Johannesburg - You’d be forgiven for forgetting that Subaru still sells a mid-sized sedan called the Legacy. Not that they're sold in any great numbers for that matter, but that’s neither here nor there - point is that it’s still here to tempt those looking for something a little different from the norm and now there’s a slightly updated 2018 version to keep things fresh.
The Legacy - along with its pumped-up Outback crossover-wagon sibling - both receive some mild styling tweaks inside and out, along with new electronic gizmos and revised suspension settings.
In a nutshell, the external design changes include shapelier front and rear bumpers, new sharper-edged C-shaped headlights with LED daytime running lamps, a fresh set of turbine-inspired 18-inch alloys as well as revised side mirrors with LED indicator turn signals. Two new exterior paint options come in the form of Crimson Red Pearl and Magnetite Gray Metallic.
The interior gets a raft of new materials, including high-gloss black central facia trim, all of which aim to impart a more upmarket appearance - as does the redesigned multi-function steering wheel.
On the electronics front, Subaru has installed its latest-generation 17.8cm touchscreen infotainment system with new apps, TomTom-based satnav and Apple CarPlay compatibility.
New driver-assistance gadgets include Adaptive Cruise Control, Pre-Collision Braking, Lane Departure and Sway Warning as well as Steering Responsive Headlights, while the rear-view camera is now joined by front- and side-view cameras.
Mechanically the only real news is revised steering and suspension systems.
As before, the Legacy is powered by Subaru’s normally aspirated 3.6-litre flat-six Boxer engine, which is a rare option in today’s ‘downsized’ turbocharged world.
The engine, which produces 191kW at 6000rpm and 350Nm at 4400rpm, is mated to a CVT gearbox and Subaru’s Symmetrical all-wheel-drive system.
The 3.6 is the only engine available in the Legacy, while the Outback can be had with this or a smaller 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol motor, rated at 129kW and 235Nm.
The Legacy 3.6 R-S ES is yours for R619 000, while the equivalent Outback costs R649 000 and the Outback 2.5i-S ES retails at R579 000.
All are sold with a three-year/75 000km maintenance plan and five-year/150 000km warranty.