Subaru Southern Africa has expanded its Legacy/Outback line-up with the addition of two new flagship models, the Legacy 2,5 GT, and Outback 3,6R.
The 2,5 GT (see preview drive in the October 2009 issue of CAR magazine) is priced at R439 000 and therefore competes with pretigious rivals such as the BMW 330i and Audi A4 3,2 FSI Quattro. This is a stiff challenge, certainly, but the Legacy compares well on performance and specification.
The GT is powered by a turbocharged, double-overhead cam version of the marque's tried-and-tested 2,5-litre boxer engine, developing 195 kW at 5 600 r/min and 350 N.m of torque at 2 400. The torque curve is said to remain virtually flat all the way to 5 200 r/min. Design changes to the turbocharger are claimed to have lowered emissions and and the engine complies with Euro4 emission standards.
Other changes include an intercooler with a 25 per cent larger core, a more compact exhaust system, revised turbo intake system and plumbing for smoother airflow and minimal lag. There is also a new exhaust Active Valve Control System (AVCS) with a new cam profile to improve performance, fuel efficiency and reduce exhaust gas emissions.
The engine is mated with the marque's five-speed Sportshift automatic transmission. Smart shift levers are positioned behind the steering wheel and the system includes throttle blips on downshifts. As with most modern Subarus, the company's innovative SI-Drive (Subaru Intelligent-Drive) system is part of the package, too. It allows the driver to select the engine mode best suited to the prevailing driving conditions - three modes are offered (Intelligent, for economical driving, Sport and Sport Sharp).
But what about performance? Subaru claims a 0-100 km/h sprint time of 6,2 seconds and a 245 km/h top speed.
Visually the Legacy 2,5 GT is easily identifiable by its 18-inch wheels, bespoke sports front bumper and dual rear exhausts. Of course, as a turbocharger Subary it also gets the subtle version of the marque's Scooby scoop on the bonnet.
One area in which the Legacy easily beats the Germans is interior space. The specification level is also generous, even though it still misses a few tricks - such as in-dash navigation and automatic-dimming rear-view mirror. Standard features include: full leather, auto-on wipers and headlights, electrically-adjusted seats for passenger as well as driver (with memory function on the latter), electric sunroof, ad Xenon HID headlamps and dual-zone climate control with separate rear vents.
There's also smart keyless access and a push button start system. Using this ‘smart key' to open the door automatically adjusts the seat to the position stored on the key memory.
Priced at R459 000, the new Outback 3,6R is aimed at buyers looking for a premium-segment vehicle with some rough-road ability, but who doesn't want to go the SUV route. The Outback is far bigger inside than similarly priced vehicles such as the Volvo XC60 and Audi Q5, and with a 191 kW six-cylinder boxer engine under the bonnet, also offers significantly more power.
The engine delivers 350 N.m of torque at 4 400 r/min, and power is sent to Subaru's trademark symmetrical all-wheel drive system via a five-speed automatic transmission. The engine features variable valve timing on both the intake and exhaust valves and also complies with Euro4 emission regulations.
Subaru claims a maximum speed of 230 km/h, a zero-to-100 km/h sprint time of 7,5 seconds and a combined fuel consumption figure of 10,6 litres/100 km.
Inside, the Outback is given the aura of a premium segment vehicle by a woodgrain finish on the doors and facia and a full specification sheet that includes: full leather trim, auto-on headlamps and wipers, Xenon headlamps, electric sunroof, 10-way electrically adjustable driver's seat with memory, 8-way electrically adjustable front passenger seat, keyless access, dual-zone climate control, a premium sound system with 6-disc CD changer and a hill hold function, amongst many more. But it's no poseur's machine - with the rear seats folded down very long items can be transported, and the 3,6R also gets self-levelling rear suspension and roof rails.
The Legacy 2.5 GT and Outback 3.6R are sold with a 3 years/100 000 km warranty and a 3 years/63 000 km maintenance plan that can be extended to 5 years/200 000 km.
Like Subaru a lot. Happily these two do not come with the lineartronic cvt gearbox.
