Subaru Legacy Outback BT5

The all-new Subaru Legacy Outback sport utility wagon has arrived and it promises to be the safest and proficient Outback ever made while being suited for the new normal.

2022 Subaru Legacy Outback

Priced at 4,147,000 Japanese Yen (around $42,000) plus additional costs, the all-new Subaru Legacy Outback is prepped to take on the new normal with its new platform, interior, design, dynamics, and tech while retaining the legendary Legacy spirit inherited from its predecessors. It's odd why the Outback is the only model offered in the seventh-generation Legacy but whatever the reason, this is what the new normal feels like.

2022 Subaru Legacy Outback

2022 Subaru Legacy Outback

Beginning with the design, the Legacy Outback BT5 is almost identical to its predecessor not to mention the fact that it's bigger as well despite the shorter tread. It's 50mm longer, 35mm wider, and has 13mm more ground clearance compared to the previous model. Although the sizing is worth the struggle on Japanese roads, it's a wise call for Subaru not to get rid of it and instead regenerate it for its new outing because if that happened, the Subarists of Japan would be agitated.

2022 Subaru Legacy Outback interior

What about the interior? The new Outback features numerous tech-savvy features inside just like from the second-generation Levorg including the towering 11.6-inch touchscreen that works like Tesla's but with the added buttons for the radio and touch panels on the climate control to make it handy for all. There's also the new 12.3-inch instrumental panel that works just like the Audi virtual cockpit as well and the new harman/kardon sound system for a premium sound feel like no other.

On the comfort side, the new model is shorter than the previous model but it's slightly bigger and it's still roomier compared to its predecessor. It still fits up to five people and the rear seats can be folded down for your luggage needs. For added convenience, the new Legacy Outback comes with the Hands-Free Power Gate that allows the rear door to be opened automatically by waving in front of the Subaru emblem. Nothing says wiser than the added conveniences this new model offers not to mention the waterproof seats on the X-BREAK variant made of polyurethane instead of fabric and the new pop-up tonneau cover on the back.

2022 Subaru Legacy Outback

Under the hood, the predecessor's 2.5L boxer-four petrol engine has been thrown away and in its place, the new Outback is powered by the CB18 1.8L DOHC DIT engine first seen on the second-generation Levorg. It produces two more PS than the previous model and 65Nm more torque as well. Mated to a LINEARTRONIC CVT with 8-speed manual mode, the fuel economy is a modest 13kmpl based on WLTC Mode standards.

Running on the Subaru Global Platform, the new Outback is now stiffer than the previous model, making it capable of passing through rigorous crash tests. Because of that, it is bulkier than the previous model, making it less enjoyable to drive on the bends of Nikko even while setting the SI-DRIVE mode to S# Mode, the sportiest setting of the three, but while enjoying another day of dirt in Hokkaido, the Outback enjoys roughhousing thanks to Subaru's legendary Symmetrical AWD and the X-MODE feature. 

In the cheaper X-BREAK variant, you have two modes at your dispersal; one that can tackle snow and dirt while the other that can tackle deep snow and mud. Either way, they're both handy during your lunchtime with Hannibal.

Because safety is part of the new normal, the new Outback features Eyesight X, which features a wide array of highly advanced safety features such as traffic jam assist, active speed control, and active lane change assist, in addition to its pre-crash brake, unintentional acceleration suppression, active cruise control, and lane departure warning, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive high beam, and driver monitoring system.

In addition, the new Outback comes with a bizarre driver monitoring system that detects drivers' heads in case of distractions and drowsiness as well as SRS Seat Cushion airbags, the frontal pedestrian airbag, a first for the Outback, the new Post Collision Brake Control, and the new Rear View Camera Washer.

So, what can you say about the new Legacy Outback? Although it's bulkier and less enjoyable to drive than the previous model, not to mention the widebody size that is a risky struggle on Japanese roads, it's still a capable crossover with numerous conveniences fit for the new normal. Either way, it's here to stay.

Available colors: Crystal White Pearl, Ice Silver Metallic, Crystal Black Silica, Crimson Red Pearl, Brilliant Bronze Metallic, Magnetite Gray Metallic, Sapphire Blue Pearl, Storm Gray Metallic, and Autumn Green Metallic.

Photo: Subaru

Subaru Legacy - Sixth Generation

The Subaru Legacy is officially in its 25th year since the first one debuted in late 1989. For its 25th year, the Legacy has been regenerated to its sixth generation and while it's okay to look at, it's somewhat not okay to drive one but why?

