and almost exactly when the paddle is clicked. Accurate throttle blipping is also included.
If spousal constraints or the traffic on your daily commute have left you looking for a manual-mode automatic, this is one of the best out there.
Dated infotainment interface
That's not the case for the Legacy's optional navigation and audio system, though. Both function just fine and offer good directions and excellent sound quality, respectively. Thing is, the interface can be frustrating to use, and appears to be in need of a visual update. On-screen graphics call games from the original Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) to mind, and after a dozen attempts, this writer gave up trying to alter the stereo sound settings.
All in all, this new 3.6R gives Legacy owners a way to experience a higher level of performance alongside its more comfortable and refined driving experience. The unique engine, slick automatic gearbox and drama-free AWD handling help enhance the experience-- and drivers after an efficient, upscale AWD motoring experience should make themselves familiar with this car.
As a personal note, requests for a turbocharged, manual-equipped version of Subaru's 3.6 litre boxer engine are now included in my bedtime prayers.
If 170 horsepower doesn't cut it in your driveway, a turbocharged, 265-horsepower version of the four-cylinder engine is available-- as is a slightly less powerful 3.6 litre boxer six-cylinder engine. Among other things, the largest of Subaru’s powerplants helps to turn the Legacy into a sport sedan with some serious grunt.
The 256 horsepower engine is the only flat-six on the road that isn't bolted to the middle or rear or a Porsche-- and it's a unique piece of hardware. Though output is far from class-leading for its displacement, the powerplant does have some unique characteristics.
First, it’s as smooth as a newborns left buttock. The unit revs cleanly and eagerly to its 6,500 RPM redline, and it transmits almost no vibration into the cabin in the process. Sounds nice, too.
Second, it’s decent on fuel. Given the Legacy’s recently-increased size and standard All Wheel Drive (AWD), your writer was impressed with highway cruising mileage below 10L / 100km at real-world speeds.
Thirdly, the engine is a bit of a torque monster and rarely requires a downshift to make it up a hill. Should one be desired, drivers can execute it by clicking gently on one of the Legacy's steering-wheel mounted shift paddles.
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| The navigation and audio system works just fine and offer good directions and excellent sound quality, respectively. (Photo: Subaru) |
A super-slick automatic
Sadly, there's no manual transmission available with this engine-- but get this: Subaru’s five-speed, manual mode autobox is actually a pile of fun to use.
Most comparable sedans offer a manual mode only as a means of requesting that a leisurely gearshift be carried out sometime in the near future. Conversely, the Legacy executes driver-demanded shifts very quickly, very precisely, and almost exactly when the paddle is clicked. Accurate throttle blipping is also included.
If spousal constraints or the traffic on your daily commute have left you looking for a manual-mode automatic, this is one of the best out there.
Dated infotainment interface
That's not the case for the Legacy's optional navigation and audio system, though. Both function just fine and offer good directions and excellent sound quality, respectively. Thing is, the interface can be frustrating to use, and appears to be in need of a visual update. On-screen graphics call games from the original Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) to mind, and after a dozen attempts, this writer gave up trying to alter the stereo sound settings.
All in all, this new 3.6R gives Legacy owners a way to experience a higher level of performance alongside its more comfortable and refined driving experience. The unique engine, slick automatic gearbox and drama-free AWD handling help enhance the experience-- and drivers after an efficient, upscale AWD motoring experience should make themselves familiar with this car.
As a personal note, requests for a turbocharged, manual-equipped version of Subaru's 3.6 litre boxer engine are now included in my bedtime prayers.
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