The Legacy’s external dimensions are all bigger than its predecessor’s, most by around 50mm. Its wheelbase, however, has increased by 80mm to 2750mm, and this has resulted in the Legacy having one of the more accommodating cabins in its class.
There is ample head and leg room in the front, with decent space for three in the rear, too, although the centre seat is slightly compromised by the transmission tunnel. The load bay is one of the biggest in this class; it’s only slightly smaller than that of the Mondeo estate, at 526 litres with the seats in place. This rises to 1726 litres with the rear seats folded, which they do with ease thanks to latches placed just inside the tailgate. The load bay floor itself is low, too, and the rear bumper unobtrusive, which eases the loading of heavy cargo.
Interior finish, however, has seldom been a Subaru strong point, and although the Legacy feels well assembled and is as free from creaks
as you’d hope and expect, its surfaces and the design of the minor switches lack the finesse you’d find in even average European competition.
Ergonomically, the Legacy’s cabin is sound. The front chairs are large and there’s a big space between them; this is a wide cockpit. The dials are clear and concise, and the minor controls, even if they look a tad clumsy, operate precisely enough.
There is a refreshing honesty about the way things work, too. The headlights and wipers have automatic operation but, unlike in some cars, they don’t default to ‘on’ and can be left off, so you’ve got the choice. And although the electronic handbrake’s lever could be bigger, at least it’s simple to operate. Push the throttle and it releases; you don’t have to prod the brakes while you’re doing it.
If its previous customer satisfaction surveys are any guide, the latest Legacy will prove fairly painless to own.
Certainly, in terms of economy, it’s as painless to run as you’d reasonably ask; our 39.8mpg average over 500 relatively hard-driven miles is a very creditable result. That boxer diesel is clearly efficient and the gearing, while doing little for low-speed driveability, certainly boosts its frugality.
High depreciation is a fact of life for any car in this class, but the Legacy’s failings are unlikely to harm its value in the longer term. If this car proves as durable as previous Legacies, the versatility afforded by its four-wheel drive system will cause it to retain significant appeal.
