Subaru Legacy 3.6R-S even further refined

THE freshly-issued Legacy 3.6R-S has been updated and offers an even better blend of dynamics, performance, refinement, comfort, safety and value. It combines the rational and the emotional like no other performance middleweight vehicle to provide an optimal blend of design and engineering.
Under the aluminium bonnet is the most refined and efficient version of the 3.6-litre H6 Boxer engine yet, feeding its 191kW and 350Nm to Subaru’s acclaimed Lineartronic CVT, which now features an updated shift control system.
The third side of the triangle, and arguably the most characteristic Subaru feature, is symmetrical All-Wheel-Drive (AWD), which distributes power front and back through an electronically-controlled centre differential, ensuring each wheel gets the power it needs, when it needs it.
The Legacy has long been popular with drivers who have appreciated their performance with a serving of brainpower, and AWD has been the key. It translates into a real-world dynamic advantage, whether you’re exploring the upper reaches of its traction and road holding ability, or steering around someone’s wet weather recklessness.
For the sixth generation, launched 25 years after the first model, Subaru took a long hard look at the market place and addressed the two things the market said Legacy needed which is more style to please the eye on the inside and outside, and to evoke more emotional senses in a Legacy.
The windscreen is steeply raked and the bold grille flanked by ‘hawk eye’ headlamps which incorporates LED technology while the boot lid has a subtle design to its rear end to further enhance aerodynamic efficiency.
There’s sophistication aplenty on the inside, the cabin provides a feel for both spaciousness and user-friendly with a list of standard features of epic proportions, but the important fact is that these are all ultimately about meeting the driver’s needs.
This is a driver’s car, but the good news is that there’s plenty to surprise and delight anyone else who happens to be in the leather-clad seats, either alongside or behind the driver.
There’s more hip and shoulder room thanks to a 20mm increase in width, and the boot capacity has been increased too, thanks to a slightly longer overhang. Practicality improves, a rear seat which now folds at a ratio of 60:40.
More luxurious seating are also found in both the front and rear. Standard features like a sunroof and reverse camera, dual-zone climate control and ample steering wheel controls all make for a vehicle which promises much and delivers even more.
The jewel in the cabin of course is a new 6.2-inch touch screen with an interface reminiscent of smartphones and tablets. This feature acts as a command centre for functions such as audio, telephony, satellite navigation and vehicle-related settings and systems.
What can’t be seen is a more rigid super structure, which is what adds a sublime edge to the actual driving experience. Steering, suspension and brakes all operate with extra precision and accuracy thanks to carefully considered placement of special steels, and this has benefits for refinement too, with noise levels lowered and unwanted vibrations banished.
The torsional stiffer body also means more safety and the Legacy has achieved a five-star ratings in the ANCAP (Australasian New Car Assessment Program) testing.
Pricing for the Legacy 3.6R-S is R529 000 including a three year or 75 000km full maintenance plan and a three year or 100 000km factory warranty.

The overall fuel consumption given is 9.9 litres per 100km.