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

The key turned, the dashboard lights flicked on, there was a click – and nothing.

All the usual thoughts ran through my head – some constructive, some not printable. I arrived at work, four hours later, with clothes still damp from the downpour.

Subaru’s helpline was rung, and an appointment made for first thing the following morning to come and sort out the problem.

Returning home, it occurred to just try the car one more time. And it started on the first turn. The engineer was cancelled and all was rosy.

Next morning, before anything else, the Subaru was started to check all was OK. It was left ticking over long enough to warm the engine up. Lovely. Time to go to work, go to start the engine again – and nothing.

Apparently, there is an inherent fault with the Legacy, which requires a programme update. Because the car will not cut out once started, it does not pose a threat to safety and, therefore, a recall is not needed.

This time, Subaru suggested we take the car to our local dealer, Donalds of Peterborough, for this work to be carried out.

Once there, the engineer went to sort out the problem, only to discover that it had already been done. The only advice they could give was to return the car if it happened again.

So far, touch wood, it hasn’t, and the Legacy has returned to a comfortable, if a little unexciting, drive.

Price: £16,995
Engine: 2.0-litre, four-cylinder Boxer; 162bhp @ 6,800rpm, 138lb ft @ 3,200rpm
Performance: 0-62mph 9.2sec; top speed 133mph
Transmission: Five-speed manual, AWD
Test period: April-September
Start mileage: 150
Current mileage: 3,316
Efficiency: 32.5mpg (combined); 207g/km CO2
CAP RV 3yr/30k: £5,700 (34%)
CAP RV 3yr/60k: £4,800 (29%)
Likes: Comfortable driving position
Dislikes: Temperamental starting