2008 Subaru Legacy Preview

Subtle revisions to an established player by Staff

What it Is

Subaru Legacy Preview – 2007 Detroit Auto Show: Subaru sold more than 200,000 cars, SUVs – and whatever that Baja thing is – last year, which should surprise no one. After all, Subaru has won numerous awards for safety and has developed a reputation as maker of fun and practical cars, if a bit expensive. At the 2007 Detroit Auto Show, Subaru debuted slight revisions to one of its most popular vehicles, the Legacy sedan, lifting the curtain on a new 2008 Legacy 3.0 R Limited as the flagship sedan.

Why it Matters

For 2008, the Outback and Legacy continue their separation into two distinct models by offering only one body style each. The Outback dropped the slow-selling sedan model, and the Legacy has abandoned its wagon version. While we doubt that the goofy-looking Outback sedan will be missed, the Legacy wagon might be. It was a good handling, fun car, one that combined performance and practicality beautifully. However, business is business, and we can only assume that the Legacy wagon was as unpopular the Outback sedan. Such a pity

What’s Under the Hood

As the “flagship” sedan, the 2008 Subaru Legacy 3.0 R offers Subaru’s SI-Drive system, formerly only on the turbo models, and rides on a Bilstein Sport suspension and 18-inch tires and wheels. As with all models, the Legacy is connected to Subaru’s symmetrical all-wheel drive system, an excellent layout that provides enhanced handling on dry pavement and extra security on wet or snowy roads. Unlike the Outback, the Legacy has a traditional road-hugging stance, even more so on the GT versions with the sport suspension and low-profile tires. Want Audi levels of performance but don’t have the cash? Check out a Legacy.

What it Looks Like

The changes for 2008 are subtle. The most obvious change is the new grille, headlights and fog lights, but even they are slight alterations. The revised rear bumper incorporates red fog lights, which look nice but might not stand up to the bumper-car antics of some drivers.

What’s Inside

Inside, the Legacy gets a redesigned instrument panel and revised interior fabrics. A telescopic steering column and a new integrated ignition key/remote entry unit join the standard equipment list for every 2008 Legacy model, and distinctive electroluminescent gauges, formerly featured only on the turbo, will be included on six-cylinder models for 2008.

What Subaru Says

“The Legacy 3.0 R Limited is designed to provide the refined, sophisticated – though still exciting – kind of performance that might typically be expected from a premium European All-Wheel Drive touring sedan."

What We Think

The revisions to the Legacy are pretty mild, and mostly serve to further divide the Legacy and Outback lines, even though they’re basically the same car. The departure of the wagon version is sad, but we think overall the styling revisions are a nice refresh for the line, and the addition of the 3.0 R trim at the top gives premium shoppers another reason to buy Subaru. All the way around, the 2008 Subaru Legacy represents a gentle nudge forward. Photos courtesy of Ron Perry Source : http://www.autosite.com