Subaru bares all-new Legacy, Outback for Asian market

THE MIDSIZE Subarus feature the new Subaru family nose with a hexagonal grille and chiseled “hawkeye” headlamps.

Subaru has launched the all-new Legacy premium sedan and Outback premium crossover for the Asian market. Subaru intends to position the new cars higher in terms of features, comfort and handling performance.

The midsize Subarus feature the new Subaru family nose, with a hexagonal grille and chiseled “hawkeye” headlamps.

The Outback promises improved fuel mileage thanks in part to the revised aerodynamics.

The interiors feature a three-spoke steering wheel with multifunction switches, including the controls for the SI-Drive system. Matte metallic inserts help liven up the black interior scheme. The gauges get a three-dimensional look.

THE OBSTACLE course may have looked challenging for an SUV, but the Outback tackled it with aplomb.

Legacy and Outback will be powered in the base version by a naturally-aspirated 2.5-liter flat-four engine. It will generate 172.61 horsepower and 235 Newton-meter, and will be mated to a CVT transmission.

In lieu of the previous 2.5-liter turbocharged engine, the performance-spec Legacy and Outback to be sold in Philippines will get the naturally-aspirated 3.6-liter flat-six engine. This will deliver a satisfying 256.44 HP and 350 Nm, and will also be paired with the CVT.

The Outback will feature a revised chassis, steering, suspension and brakes. Wheels have been upsized to 18-inch alloys.

The crossover wagon also gets the new X-Mode electronics package that maximizes the traction of its all-wheel drive system.

Motor Image, distributor of Subaru for Asean, Taiwan, Hong Kong and China, launched the new models on the eve of the Thailand Motor Expo in Bangkok. The Legacy nameplate

AN ALL-WHEEL drive system allows the Legacy to corner more confidently.

celebrates its 25th year and its sixth generation.

At a road course near the motor expo, Subaru highlighted the strengths of the new Legacy and Outback. A lot of orange cones in a parking lot usually spells difficulty for front-wheel drive cars. However, the Legacy and Outback were able to tackle the course with ease, thanks to the signature symmetrical all-wheel drive and boxer engine layout. The boxer engine delivers a lower center of gravity compared to inline or V engines. This was evident in the Legacy’s secure handling through the slalom and rapid lane-change sections. The all-wheel drive system, which has major components aligned symmetrically along the vehicle’s direction of travel, allowed the Legacy to corner more confidently. A sudden torrential downpour didn’t faze the cars as they continued to run the soaking-wet course.

The Outback, despite its low roofline, is positioned as a genuine crossover, with a 220-millimeter ground clearance, equal to or greater than all but the loftiest SUVs. That raised clearance allows it go on rough roads or even off-road. Subaru set up a “forest” course very similar to its AWD experience done locally. The course included a slip roller, cross roller and shell pits. The obstacles looked challenging even for an SUV, but the Outback tackled the course with aplomb. The tall wagon didn’t break into a sweat, as its X-mode all-wheel drive system allowed it to direct traction where needed, even if one or more wheels were in the air. The X-mode also incorporates hill descent control, with the car automatically applying brakes when descending on a steep segment.

THE INTERIORS feature a three-spoke steering wheel with multifunction switches.

“As Subaru’s flagship models, the all-new Outback and Legacy provide customers with second-to-none performance, safety and luxury,” said Glenn Tan, Executive Director of Motor Image parent company Tan Chong International Ltd. “The new models combine luxury with innovative Subaru technologies that enhance the driving experience, efficiency, and safety.”

The all-new Legacy and Outback are now available for pre-order at Philippine Subaru dealerships.