Fuji Heavy Industries has launched an updated version of their top of the range saloon, the Subaru Legacy. The new Legacy receives a fresh new sportier upgrade on the front. The upgrade consists of new headlamps, a sexy front grill and stylish front air intakes.
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| Subaru Legacy |
The new additions plus the larger air intake at the front and the restyled side vents with integrated fog lamps give the new Legacy an aggressive but classy look. The side profile consisting of the protruding wheel arches, large doors and large side mirrors remain unchanged. The rear of the Legacy is also left untouched, probably because it looks so amazing. The unchanged design also means that the Legacy’s impressive interior space remains unchanged.
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| Rear styling remains unchanged |
The new Legacy is available in two models. The first model is the Legacy 2.5i. This comes with an all-new 2.5 litre double-overhead-cam (DOHC) FB Boxer engine that boasts of increased performance and rewarding fuel economy. Compared to the outgoing 2.5litre single-overhead-cam (SOHC) which had 170hp the new engine now produces 173hp. The engine can be married to a choice of either a 6-speed manual transmission system or the new second generation Lineartronic CVT (continuously variable transmission) system.
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| 7.0 inch LCD Display |
The new CVT transmission is now more responsive and quieter than the old generation CVT transmission system, It is fitted as standard on the on the 2.5i Premium and 2.5i Limited models. With CVT the new 2.5i Legacy can achieve 8.7 litres/100km covered. Next on the list is the all new Subaru Legacy 3.6R. This comes with a 3.6 litre 6 cylinder Boxer engine. The engine has an output of 256hp and comes with a 5-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission system. The transmission system can be controlled by paddle shifters located on the steering wheel.
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| Electro-luminescent display |
Unlike a conventional automatic transmission that uses fixed gear ratios, a CVT provides infinite variability between the lowest and highest available ratios. CVT continuously and smoothly adapts to performance demand, helping to keep the engine in its most efficient operating range. Models with the CVT also feature a 6-speed manual mode with steering wheel paddle shifters, which allow the driver to control the transmission via six pre-set ratios.
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| Fresh new front look |
Subaru Legacy 2.5i models equipped with the 6-speed manual transmission gets a continuous AWD system distributes the power equally on all the four wheels. 2.5i models equipped with the Lineartronic CVT get an Active Torque Split for the AWD. This electronically controls power distribution to each of the wheels in response to driving conditions. The sporty Legacy 3.6R exclusively features the Variable Torque Distribution (VTD) AWD system with a 5-speed electronic automatic transmission. The VTD system sends more power to the rear wheels to enhance handling agility. It can also continuously adjust power distribution to either the front or rear wheels in response to driving and road conditions.
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| CVT Transmission system |
Occupants will now enjoy an even quitter ride thanks to numerous improvements made to the overall body structure. There is enough room for five occupants who will enjoy plenty of head and leg room thanks to the large wheelbase of the Legacy. A 3.5-inch colour screen acts as the multi-information display for all car functions. Behind the steering wheel is an all new electro-luminescent instruments display that displays key vehicle information by using clear and easy to read graphics. The standard audio system comes equipped with an AM/FM stereo, single disc CD player, Radio Data Broadcast System (RDBS), 3.5mm aux. input jack and 4 speakers.
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| Restyled front headlamps |
The Legacy is available in three unique trim levels. There is Base, Premium and Limited. With Base trim one gets Bluetooth hands free phone, audio streaming, USB charging port, steering wheel cruise control and audio switches as well. One also gets an electronic parking brake, rear folding seats, electronic Hill Holder System for easy hill starts and automatic headlight functions. With Premium trim one gets heated front seats, mirrors and windshield wipers. One also gets a large power moon roof and a Harman/Kardon premium audio system.
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| Luxurious interior |
With the premium audio one gets a larger 4.3 inch screen, 440watts amplifier and 9 Harman/Kardon premium speakers and a powerful subwoofer. The car also comes with the Lineartronic CVT transmission system as standard while the driver gets a 10-way power seat with lumbar support. The car also comes installed with 17 inch alloy wheels, leather-wrapped steering wheel and ambient light for the overhead console. To top that off one also gets body-colored side mirrors. The top of the range Limited trim comes with all the features on the Premium trim plus a larger 7.0 inch LCD display, voice activated controls, rear reverse camera, full leather interior plus electronic adjustable seat for the front passenger. The Legacy 2.5i can be ordered with any of the three trims while the Legacy 3.6R is available with Base and Limited trim levels.
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| Drive selector knob for the CVT transmission system |
To improve the overall safety of the Legacy it’s now fitted with a new EyeSight driver-assist system. This works with other safety features such as Adaptive Cruise Control, Pre-Collision Braking and Vehicle Lane Departure Warning by processes stereo images to identify the vehicles traveling in front, as well as obstacles, traffic lanes and other items. At a speed of 30km/h the system can detect pedestrians or objects in the vehicle’s path. It then alerts the driver or in some circumstances brings the car to a complete stop.
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| Comfortable rear seats |
The Lane Departure and Sway Warning feature can detect if the car begins to wander outside the intended lane without a turn signal being used and warm the driver to adjust the vehicle to move on its intended path. Adaptive Cruise Control system can maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front by either braking or accelerating the car as needed to maintain the driver-selected target speed and traveling distance. The EyeSight system can also help reduce collision damages by cutting the throttle when it senses an obstacle in front even if the accelerator pedal is still pressed down. Apart from the EyeSight system the new Legacy also comes with 4-wheel disc Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) that integrates Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and the Brake Assist safety system that automatically applies maximum braking pressure in an emergency stop.
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| EyeSight Stereo camera |
The new Legacy keeps the roomy interior, stylish looks and great practicality that has made it one of the must have saloons in the market. Sadly the lovable Legacy 2.5GT model has been discontinued for 2013. But don’t worry; the all new Legacy 3.6R can fit its bill in more ways than the 2.5GT ever did.