The first 3,000 kilometres The
Subaru Legacy is a midsize sedan that takes on such models as the Sebring,
Fusion , Accord, Sonata, Magentis, Altima, G6 and Camry. Needless to say that the competition is very fierce. But the Legacy has two advantages over its rivals. First, it's also available as a
5-door wagon . In addition, it includes all-wheel drive as standard equipment. The only other model to do so is the Passat. Otherwise, you would have to look at a minivan or an SUV.
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| The Legacy will receive a complete makeover for 2008. |
Well-equipped base model Our tester is a base model with a 2.5L engine. Given its midsize status, however, the Legacy has a higher level of standard equipment. For instance, every model includes power windows and locks, climate control and a CD player. But Subaru wanted to add a couple of extras. Thus, the 2006 Legacy features a power-adjustable driver's seat, heated front seats as well as an integrated security system with keyless entry.
175-hp 4-cylinder The Legacy is motivated by a 2.5-litre, 4-cylinder boxer engine that sends power to all four wheels. Meanwhile, the GT model is available with a turbocharged engine and a 6-cylinder mill is optional in Outback trim.Our tester uses a 5-speed manual transmission, but a 4-speed autobox is also on the menu. The latter, which I tried on a separate occasion, was revised in 2006 and proves to be both smooth and efficient.In 2005, Subaru modified its 4-cylinder powerplant by adding variable valve timing. As our road test will show, the benefits are improved low-end torque and a better fuel economy. We averaged between 9 and 10 L/100 km in daily driving. With the old engine, the figure was somewhere between 11 and 13 L/100 km. And contrary to popular belief, the automatic transmission nets better results than the manual, which is mated to a permanent AWD system.
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| This 4-cylinder boxer engine is fairly thrifty. |