In celebrations of Subaru South Africa’s 30th anniversary, lets take a step back in time to the first-ever appearance of a Subaru in CAR Magazine, the 1993 Subaru Legacy 4×4 Wagon.
On the 16th of June 1992, Subaru officially set up shop in South Africa at its dealership in the middle of the Johannesburg CBD. Since then, the South African arm of the brand has seen substantial growth and currently has thirteen dealerships across South Africa. This month Subaru South Africa will celebrate its 30th anniversary in South Africa, honouring its outstanding track record and list of achievements.
September 1993: The Subaru Legacy 4×4 wagon
Soo-bah-roo, not Soo-buh-roo. A quick Subaru pronunciation lesson that was tastefully added in CAR Magazine’s first Subaru road test article published in the September 1993 issue. The South African automotive market was tight-knit and foreign automakers like Subaru had not yet stepped foot onto South African soil. That was until 1992, and a little over a year later, a white Subaru Legacy wagon’s keys were in the hands of the CAR team.
It was a 2,2-litre flat-four totting four-wheel-drive wagon that came at what was considered a reasonable price and offered a comfortable and smooth on-road performance while still being able to grapple with the occasional rough terrain. Garnering looks of curiosity and awe wherever it went, the Subaru Legacy stood out in what was defined as an age of “competent, but boringly similar vehicles”.
“Over the years, boxer motors driving all four wheels have become part of the Subaru tradition. The Legacy’s charismatic four-cylinder 16-valver puts out 100 kW at 6 000 p/min.”
In the end, the Legacy managed to wiggle its way into the team’s heart and was held in high regard thanks to its plentiful offerings, reliable platform, easy on the eyes presentation, and overall usability which seemed like another car would come at a hefty price to have all of the same attributes in one package.
From the Legacy to the Forester to the WRX and so on, CAR Magazine has enjoyed the 29 years that have passed since the first appearance of the beloved Subie. Heres to many more!
