The Subaru Legacy has presence, literally and figuratively. That much is very obvious about the car. It is long, wide, streamlined and refined with just a hint of menace; much like a bomber-fighter.

The design is a mix of Subaru's familiar curves with a few new angles and creases thrown in to create a look that defines this car as a luxury model.

The bonnet with two distinct lines that taper toward the front, is eye-catching when viewed from both the outside and cabin. The curve of the roof and angled rear soften the silhouette and add to the impression that the Legacy flows, rather than drives, over the road.

Blending in

The 16-inch alloys are refined with a simple style. Rather than call attention to themselves, they blend into the body and enhance the overall appearance. Although the visible area of the boot seems rather short when compared with the overall dimensions of the body, the lid opens to reveal 476 litres of storage space. I was not even in the driver’s seat and already the long road was calling.

The image of luxury cruising continues to build in the cabin. Soft leather seats cradle the body and trim and fittings have the feel of quality. The electric seats in the front row are easy to operate through switches located low on their outer edge. Any driving position can be accommodated with just a short time spent tweaking the seat settings.

A high centre tunnel makes it immediately apparent that the handbrake lever is absent. It has been replaced by a push-on, pull-off switch to the right of the steering wheel. Located just below the handbrake switch is a button that can be used for pulling away from an incline stop.

Hint of Subaru

The instruments and controls are very much Subaru. They are a reminder that what you cannot see on the Legacy is decades of rally and race engineering that have been carefully softened to provide a new driving experience.

That much was also apparent when I started the engine. The dials on the instrument cluster quickly flick from zero to maximum and back and the engine softly purrs into action. There's just a hint of rumble there, but nothing so open and loud as the throaty roar of the Impreza.

Acceleration is in a similar vein. The six-speed transmission means that the engine does not have to be pushed to redline to gather speed. The car is powerful but restrained and is suited to gradually climbing to cruising speed, rather than getting there all at once. The test car was powered by Subaru's two-litre boxer engine and there was more than enough oomph for overtaking and hill-climbing, even with five people in the car.

Softer side

Handling is also typically Subaru, but the suspension is softer and cushions the forces through corners and over bumps. I enjoyed the softer ride, but my wife said it made her seasick because it felt too much like the ups and downs of a speedboat steering over swells. You can't please everybody.

Like all the Subarus I've experienced, the Legacy is a pleasure to drive. However, it is definitely intended for a more reserved driving style and its length (4.73m) means you have to be cautious when making your way through heavy traffic.

Still, fuel consumption was 9.4l/100km, very reasonable for its size, and the levels of comfort are extremely high. Add to that a sunroof and all the creature comforts in the cabin and you have a cruiser that you could sit in for hours at a time.

Price:

Subaru Legacy:

2.5iS Premium CVT – from R345 000

Price includes a three-year or 100 000km warranty and a three-year or 63 000km maintenance plan that can be extended to a five-year or 200 000km plan.

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