Flip through the latest issue of Gulf Weekly.
After taking innumerable models out for test drives since I started at GulfWeekly many moons ago, few have lived up to one of my very first experiences: the Subaru Legacy.
Therefore, it was with much glee that I jumped at the chance to take the 2017 iteration of this fine piece of machinery out … and it didn’t disappoint. Piloting the top-of-therange 2.5i-S model around the island, I felt like I was behind the wheel of a luxury motor packed with features, yet offered up as an affordable package.
The Legacy has had something of a redesign, with its contemporary bodywork appearing sleeker and sportier whilst still retaining its image. Smooth lines pepper the bodywork to showcase the fast feeling, while providing more aerodynamic efficiency.
I particularly liked the attractiveness of the front, with the grille and bumper melding into one smooth hexagonal shape. One thing that always astounded me about the Legacy was the amount of cargo space in the vehicle despite its relatively boxy exterior.
I once joked that this should have been called the Subaru TARDIS, and I’m happy to report that this hasn’t been compromised in the update. Despite pushing the electrical-powered, memory leather seats all the way back, there was still room behind me for another six-footer to stretch out comfortably and avoid knee cramps.
That’s not to mention the boot space, which I’m sure could fit an entire collection of suitcases, golf clubs and even the family pets were you so inclined. Under the bonnet, the four cylinder, four stroke engine chugs along nicely, packing 175bhp and 235Nm of torque to give you plenty of oomph on the highway, especially when you slip it into Sport mode for an extra boost.
The tiptronic gearbox comes as standard, with smooth transitions in automatic mode and an even more rewarding drive once you switch to the steel paddles for an authentic manual experience.
It’s good to see that the infotainment system is still as intuitive as ever, bereft of cumbersome menus and options that plague other models. Big, clear buttons open the gates to AM/FM radio, CD, USB, AUX, Bluetooth and GPS navigation, all backed up by a catchy jingle that had me turning the car off and on again multiple times to hear.
As always, a test drive means blasting heavy music at anti-social volumes, and the Harman/Karmon speakers provided the perfect platform, delivering premium sound quality and not like something coming from an empty tin of beans.
Safety is also guaranteed with Active Torque Vectoring, a Vehicle Dynamics Control System, increased visibility in the frame to reduce blind-spot areas, a cabin-protecting layout for head-on accidents, and a suite of airbags, adjustable seatbelts and sensors.
I noted in my review that last time I visited the Motorcity showroom in Sitra that the staff there offered unparalleled enthusiasm and professionalism in regards to their handling of the test drive process, and I’m delighted to report that standards haven’t slipped at all.
Other showrooms could learn a great deal, particularly from assistant sales manager Manaf Kassem and the reception staff, after I was shown every detail about the car and treated like an old friend rather than being handed a key and a form and left to figure things out myself.
It makes a great difference to the experience, and thus remains one of my favourite places to visit for a road test. Presenting sporty and luxurious aesthetics on the outside, swathes of space on the inside, all supported by cutting-edge safety features and user-friendly infotainment, there will be no better marriage of elegance and affordability than this.
The Subaru Legacy 2.5i-S is available at BD9,650 from the Subaru showroom in Sitra. For more information, call 17736222 or visit www. motorcity.com.bh