2015 Subaru Legacy B4

2015 Subaru Legacy Outback

For the first time in Legacy history, the Touring Wagon was been officially axed from the lineup and it was supplemented by the Impreza-based Levorg station wagon, which remains a Japan-only car for now. This means, for the sixth-generation model, it's now available only in the B4 sedan and Outback crossover, which is kind of odd but why would they add a crossover version of the wagon no longer available for this generation?

To make things worse, the new model is now available only with the updated version of the FB25 boxer engine with Lineartronic CVT gearbox. I know that this combo will lead to a fuel economy, as calculated by 14.8kmpl (14.6kmpl for the Outback), which is not bad, but when it comes to driving one, it's going to be one slow trip at a snail's pace. On the flipside, however, both the new Legacy and Outback can bring it on whatever Mother Nature takes on and it doesn't really matter if they're on tarmac, gravel, snow, or whatever because of Subaru's legendary Symmetrical AWD and its boxer engine's low center of gravity. It keeps it as firm as you're glued to your seat by some anonymous prankster but never mind that part. The result is the handling that is not half bad for either a sports saloon or a crossover utility wagon, although the use of double wishbones and struts is a bit old-school for these models. Feels like they're not quite getting through the groove when faced against numerous rivals from a multitude of countries.

2015 Subaru Legacy Outback

2015 Subaru Legacy B4

With safety as its number one priority Subaru, the new Legacy, in B4 sedan and Outback crossover, doesn't come ready for the road without the breakthrough EyeSight ver. 3, which uses stereo cameras for adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and collision warning/prevention. Those technologies were the same thing we found on the Levorg station wagon and this safety technology is second-to-none if you're really careful on how to use it well. I heard that this car won the IIHA Top Safety Pick+ thanks to this option and it's the only Japanese carmaker with IIHS Top Safety Picks for all models for the last five years. There is a well-known fact that 95% of Subaru vehicles sold in the last 10 years are still on the road today and for this new generation, I really had high hopes that it will stay sturdy through the end of eternity and that's good...probably.

There's more because on the Outback, it comes with the X-Mode feature as seen on the current-gen Forester. The X-Mode system keeps the new Outback more stable and more responsive when taking on off-road terrain and with the Hill Descent Control. the new Outback maintains the vehicle’s speed so the driver can focus more on steering. That is just the tip of the technological iceberg.

2015 Subaru Legacy B4 interior

2015 Subaru Legacy Outback interior

Design-wise, the new Subaru Legacy models are more solid and more dynamic than the previous generations, although I find pity for the B4 model because it kind of looked like the Hyundai LF Sonata upon further observation. While the interior isn't what you call premium, it's still not half bad to look at judging by its seats, the legroom, the sat-nav, the paddle shifters, the cup holders, on and on. This is somewhat like when your office cubicle from work meets Starbucks but that's just how the pencil pushers ruin the interior affairs for no reason.

The new Legacy B4 starts at 2,862,000 Japanese Yen while the new Legacy Outback starts at 3,132,000 Japanese Yen so it's not what you called cheap but your Sir Chief would definitely want one for his family at this moment in time even though this new model promises better value for money thanks to its AWD, the optional Eyesight, and its fuel economy not bad for a company car. For now, it's evaluation time. While the Legacy isn't much more fun to drive than the originals and more expensive than its rivals, it's now more mature in the technological stakes judging by the help of Eyesight and X-Mode (only applicable for the Outback), and this is not a half bad car for a start.

Available Colors (B4): Crystal White Pearl, Ice Silver Metallic, Dark Grey Metallic, Crystal Black Silica, Venetian Red Pearl, Lapis Blue Pearl, Deep Sea Blue Pearl.

Available Colors (Outback): Crystal White Pearl, Ice Silver Metallic, Platinum Grey Metallic, Dark Grey Metallic, Crystal Black Silica, Venetian Red Pearl, Tungsten Metallic, Lapis Blue Pearl, Deep Sea Blue Pearl.

Photo: Fuji Heavy Industries

2012MY Subaru Legacy range receives some small upgrades

2012 Subaru Legacy Touring Wagon

2012 Subaru Legacy B4

In July 14, 2011, Fuji Heavy Industries released the 2012 Subaru Legacy models (the Touring Wagon, B4 sedan, and Outback SUV) packed with some small upgrades. What's new for the 2012 Model Year? Let's see, the side mirrors changed, improved suspension, new Ice Silver Metallic color added, updated Eyesight safety systems, and something else to keep them updated for the 2012 model year.

