Subaru Legacy saloon (2009) first pictures

Published: 31 March 2009 Updated: 26 January 2015

Subaru will show off its new Legacy saloon at next week’s New York auto show 2009. The new Legacy follows closely the blueprint set by the eponymous concept car revealed at Detroit – so it’s the biggest model yet in its 20-year history.

Early figures suggest the new Legacy is 35mm longer, 90mm wider and 80mm higher than its predecessor. And, this being an American launch, the press blurb even states the swollen newcomer can swallow four golf bags. Perfect for an executive four-ball.

New Subaru Legacy (2010: the oily bits

The US-market car is powered by a 2.5-litre naturally aspirated or 3.6 boxer engine mated to a new CVT transmission dubbed Lineartronic. Naturally, the Legacy has Subaru’s trademark four-wheel drive system. Power outputs are as follows:

Legacy 2.5i, 170bhp, 170lb ft
Legacy 2.5 GT, 265bhp, 258lb ft
Legacy 3.6R, 256bhp, 247lb ft

And for Europe?

The Legacy lands in Europe in October 2009, and we’re told there will be a suite of Euro-focused engines. Today’s Legacy majors on the 2.0-litre petrol and diesel units, which will be transferred over to the new 2010 model.

Subaru in the UK has been struggling with exchange rate woes, which have forced it to axe the Impreza diesel here. ‘We’re hoping to bring it in this autumn,’ said a spokeswoman. ‘But we’ve been struggling to make the numbers add up.’

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By Tim Pollard

Group digital editorial director, car news magnet, crafter of words

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