Sporty drivers seeking hot, upscale sedans might cruise past the neighborhood Subaru dealer.
That could be a mistake.
The Japanese company, best known for quirky all-wheel-drive vehicles that gained popularity in wintry climates, may have built street credibility among the sport-compact crowd with its Impreza WRX.
But for midsize sport sedans, BMW, Audi, Volvo or Infiniti seem more likely targets than Subaru.
So the Subaru Legacy 2.5 GT, revamped for 2005 with a sharply aggressive look, lush interior and performance upgrades, could be overlooked. But Legacy GT should satisfy even those snooty drivers who think the Europeans have a lock on poise and precision.
The latest Legacy, which includes Outback sedans and wagons, exemplifies Subaru’s new push into the upper crust as the automaker vies to establish a luxury/performance image akin to Acura or Infiniti. Like all Subarus, the GT is equipped with all-wheel drive and horizontally opposed “boxer” engine.
Comparing Legacy GT with its strongest competition, top versions of Toyota Camry and Honda Accord, the Subaru is more interesting to drive while retaining similar family-sedan capabilities.
The GT version of the Legacy sedan adds a turbocharger that boosts the “flat-four” engine to 250 horsepower, plus beefier disc brakes, firmer suspension and quicker steering. The result is an all-wheel-drive sports sedan with muscular power and solidly responsive handling. And a modest price tag that would make the Europeans blush.
Vehicle type: Five-passenger, four-door sedan, all-wheel drive.
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The lowdown
PERFORMANCE: The 2.5-liter, four-cylinder “boxer” engine, in which two cylinders lie horizontally on either side, is sweetly tuned to crank out 250 turbocharged horsepower. There is some turbo lag at takeoff, but once under way, the engine pulls nicely.
With its low center of gravity and typical smooth operation, the durable engine raises an aggressive roar under acceleration but settles down to whisper-quiet cruising.
Five-speed stickshift is available, with the test car equipped with a five-speed automatic that always feels on top of its game with precise shifts when you want them. For self shifting, there is a choice of steering-wheel buttons or “slap shift” on the console.
That seems redundant. Steering-wheel audio controls would be better.
DRIVABILITY: All-wheel drive, excellent balance, refined steering and low-profile performance tires put the Legacy GT right up with the top brands in handling and response. A joy to drive on back roads, smooth and compliant on city streets.
STYLING: With its rakish stance and aggressive hood scoop to feed the turbocharger’s intercooler, Legacy GT is a sporty attention grabber. The test car looked bland in white, though.
Gratefully left off: no adolescent rear spoiler on this grown-up sport sedan.
INTERIOR: The stylish new interior with standard leather seating and wood accents, along with a sporty Momo brand leather steering wheel, help raise the luxury/performance bar. The Legacy comes just one way: fully equipped.
The back seat is too tight for a midsize.
BOTTOM LINE: Legacy GT is a full-bore performance sedan with all the trimmings, but it lacks one thing: bragging rights. The name Subaru doesn’t carry the panache of BMW or Audi, but one ride should convince any doubters.
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Related
Engine: 2.5-liter horizontally opposed four, turbocharged, 250 horsepower at 6,000 rpm, 250 pound-feet of torque at 3,600 rpm.
Transmission: Five-speed automatic.
Wheelbase: 105.1 inches.
Overall length: 186.2 inches.
Curb weight: 3,435.
EPA rating: 19 city, 25 highway.
Highs: Sporty performance, sharp styling, lush interior.
Lows: Too many ways to shift, engine roar, tight back seat.
Pricing
Base price: $28,595.
Price as tested: $30,651.
OPTIONS
* Five-speed automatic with sportshift, $1,200.
* Auto-dimming mirror, compass and security system, $281.
* Shipping, $575.
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Read more
For more on the Subaru Legacy GT, go to autos.azcentral.com.