Scoop: http://www.carview.co.jp/news/0/148455/

2012 Subaru Legacy Outback 2.5i S Package Limited

That's not all, the 2012 Subaru Legacy Outback received a sporty special edition under the trim name "2.5i Eyesight S Package Limited" and "2.5i S Package Limited" and this SUV version of the Legacy ditches its two-tone coloring and it wears some sporty rims to make it more advanced, stylish, sleek, and sporty.

Check more: http://www.subaru.jp/legacy/25ispackagelimited/

When safety meets style...

2011 Subaru Legacy B4 EyeSight Sport Selection

2011 Subaru Legacy Touring Wagon EyeSight Sport Selection

2011 Subaru Legacy Outback EyeSight Sport Selection

In November 16, 2010, Fuji Heavy Industries, the mastermind behind Subaru vehicles,just unveiled a special edition Legacy Eyesight Sport Selection series for Japan only. For those Scooby fans who don't know what is EyeSight, then EyeSight is a technology that detects objects while driving. It was been available previously on Japan-spec Legacy and in Exiga last year. In 2nd quarter, 2010, the Eyesight is improved and its equipped with a special braking system and henceforth called "Eyesight Ver. 2", Subaru's take on Volvo's City Safety technology.

Ads showing how Eyesight Ver. 2 works:

See what I mean?

This special edition Legacy variants come with the standard Eyesight Ver. 2, Silver Alcantara and Black Leather seats, and a choice of four exterior colors; Satin White Pearl, Steel Silver Metallic, Graphite Gray Metallic, and Crystal Black Silica.

Full details (Japanese only):

http://www.fhi.co.jp/news/10_10_12/10_11_16.html

We are unclear if MotorImage Pilipinas has to announce if Eyesight will be on Legacy variants, but in the meantime, the Eyesight Ver. 2 is for Japan-spec Legacy variants only.

All new Subaru Legacy Touring Wagon, B4 and Outback

The action is ended, the floundered are recognized, the legend was finally reborn, and the dawn of Subaru's legacy, that excelled for more than two decades, is finally unleashed their ultimate rage that will overcome the plan for world domination over recession. Just what you have expected that all is lost, the raging miracle of the new fifth generation Legacy has finally unleashed the aura so intense, no other cars can find its true naming than this.







By perceiving the "Grand Touring Innovation" that dates back its 20-year heritage, all three Legacies such as the Touring Wagon, the B4 sedan and the crossover Legacy variant, known as the Outback, have finally gained its marvelous appearance.













By observing the look of all three Legacies, you will notice some surprising changes from various turns. The B4 variant (BM9) boasts some sports car looks just like its Impreza Anesis brother because of its sedan qualities while the Outback variant (BRF) provides a rugged exterior just like the Subaru Forester and the Subaru Tribeca and lastly, the Touring Wagon (BR9) is all-round from sportiness and ruggedness, giving it a true quality of a station wagon for the Subaru fanatics. Also, the frame-less windows are finally removed to give all three a perfect side view and enhanced beauty of the all-wheel drive at all sides.







All three Legacies have different transmission choices such as the 5-speed automatic transmission, 6-speed manual transmission and the new Subaru Lineartronic CVT transmission. For the Touring Wagon and the B4, a 2.5-litre SOHC boxer four-type engine or a 2.5 DOHC Boxer four turbo engine is offered for these two Legacies, while the Outback provides not just the 2.5-litre Boxer four-type engine, but also the new 3.6-litre DOHC boxer six-type engine. Best of all, the SI-DRIVE is an inevitable feature for all Subaru cars. Set it to Sport mode, and the Legacy will act normal for you, while the intelligent mode provides the best in fuel efficiency and the Sport Sharp mode allows you to push the Legacy to the maximum level.







Witness the miraculous interior in all three Legacies, providing the climactic comfort and all-round fun for the driver and the passenger. With a choice of several audio systems, climate control, adjustable seats and SRS air bags at several places, the inside view of the Legacy will keep your look out for more and you will beg for some more.

THE MIRACLE HAS CHANGED...

Just when you've thought all the things you've cared was lost. The real miracle begins when you step inside the all-new Subaru Legacy. From the outside, it looks so sexy but on the inside, it is a person’s cause for your intellectual craze over Japanese cars. It is the greed, life, truth, regret, love, health, laughter, sorrow, fear, rivalry, anxiety, academics, art, jazz, worry, pride, jealousy, disapproval, envy, and devotion best served with the mixture of air, water, earth, and fire from the intense aura of the new Legacy. Step inside the Legacy, and you will see the miraculous style and the intense aura inside. The choice is yours.





Photo: Fuji Heavy Industries