The current-generation Legacy and Outback models were launched for the 2005 model year. But unlike some cars that go through a product cycle without any changes, Subaru is constantly improving its mid-size sedan and wagon offerings.
For 2009, the Legacy is getting yet another round of changes. The greenish PZEV models were presented on the Canadian auto show circuit despite the WRX STI grabbing all the attention, but there are other notable changes to the lineup.
First Legacy with 6-cylinder power
Previously offered in the Outback and the B9 Tribeca, Subaru’s 3.0-litre flat-6 has now been assigned to motivate uplevel versions of the Legacy. The 2.5GT model is replaced by the 3.0R, which is better suited to rival the competition’s V6-powered mid-size sedans. The 2.5GT spec.B still tops the model range, but gets a price drop for 2009.
Rated at 245 horsepower and 215 lb-ft of torque, the H6 in the Legacy is a smooth and quiet performer, and generally considered as more docile than the 243-hp turbo four. Yet it now gets SI-DRIVE, the company’s driver-selectable engine-management system, as well as wheel-mounted paddle shifters.
The car performs well when Sport Sharp mode is activated; 0-100 km/h takes 7.6 seconds, and the quarter-mile is cleared in 15.5 seconds at 146 km/h. In intelligent mode, the car is rewarding us with an average of 10.9 L/100 km, which is better than what the turbo 2.5 can do.
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