The fifth generation of the Subaru Legacy Tourer was unveiled at the 2009 New York Auto Show. It brought several new technologies for the 20 years model.
The first generation of the Subaru Legacy was launched in 1989 and it surprised the market with its all-wheel-drive and flat-four engine. It was a time when the smaller sibling, the Impreza, was winning races in the World Rally Championship and the Legacy success was based upon those winnings and its qualities.
One of the main features of the Legacy Tourer was the frameless side windows that were traditional for Subaru. The fifth-generation had to put frames to increase the car's safety to the newer standards. Its headlights were no longer slim but big and extended over the hood and fenders. The grille was bigger than before, with a chromed surrounding and the silver wings that sustained the oval badge. The car was longer than its predecessor by 55 mm (2.16”) and also by 40 mm (1.6”) than the sedan.
Inside, thanks to a big 17051 mm (108.3”) wheelbase, it offered enough legroom for the rear passengers. The longer roofline offered more headroom for the rear passengers as well. The trunk space could have been extended with the rear 60/40 split-bench folded up to 1677 liters (59.2 cu-ft)
The interior design was simple, with black and silver colors, that looked better than before. For the driver's comfort, the Legacy featured a dash-mounted parking brake and hill-holder.
For the technical department, the Legacy featured the same symmetrical all-wheel-drive system, with flat-four engines, either diesel or gasoline. The standard transmission was a 6-speed gearbox while a CVT named Lineartronic was offered as an option.
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