GERMANS AND SWEDES BEWARE

+ Click to Enlarge DEEP BREATHER: No, that slot in Subaru Legacy 2.5 GT's bonnet isn't for posting letters - it feeds a larger intercooler and revised turbo installation for a claimed 195kW at 5600rpm.

February 5, 2010

Subaru SA has added range-topping "flagship" models to its Legacy sedan and Outback SUV ranges as it moves firmly into the premium market.

The new Legacy and Outback were introduced to the South African market in October 2009 with more space for passengers and luggage, better safety equipment (seven crash bags are now standard), a new constantly variable transmission, an electronic parking brake and revised two and 2.5-litres boxer engines

Subaru SA marketing manager Grant Bowring said: "The Legacy 2.5 GT and Outback 3.6R will appeal to discerning individuals who want a car that confirms their success and lets them live life on their own terms, with an exceptional level of performance that can safely be used in all conditions."

The Legacy 2.5 GT Premium, priced at R439 000 has a turbocharged, double overhead-cam version of the 2.5-litre engine for which Subaru quotes 195kW at 5600rpm and 350Nm at 2400rpm.

A redesigned turbocharger with a 25 percent larger intercooler core and revised intake plumbing has raised performance and lowered emissions, it says, with a virtually flat torque graph all the way to 5200rpm for effortless driving.

The engine has variable valve timing on both inlet and exhaust cams, new cam profiles and reshaped combustion chambers. It drives through a five-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifts – now with throttle blip on downshifts – and Subaru's trademark symmetrical all-wheel drive.

Subaru claims that the Legacy GT's carbon dioxide emissions have been reduced by 31g/km to 228 in the combined cycle - a 12 percent improvement.

Its model designation is justified by a full leather interior, automatic xenon headlights and windscreen wipers, power-adjustable front seats with a memory function for the driver, dual-zone automatic aircon and an electric sunroof.

Instead of an ignition key there's a credit card-sized "communicator" that unlocks the car and arms the push-button start when close by (i.e. in the driver's pocket or handbag) – after automatically adjusting the seat to the position stored in its memory.

OUTBACK 3.6R

The Outback 3.6R Premium costs R459 000 with a six-cylinder boxer engine and five-speed paddle-shift transmission. Subaru quotes 191kW at 5600rpm and 350Nm at 4400 rpm.

Larger bores thanks to thinner cylinder walls and a "stretched" stroke (up from 80 to 91mm) have taken the previous three-litre flat six up to 3630cc, with bigger valves, wider ports and a revised exhaust system.

Nevertheless, claims Subaru, its re-mapped fuel-injection and variable valve timing have reduced CO2 emissions by 8.7 percent and fuel consumption by 7.2 percent, compared to the three-litre.

The top-dog Outback model has wood-grain finish on the doors and fascia and metal-look facing on the centre stack – but it's still a load-hauler, with automatic rear hatch unlocking, standard roof rails and self-levelling rear suspension.

Like every Subaru, each Legacy 2.5 GT or Outback 3.6R comes with a three-year or 100 000km warranty and a three-year or 63 000km maintenance plan which can be extended to five years or 200 000km.