Test Drive: 2010 Subaru Legacy 2.5i Limited Sedan
Posted by ronlowe1952In addition to announcing its plans to reinvigorate its participation in grassroots racing, Honda revealed two Mugen-accessorized models — a 2010 Accord Sedan and Fit — each outfitted with a range of parts available at dealers, but not a standalone model, ala Mugen Civic. While the 18-inch chrome wheels, front grille, spoilers, floor mats and machined aluminum oil filler cap are attractive additions to Honda's growing HFP line, needless to say, they leave us a bit cold when it comes the automaker's commitment to the aftermarket and, more to the point, performance.
Uninspiring SEMA efforts aside, the real news came last night during a meeting with Honda execs, where we were able to glean a few more details about Honda's future performance plans, how the CR-Z — and more to the point, hybrids — fit in and something to look out for next year.
Honda PR man Chuck Schifsky, told us that the Big H plans to use hybrids as a performance booster in the future, saying, “The CR-Z isn't the last step. It's the beginning.” Although the real start of Honda's performance-marketed hybrids began with the last generation Accord Hybrid, Schifsky admits that its introduction was “ahead of its time,” one of many reasons the electric-assisted sedan never quite caught on with consumers.
More interestingly, several Honda heads told us to expect something big in the world of motorsports next year — likely in Japan. What that means is open to interpretation, but with Honda pulling its NSX out of SuperGT for 2010 (due to the front-engine, rear-drive chassis requirements), something interesting could be on the way. NSX revival? Lexus LFA fighter? Consider our interest extremely piqued…
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The first installment of the Honda Brand campaign began in August when Honda launched its official Facebook page (www.facebook.com/honda) with a social-experiment application to recruit Honda fans to show how everyone knows someone who loves a Honda. Once users joined the social experiment, they could become a fan of Honda and a handful of specific Honda vehicles. As of early October, all current Honda vehicles now have fan pages too. Once users participated in the experiment, they see how they are connected to their friends, view a chain of friends in their Honda web, and find out just how long their chain extends around the world.
Three early participants in the Facebook social-experiment were cast to appear in the new Honda Brand spots. All others featured in the spots are actual Honda owners and were selected through real-people casting in New York, N.Y.; Boulder, Colo.; and Charleston, S.C., where the spots were filmed. The multimedia campaign includes one 30-second spot and two 15-second spots.
An online hub (http://love.honda.com) for the Brand campaign, contains all three TV spots plus extra footage in a connected, sequential chain. Within the chain of spots, users can click on the Honda owner cast members and listen to more than 20 interviews of cast members talking about their personal Honda experiences.
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For 2010 the Legacy looks more aggressive and sporty. The headlights are angled more, the character lines create a more muscular look, along with bigger wheel arches. The Legacy has a more modern, mainstream, Japanese appearance. It will be more competitive in the midsize sedan segment, but it's aggressive styling wouldn't look at home in a forest carrying mountain bikes like the old Legacy did.
While the exterior doesn't give thoughts of the usual Subaru activities of hiking and kayaking, the interior gives impressions of a more mainstream midsize sedan at home in mall parking lots. Comfortably designed for the driver and passenger with easy to use controls, soft cream leather seats, and class leading passenger space. Steering wheel controls are standard on the 2.5i Limited are well laid out and easy for the driver to use. Subaru's shortcomings in quality with their use of hard plastic, flimsy door panels, and cheap wood trim left me disappointed, while the previous generation Legacy excelled in quality.
Subaru has used it's new Lineartronic CVT transmission in the new Legacy. It provides a very smooth drive with gearshifts that are as smooth as a hot knife through butter. The paddle shifters are possibly the easiest I've ever used for manual shifting and coupled with the CVT provide a smooth ride. The base 2.5 liter engine feels very underpowered. Subaru's have been known to have a tighter suspension and this Legacy is completely different. The drive feels more like an everyday sedan focused more on driver comfort than a Subaru has ever been. Everyday driving is more polished and tranquilizing than the previous generation Legacy. I took the Legacy through some winding country roads where Subarus usually shine, and was very surprised. Clumsiness and body roll plagued the Legacy like an old woman without her walker. The 2.5 liter 170 hp engine made the Legacy feel underpowered and heavy. The other two optional 256 or 265 hp engines would make the Legacy feel more capable for everyday driving. Even with Subaru's all wheel drive system it felt as though it lacked Subaru's willingness to go off road, instead focusing on a smooth and comfortable drive for those city folk.
The redesigned Legacy is a Subaru aimed more towards a mainstream market. It's comfortable ride and cabin make for a pleasing highway and city drive. Aggressive styling coupled with it's soft ride may scare away some loyal Subaru owners and attract a different buyer. The Legacy lacks what makes Subaru a Subaru. It has evolved into a mainstream car, one that won't be found driving through dirt trails or going on camping trips, instead will be at home on highways and city streets.
