Subaru continues its Legacy of quirkiness
2017 2.5i Touring is a capable, comfortable mid-size sedan with plenty of cargo space
As a rule, press vehicles are either loaded to the max to show off all the goodies, or they represent the volume-selling trim of a certain model, which is usually a mid-level trim or a value package, or equipped with features that appeal to mainstream buyers.
Unusual, then, for Subaru to hand me the keys to a 2017 Legacy 2.5i Touring. Yes, it’s the volume seller, but here it was equipped with a manual transmission. You know, the kind with the third pedal on the left and a wobbly stick coming out of the lower console that needs to be pushed around occasionally. Quaint! Only three per cent of Canadian buyers opt for a manual Legacy, so this is a rare beast. It’s also the only all-wheeldrive mid-size sedan with a manual transmission available in our market.
The 2017 Subaru Legacy starts at $23,495 for the base 2.5i, also with a manual. This 2.5i Touring, at $26,595, includes a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, automatic headlights with fog lights, Subaru’s Starlink infotainment system and media hub with USB and Bluetooth connectivity, 17-inch alloy wheels, dual-zone automatic climate control, power sunroof and heated seats. Driver aids include blind-spot detection and rear cross-traffic alert.
As noted, almost all Legacy buyers spring for the $1,300 continuously variable transmission. This could be considered a no-brainer choice. Along with getting better fuel economy, the CVT is paired to a more advanced all-wheeldrive system which has an electronically controlled multi-plate transfer clutch, versus a viscouscoupling mechanical setup for manual models.
The CVT also allows for push-button start and Subaru’s optional — and excellent — EyeSight driver safety system that bestows adaptive cruise control, automatic pre-collision braking and lane-departure warning, along with new-for-2017 lanekeep assist, high-beam assist and reverse automatic braking.
Perhaps those choosing the manual transmission are secretly relishing the sports sedan experience, snicking though the gears and matching revs, becoming one with their Subaru. Uh, not really. The shifts throws are long and clunky, clutch action is not exactly crisp and the 2.5-litre flat four, with its 175 horsepower and 174 pound-feet of torque at 4,000 rpm, is tepid. I will give it points for earnestness, but you can’t be in any great hurry. That familiar Subaru growl lightly underscores all proceedings, which can be a plus or minus, depending on your preferences.
The 2017 Subaru Legacy is a fine handler, though, its cornering flat and poised. Credit the sedan’s low centre of gravity, thanks to its horizontally opposed boxer engine layout. The ride is good, too, soaking up most road irregularities with little cabin intrusion. It’s a competent highway car, but the engine spins at a busy 2,800 rpm
when cruising at 120 km/h in sixth gear, and there’s a fair bit of wind noise.
The Legacy is not ugly, but it isn’t particularly distinctive, either. In fact, if the Legacy 2.5i had more oats under the hood, it would make for a fine getaway car: “Witnesses describe the bank robber’s car as, uh, carlike.”
That said, its conservative, upright dimensions pay dividends when it comes to interior space and outward visibility. This is an airy and roomy cabin, with near limo-grade rear legroom. Ingress and egress is a breeze, and the trunk is cavernous. Fold the 60/40-split rear seat flat and you’re ready for a trip to Ikea.
Inside, you’ll find an array of well marked buttons and rotary controllers, and the seven-inch touch-screen interface is easy to negotiate. The backlit major gauge cluster is clear in all lighting conditions, yet the overall cabin design and execution could use an upgrade. Someone needs to wave the “cohesion” wand over this. For instance, the skinny HVAC readout on the console has a dim digital display that looks to be lifted from a VCR. Conversely, the screen in the instrument cluster is modern and colourful. Whining about this, however, is a moot exercise; the 2018 Legacy will get a considerable refresh that includes a new dash, standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, reduced wind noise, revised suspension bits and retuned steering, along with engine tweaks.
As a whole, a Subaru wouldn’t be a Subaru if there weren’t some residual quirkiness to be found. With the stick shift, the capable and comfortable Legacy certainly fits that bill. Standard all-wheel drive is Subaru’s calling card, something no other car in this segment can brag, and if winter traction is high on your list, know that a Legacy equipped with proper snow tires is stable, confident and nearly unstoppable.