Subaru Legacy Tourer (2010) details

Full details of the 2010 Subaru Legacy Tourer

As we reported when the Legacy was launched at Frankfurt,  all Legacy models get a Boxer engine and four-wheel drive. But you do get a choice of either a diesel or a petrol Boxer lump. The diesel Boxer in the Legacy offers decent performance – 0-60mph in 9.6 seconds and a top speed of 120mph – and emissions of 161g/km with fuel consumption at 46.3mpg.

The petrol engine offers 0-60mph in 10.3 seconds with the same top speed as the diesel. Emissions increase to 196g/km and fuel consumption increases – we guess. Subaru hasn’t bothered to tell us. Hmm.

So why would you go for the petrol engine when it is slower and uses more fuel, not to mention the increase in emissions? It’s a good question. It’s said that the Boxer configuration doesn’t work very well as a diesel. Boxer engines work best when revved, which is not something you can really do in a diesel. Which could be enough to put you off. But that’s just hearsay from us. We haven’t driven a new Subaru with the Boxer diesel, and until we do we’ll have to say the diesel option is a no-brainer.

The new Legacy estate offers more legroom and headroom than the old model, and boot space increases by 67 litres. Standard equipment is good, and includes heated seats, RDS with CD, dual-zone AirCon, Bluetooth, Cruise and auto lights and wipers.

Prices start at £23,295 and the Legacy Tourer is available straight away in the UK.

By Cars UK