By Ric Green & Joe Castello
Over the past few years I have become a big fan of Subaru’s for their engines performance, all-wheel drive and handling. But the looks were always polarizing. Now comes the redesigned 2010 Subaru Legacy and I feel its appearance has changed for the better. I am sure the new skin will attract more drivers to the midsize sedan.
Subaru has always ventured outside the box. Their standard all-wheel drive vehicles all sport horizontally opposed “boxer” engines. From their off-road wagons to their turbo compacts that sport gigantic hood scoops and rear wings they have thumbed their nose at traditional designs. But with its all-new fifth-generation Legacy Subaru has a sedan has traditional looks balanced with competitive performance, passenger volume, and fuel economy.
At first glance, there’s no mistaking that the new 2010 Subaru Legacy is larger and more substantial. Compared to the ’09 model, the 2010 Legacy is just 1.4 inches longer, but it’s nearly four inches wider, three inches taller, and has a wheelbase that’s been stretched by more than three inches.
If it weren’t for the badge on the car, you would not know this is a Subaru. With flared fenders, prominent rocker panel side skirts and raked side profile, it has a more aggressive and sporty personality than the outgoing model.
Legacy continues the transformation with a revamped interior that sports a classy look with a good mix of satin and brushed aluminum accents on all black background. Drivers of various sizes will find the space more than adequate, thanks to long adjustment ranges for both seats. But the real change is in the rear as the backseat gains 4 inches of legroom.
The 2010 Subaru Legacy has a model for every south Floridian. Whether your main concern is performance, safety or appearance, there is a Legacy to match.
The all-new, larger Subaru Legacy sedan is priced at $19,995 for the 2.5i. The base model is equipped with a tilt-and-telescope steering wheel, electronic parking brake, auto headlights, and remote keyless entry.
The 2.5i Premium will have a starting price of $20,995 with the manual transmission. It ads a power driver’s seat, automatic side windows, leather-wrapped steering wheel, and 16-inch alloy wheels.
The 2.5i Limited with the standard CVT has a starting price of $24,995. Additional features include a manual-override feature for the transmission with paddle shifters, leather seats, 17-inch wheels, and the all-weather package.
Fitted with a 256-hp six-cylinder engine, the 3.6R model will start at $24,995, the 3.6R Premium at $25,995, and 3.6R Limited at $27,995.
Then there are the editions I would want to own. The Legacy 2.5GT Premium ($27,995) and Limited ($29,995) models are powered by a 265-hp turbocharged four-cylinder engine with a six-speed manual transmission. The Limited version adds in the harman/kardon audio system, plus leather interior and power front passenger seat. And as it should be, there is no automatic transmission available with the turbo.
I have become a big fan of Subaru over the years. Maybe it is my passion for performance cars, because I always feel I am driving something special when I am behind the wheel of a Subaru.