2010 Subaru Legacy coming to NY auto show

The Subaru Legacy, an attractive and sporty Japanese midsize sedan that had everything going for it, is a massive flop in the UAE and certainly in most countries of the GCC. It looks like Subaru will take another shot at increasing their numbers on the streets of Dubai, and indeed the rest of the world, by unveiling a new iteration of the Legacy. Dubbed the “roomiest Legacy sedan ever with new levels of comfort and refinement,” it seems to have given up its handsome looks to gain a practical image.

The unveiling of the all-new 2010 Legacy sedan will take place at the 2009 New York International Auto Show. This fifth-generation Legacy sedan will continue featuring Subaru’s symmetrical all-wheel-
drive and horizontally-opposed “boxer” engines.

The Legacy 2.5i features a 2.5-litre 4-cylinder with 170 hp at 5600 rpm and 230 Nm at 4000 rpm, and either a 6-speed manual or a new “Lineartronic” CVT transmission. The Legacy 2.5GT has a 2.5-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder with 265 hp at 5600 rpm and 349 Nm from 2000 to 5200 rpm, and a 6-speed manual only. The Legacy 3.6R has a 3.6-litre 6-cylinder has “AVCS” variable valve timing, with 256 hp at 6000 rpm and 335 Nm at 4400 rpm, and a 5-speed automatic only.

The new Legacy sedan is 35 mm longer, 90 mm wider and 80 mm higher than the previous model. While its overhang dimensions are shortened by 45 mm, its wheelbase is expanded by 80 mm, allowing for additional rear legroom. The trunk is enlarged and offers larger volume than the previous model.

The front suspension consists of MacPherson struts, while the rear has a new double-wishbone suspension. The base models feature standard 16-inch wheels, premium-grade models are fitted with 17-inch alloy wheels, and only the turbo model gets 18-inch alloy wheels. All models are equipped with a standard 4-wheel disc brakes with ABS and EBD. A new electronic parking brake replaces the traditional parking brake, while an electronic Hill Holder System in the
parking brake is automatically activated if the vehicle stops on any hill with a slope of more than 5%.

Also standard are “VDC” stability control, front and side-curtain airbags, and an optional Harmon-Kardon stereo.

Expect the 2010 model to quietly hit the GCC by the winter of 2009. Keep track of the model, including prices and specs, by visiting the Subaru Legacy buyer guide.