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Headed for SA: Next Subaru Legacy

•    Roomiest Legacy yet with largest cabin in midsize segment
•    More comfortable, quiet and refined
•    Revised powertrains and Lineartronic CVT for all models
•    New infotainment technology with 12-speaker premium audio

CHICAGO, USA - Subaru unveiled its next generation Legacy at the 2014 Chicago Auto Show, sporting a host of new features and upmarket trim.

What’s more, it could be headed for South Africa in 2015.

IMAGE GALLERY: 2014 Subaru Legacy

Subaru Southern Africa marketing manager Ashley Lazarus said: “The new Legacy is still under consideration for South Africa. We're reviewing local-market feasibility for launch no sooner than early 2015. The car represents a new era for the Subaru brand; our largest sedan offering now finds itself at the forefront of its segment in key aspects such as its advanced drivetrain and safety.”

According to the automaker, the Legacy is the only sedan in its class with all-wheel drive as standard. And one of its highlights was its improved EyeSight system and rear radar. It is said to be the best-equipped Legacy yet, with all trim lines benefiting from new standard amenities.

FOUR OR SIX?

The 2015 Legacy 2.5i is powered by 2.5 Boxer engine, debuted in 2013, that is lighter and more efficient. Power is up slightly to 131kW while torque remains at 236Nm but “is spread over a broader engine speed range for more responsive performance".

The six-cylinder 3.6 produces 191kW/335Nm and a continuously variable transmission is standard, six-cylinder using a high-torque version. All models are equipped with uphill-start assistance.

The car derives its design from the Legacy Concept shown at the 2013 Los Angeles auto show, a sedan with a sleek, coupe-esque profile and a “nose cone” front. The 2015 Legacy’s windscreen is more raked, pulled forward by 50mm. A 10% improvement in aerodynamic efficiency and the debut of the active grille shutter system has improved fuel economy by reducing wind resistance when closed.

NEXT-GENERATION SAFETY

The Legacy comes standard with a rear-view camera and anew “welcome lighting” that automatically turns on interior and exterior lights as the driver approaches or leaves the car.

A new rollover sensor can deploy the side-curtain airbags and the 2015 Subaru Legacy introduces a new type of airbag restraint (standard on Limited and optional for the 2.5i Premium models) as wells as a new rear radar system. The new front airbags help to keep occupants in place in a frontal collision.

The rear radar system offers three functions - blind-spot detection; lane change assist and rear cross traffic alert (detects vehicles while reversing, such as out of a parking slot or driveway).

The EyeSight driver-assist system integrates adaptive cruise control, pre-collision braking and vehicle lane departure warning. According to the US Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, EyeSight, which uses Subaru-developed stereo camera technology, is the highest-rated front crash prevention system.

INSIDE

The new interior design highlights the sedans’s horizontal themes. It has soft-touch materials, thicker cushioning for armrests and upscaled trim. Boot capacity has increased from 416 litres to 425 litres.

The interior has binocular-style gauges and LCD information display – 8.9cm on cars without the EyeSight driver-assist system and 12.7cm on EyeSight-equipped cars. Premium and Limited-trim models feature luminescent gauges with blue back-lighting.

A new 16cm infotainment system in the Legacy 2.5i provides radio/CD player, 15cm touch screen which integrates the reversing camera, Bluetooth, Aux and USB.

The 2.5i Premium adds a six-speaker audio with 17cm touch screen, SMS text messaging and dual USB ports. The  Limited models benefit from 576-Watt equivalent AM/FM radio unit with 12 Harman Kardon speakers, including a front centre speaker and a rear sub-woofer.
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