Long-term test: Subaru Legacy 2.0R - on sale now

24 May 2006

Review

A little over 1,000 miles into the six-month long-term test and our Subaru Legacy has made its first trip to the dealership.

Subaru’s recommended service schedule starts with a 1,000-mile oil/filter change which is a little out of kilter with most modern cars and their ever-extending intervals.

Apparently the factory-fitted oil is intended to only last for this distance – then it rapidly deteriorates. The service cost £43.92 for parts, but at least it gave us a chance to meet our local Subaru retailer, Donalds in Peterborough. It’s also an ideal opportunity for the dealer to check that the customer is happy with the car and iron out any niggles.

Subaru dealers have a good reputation for service, and Donalds didn’t disappoint. Friendly and efficient, the dealership returned the Legacy within half a day, fully valeted. It’s not scheduled to return until 12,000 miles.

The Legacy is rapidly approaching 2,000 miles after six weeks with the AM team, much of it spent on the motorway. It’s a reliable performer, although the normally aspirated 162bhp 2.0-litre engine still needs to loosen up a little.

The paper 0-62mph sprint time figure of 9.2secs feels ambitious and the mid-range muscle served up by the 138lb ft torque disappoints.

But the car is enjoyable to drive away from the major roads thanks to Subaru’s all-wheel drive system and typically responsive steering, though the light touch can sometimes leave you feeling a bit detached.

The Legacy is a solid offer from Subaru and while it’s left to the bigger engines in the range to serve up the type of performance to challenge the BMW 3-series, the entry level 2.0-litre version holds its own against the Honda Accord, Toyota Avensis and Saab 9-3.

Price: £16,995
Engine : 2.0-litre, four-cylinder Boxer; 162bhp at 6,800rpm, 138lb ft at 3,200rpm
Performance: 0-62mph 9.2sec; top speed 133mph
Transmission: Five-speed manual, AWD
Test period: April to September
Start mileage: 150
Current mileage: 1,941
Efficiency: 32.5mpg (combined); 207g/km CO2
CAP RV 3yr/30k: £8,825 (36%)
CAP RV 3yr/60k: £7,625 (31%)
Likes: Dealer service, comfort, handling, interior room
Dislikes: Early service check, lacklustre 2.0-litre engine