Reliability and 4x4 as standard car review
11/12/12
By Peter Hayward
Driving Force
THE Subaru Legacy is more subtle and relaxed than its Tarmac-chewing Impreza Turbo brother but it still has superb handling and road-holding helped by permanent four wheel drive.
I remember doing a cross country trip in sleet and snow when I was testing the cheapest two-litre saloon some years ago and it was fantastic.
It kept me going when others were sliding and floundering and did so easily and safely. It is also one of the most reliable cars you can buy.
Even with that four-wheel-drive, many are cheaper than rivals’ two-wheel-drive models and they also hold value better over time, so good cheap ones are quite hard to find.
Petrol engines are 2.0 and 2.5-litre flat fours and a 3.0-litre flat six, there is also an excellent 2.0-litre flat four diesel.
All are available in both stylish saloon and load lugger estate, and Outback estates have raised suspension for better rough terrain ability.
Inrterior
The light easy clutch compliments a slick changing gearbox and the brakes are well up to holding everything in check.
There is room for five in comfort, the boot is big and standard equipment is very generous. A five speed automatic is available throughout the range.
FAST FACTS
Subaru Legacy 2.0
Price: Pay about £4,900 for an ’07 07-reg R saloon, £13,300 for a ’10 10-reg RE 2.0-litre diesel
Mechanical: 162bhp, 1,994cc, 4cyl petrol engine driving four wheels via 5-speed manual gearbox
Max speed: 133mph
0-62mph: 9.5 seconds
Combined mpg: 33
Insurance group: 24
CO2 emissions: 209g/km
Main rival: Vauxhall Insignia 4x4
Motors.co.uk value verdict:
