The refreshed Subaru Legacy has arrived in South Africa, a year after the US-spec version of the sedan made its debut in Chicago.
As before, just a single derivative is offered locally. Now called the Subaru Legacy 3,6R-S ES, this all-wheel-drive model draws its urge from an unchanged 3,6-litre six-cylinder boxer engine worth 191 kW and 350 N.m. However, Subaru says the Lineartronic CVT to which the horizontally opposed six-pot is attached is ?smoother and more fluid? than before.
With these latest updates, the price increases from R599 000 to R619 000.
So, what do you score for the extra R20 000? Well, in addition to the updated styling (and two new paint colours), Subaru says the latest Legacy gains turbine-style 18-inch alloys plus new side-mirrors that now feature integrated LED indicators. The mirror cap on the left side furthermore gains a side-view camera.
The Japanese automaker also says the cabin features ?more premium? materials plus new high-gloss black trim with silver contrasting. In addition, there?s a new multifunction leather steering wheel and Subaru?s latest infotainment system (in the form of a seven-inch touchscreen), complete with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality.
Subaru also points out other small changes inside, from the repositioning of the dual-zone climate control temperature indicators to within the dials themselves, to improvements to the air-conditioning system.
The automaker also claims the Legacy?s electric steering is now ?more direct?, while the dampers have been retuned for ?better absorption of bumps? as well as ?more stability? through corners. Subaru says the brake pedal feel has been ?improved?, too.
The updated Legacy also gains Subaru?s EyeSight driver assistance technology, which makes use of stereo cameras that scan the road ahead, prompting the system to act to mitigate or reduce the damage of collisions. Key features here include adaptive cruise control, pre-collision braking, pre-collision throttle management, and vehicle lane departure and sway warning.
As before, the Legacy comes with a five-year/150 000 km warranty and a three-year/75 000 km maintenance plan.
