Subaru creating a lasting legacy

Subaru claims its next-gen Legacy and Outback will be far less thirsty than previous models.

Subaru is claiming breakthrough fuel economy figures for its new-generation Legacy and Outback sedan and wagon range, due to go on sale in New Zealand in a couple of months.

The Japanese carmaker has just taken the covers off the new all-wheel-drive line-up in Japan, all pretty much identical to the cars that will land here.

The sedan and wagon are bigger inside and out than the outgoing models - and considerably more fuel-efficient, says the carmaker.

The Legacy sedan and wagon and the higher-riding Outback will come with a choice of reworked four and six-cylinder boxer engines - 2.5- and 3.6-litre petrol units and a 2-litre diesel. The Legacy GT gets the turbocharged version of the 2.5-litre.

Subaru says official town-and-around fuel economy figures in Japan for the 2.5-litre engine are 7.2 litres/100km, or 39mpg.

It doesn't list the fuel rating for the new 3.6-litre engine or the 2-litre diesel, although the diesel came in at 5.8 litres/100km, or 48mpg, in the current Legacy.

Subaru of New Zealand is expecting similar figures for its range. Managing director Graeme Woodlands says new technology like the company's Lineartronic continuously variable transmission has helped fuel gains.

"It is an outstanding vehicle packed with technology," he says. "Both the Outback and Legacy will offer a more spacious and comfortable package with improved fuel economy, while retaining their reputation as a great drive."

He said forward orders for the new Legacy range were starting to build. "We've almost sold out all of the existing generation models."

All naturally aspirated 2.5-litre petrol models will have Subaru's Lineartronic CVT unit as an option.

The new CVT with six-speed paddle shift is a key factor in the substantial gains in fuel economy, along with the revised engine line-up, says the company.

Other transmission options include six-speed manual and, in performance models, five-speed automatics.

Underneath the skin lies a fresh all-wheel-drive chassis with McPherson struts at the front and double wishbones at the rear.

Features available within the range in New Zealand will include:

Lineartonic CVT.

Knee airbags.

Rain-sensing windscreen wipers.

Dusk-sensing headlights.

Push-button start with keyless entry.

Electronic park brake.

Subaru expects both Legacy and Outback to achieve the maximum five-star crash rating when the cars go through the Australasian New Car Assessment Programme (ANCAP).