Legacy 2015 Subaru Legacy

[martinbo]

Just how did Subaru go so horribly wrong with the Legacy.

In no particular order:
- Andreas Zapatinas and his "Legacy" of design direction disarray that ensued for years
- The Economic Downturn
- The "Americanisation" of Legacy/Outback ("make it bigger")
- Crash legislation including pedestrian crash protection
- The ditching of frameless doors in the pursuit of wind-noise reduction

 

[Rainer271]

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[hoffmeister_fan]

In no particular order:
- Andreas Zapatinas and his "Legacy" of design direction disarray that ensued for years
- The Economic Downturn
- The "Americanisation" of Legacy/Outback ("make it bigger")
- Crash legislation including pedestrian crash protection
- The ditching of frameless doors in the pursuit of wind-noise reduction

The Zapatinas era was disasterous, but I think it was was during his time that we got the Legacy of 2 gens ago.

That said, the design doesn't bother me so much as I think it'll age well like the Legacy from 2 gens ago. The increase in size was necessary for it to compete with the Camry, Accord, What bothers me is the lack of a GT and the powertrain and additional style that would come with it.

It is ok, even doctors make mistakes sometimes.

As a future physician, hopefully nothing major or malpractice-worthy.

 

[MikeJ]

Hmm.... No great shakes here. I wonder if my dad will get one as soon as they get the Outback version out, he's currently on his third and loves it to bits. Me, I think the driving experience has gotten progressively worse... his first one, a 2004 2.5 was actually a lot of fun to drive (while some other aspects, such as interior finish and fuel consumption/range left a bit to be desired), the 2008 had something funny going on with the way the suspension worked (not to mention the not-quite-ready-for-market 2.0 TD engine), and the current 2012 has really unnatural, artificial steering feel (and a CVT)...

 

[martinbo]

The Zapatinas era was disasterous, but I think it was was during his time that we got the Legacy of 2 gens ago.

Zapatinas joined Subaru after the fourth generation Legacy which you refer to was signed off. Subaru designers had embarked on the hexagonal grill road at that stage only to be diverted toward shield-grill aping "wings" motif DRG and scalloped headlights, ostensibly under the direction of Zapatinas. At least this is what I came to be told when I did work for Subaru SA on a more regular basis.

That said, the design doesn't bother me so much as I think it'll age well like the Legacy from 2 gens ago. The increase in size was necessary for it to compete with the Camry, Accord, What bothers me is the lack of a GT and the powertrain and additional style that would come with it.

The Fourth-gen Legacy was pitched by Subaru directly against the BMW 3 Series and it was a monumental effort that produced a worthy competitor that, so sadly, never set sales charts alight. I have never loved (and I really mean this) demonstrating a car around a certain test track as much as I did this generation of Legacy in all three of the different guises - 2.0 GT five-speed manual, 3.0R Spec B, 2.5 GT Spec B 6-speed manual. This was undoubtedly a golden era for Subaru for me. I had such fun! Erm... where was I?

Oh yes, back to the 3 Series - Subaru must've realised that in spite of its most concerted efforts buyers didn't view the Legacy as a true 3 Series competitor. And so came about the move toward upsizing the Leggy out of the 3 Series class and into the half-size bigger Camry and Accord class.

 

[Giannis]

Compared to the hideous outgoing model, this new car is a big improvement even though that's not saying much. Marcus is right; it is inoffensive and, as long as Subaru hang an engine ahead of the front axle, destined to be blessed with less-than-flattering proportions. Interior is miles better than that of the old model.

What it does have is still one of the world's best AWD systems in a road-going passenger car. C'mon Subaru, put that FA16 DIT engine in the Leggy with a six-speed manual - that'll make for one heck of a value proposition.

It's amazing how such a politically-correct, borderline blunt, designed body-shell can hide such a charismatic drivetrain underneath.

 

[Monster]

So I test drove the Sedan and the Outback version, both with the 3.6 engine. Initial impression is promising, both cars have tight body control, responsive steering and progressive brakes. There is now a little bit more low end torque from the H6 engine which is much needed. It felt very similar to my Gen IV with much better ride comfort and noise isolation. I notice the extra stiffness of the monocoque too.

The new generation Legacy/Liberty is wider and significantly more spacious than my Gen IV. Visibility is good so I don't have any issue placing the car to where I want on the road.

 

[Monster]

Some pics of the test drives. The cars look sharper, more dynamic in real life however the front end still looks too blunt and cars still look huge.

To add to my previous post, the interior design is still firmly stuck in the early 2000s. same with the infotainment system. The time it takes to switch between different sub menu is border line on unacceptable in the modern age of ultra quick smart phones and tablets. In fact it is slower than the unit in my 7 year old Liberty! The one thing Subaru did get right was the use of material. Subaru lost their way with the horrible Gen 5 and its brittle plastic fantastic interior, but thankfully they have brought the interior back to the standard of the Gen IV.

 

[martinbo]

Still fantastic cars to own and run. Yes, the infotainment system is a dinosaur!

 

[Monster]

Still fantastic cars to own and run. Yes, the infotainment system is a dinosaur!

I am tempted but the servicing plan is still horrible, 5000km or ever 6 months, is it the same for your Forester in SA?

 

[martinbo]

I am tempted but the servicing plan is still horrible, 5000km or ever 6 months, is it the same for your Forester in SA?

Heck no, every 15 000 km or once a year.

 

[Giannis]

That's just an oil change or more than that?

IMO, a 15.000km interval for oil change is mandatory for whatever car you drive.

 

[martinbo]

That's just an oil change or more than that?

15000 for both oil and filter elements...

 

[Giannis]

15000 for both oil and filter elements...

This is a no-issue, then.

On the contrary, I find this to be very honest and good, from the side of the manufacturer. Regular oil changes help keep your engine in top condition. I struggle to understand MB's 30.000km oil change intervals.

 

[martinbo]

Fresh clean oil is your engine's best protection against premature wear.

 

[Rainer271]

2016 Subaru Legacy and Outback unveiled with modest updates

2016 Subaru Legacy

Subaru has announced a series of updates to the 2016 Legacy and Outback.

Since the models were recently redesigned, this year's changes are relatively minor and include a retuned electric power-assist steering system and an auto on/off mode for the headlights and windshield wipers.

The cars also have an improved EyeSight system with a Lane Keep Assist function. It alerts the driver when the vehicle starts to exit its lane and can even help steer the vehicle back into its original lane.

The models also gain a new Starlink Safety and Security system that provides SOS Emergency Assistance, Enhanced Roadside Assistance, Automatic Collision Notification, Maintenance Notifications, Monthly Vehicle Health Report and Diagnostic Alerts. There's also a Starlink Safety Plus & Security Plus Package that adds Stolen Vehicle Recovery Service, Vehicle Security Alarm Notification, Remote Lock/Unlock, Remote Horn and Lights and Remote Vehicle Locator.

The 2016 Legacy and Outback will go on sale this summer and pricing starts at $21,745 for the Legacy and $24,995 for the Outback.

Source: Subaru USA